Week Four

[evictoria93]

So after starting in October, I’ve finally finished week four. I’ve been on week 3 for about 2 months and it was killing me. After doing the week 4 runs 3 times, I’m still struggling by the end. Should I move up to week 5 even though I’m barely moving during the last 5 minute run or spend another week on week 4?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done, progress at last!

Are you running/jogging at an easy conversational pace, at which you can speak aloud, clear ungasping sentences? This is a sustainable pace, which should carry you right through a workout.

The basic advice is that if you fully complete a workout, then you move on.

Should you not complete the session, you repeat it and in my opinion that is the one you should repeat.......not an earlier run that you know you can complete.

This is all about self belief.

You have nothing to lose by moving on and being outside your comfort zone is empowering.

You might find this helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Believe...... you can do this.

[evictoria93 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I just think I’m not ‘running’ fast enough!

I seem to be jogging incredibly slowly. And when people run past me, they’re going much much faster. I’m sure some people when I’m running could walk past me!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to evictoria93]

This is the new runner's biggest mistake......... trying to run fast.

Those who are passing you are possibly, younger, fitter or just more experienced than you.

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which explains the recommended easy conversational pace that allnew runners should follow to avoid injury.

This plan is about building stamina which, counterintuitively, is done by slow, not fast running.

Speed comes later.

[evictoria93 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I did it! Week 5, run 1 completed tonight!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to evictoria93]

Excellent!

Put up a new post and tell he world!!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I went in to this thinking I’d only repeat a run that I didn’t complete... here’s my thinking. If I can run 3 minutes (even if I can only just manage it) I can run 3 minutes... so, if I try to run 5 minutes, the worst result possible is 3 minutes, the best is 5, and if I run 4 that’s progress. Hope that makes sense.

It doesn’t matter how long the journey takes, the destination is the same... a fitter, healthier and happier you, and that’s an awesome prize. You should be very proud of your commitment, and reading about your journey so far, I know you’ll run those 30s.