Newbie question week 4/5

[Djmaxwall]

Hey! Just finished week 4 but really struggled. How much harder is 5? Is it worth waiting until I can do 4 more easily?

[MissLBD Graduate]

Hi l find sticking to plan of C25K helpful no matter how hard it feels, you get stronger with every run!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job. Struggling isn’t a bad thing you know? The plan builds the body... and then a tough run comes along and tests your mental strength... you passed the test, celebrating that is essential in my opinion. Be very proud of yourself... look back instead of forwards... could you do that in November?

Ok... worst case scenario... you go into week 5 and can’t quite complete the run... what have you lost? Nothing. What did you gain? Another workout putting strength into your legs, making you fitter, preparing you more for the next run, making you a better runner. So... there’s no loss and a lot of gain, and that’s worst case! What if you go into week 5 and actually run it all? Relax, breathe and just run... allow yourself the chance to amaze yourself... you can do it.

[deadandalive Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

This is what I say, too: better to try a run and not finish than to not try at all. A lot of this programme is mental and I think the fear that we aren’t ready is precisely part of what we are learning to overcome.

What I’ve come to see now is, I can’t really know if I’m ready. I can only know if I could or couldn’t. Being ready is something you learn after the fact, not something you predict before the attempt.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

All the W5 workouts are shorter than the W4 workouts.

It is just another week, which, if you completed W4, you are ready for.

If you want a breakdown of W5, read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey

[Choirmum in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Knowing the total running time for W5R1 was shorter than those in W4 helped...that and the fact that if it got tricky, I could slow down.

[Katiehall96]

I am feeling the same knowing I am to start week three later this week...

I am not being able to complete all three runs a week due to my health so I just run them when i can but make sure I follow on.

Week three is making me scared with the 3 minute run. I just keep thinking I can smash this so you do the same Nd you will be fine I am sure.

Happy running 💪🏽💪🏽

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’ve done a whole load of repeats on this programme - it took me nine weeks just to get through week 1 and another 3 for week 2. I’d say, never repeat a run that you have fully achieved, unless you’re focusing on style or pace and want an easier run so you can concentrate on polishing. Otherwise move on. Don’t go out thinking you must force yourself through: that just tenses up your muscles and bothers your breathing. Go out to enjoy seeing what you can do, aware that you can repeat a million times if you have to and it won’t matter at all. Relaxed runners do better. And always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! Happy running 😀

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

I've just done run 2 of week 5 and I can truthfully say that run 1 didn't feel much different from week 4. At the end of week 4 I didn't find easy so I was a little concerned about week 5 but the programme really does work. Try run 1, it's 3 times 5 minutes and you know you can run 5 minutes already... You can do it!

[Choirmum]

Exactly what Couchpotato2 says: you've run 5 minutes already, so you know you can do it. I did W5R1 today, and kept telling myself that...and it worked. It's the 8 mins on Wednesday that are occupying my thoughts...and then the big 2-0 on Saturday!

[Motiv8me1978 Graduate in reply to Choirmum]

Just bring the pace down a little for the 20 mins and you’ll be ok. I’m also on week 5 r 2 today, however, I’ve not been using the c25k quite as intended. I have my first 10K in March and not completed c2k yet so when it asks to run I run my ‘normal pace’ and when it says walk I bring my pace right down to a slow jogging plod, I can get through the whole 30 mins....obvs not reached 5k yet but it’s working for me and I’m determined to graduate. It’s definitely helping to build up my stamina

[Djmaxwall]

Thanks you guys! I’m on it!