Week 3 to 4

[Jo_The_Red]

So I’m struggling with Week 3 and dreading the move up to Week 4. Any tips?!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

The tip is to go slower when running, it's not a race.

[Ladyvickster Graduate]

What bit are you struggling with? I felt similar but W4 wasn’t as bad as the fear of doing it and now I’m ploughing through W5! You can only know by trying. And you can repeat runs if you need to.

[Chris141 Graduate in reply to Ladyvickster]

Yea take it slow and steady! If u have failed to complete a run, just repeat it. If u don’t feel ready to step up repeat the week. But if have managed to complete then plough on! The runs to repeat are those you failed to do, not those where u succeeded! So celebrate your success and be proud!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There is nothing to dread.

Relax and enjoy it.

[Running_Giraffe Graduate]

I found week 4 to be the easiest so far. Things I changed that helped was really slow it down, I do the juffle (jog/shuffle) which means I can still speak, it's slightly quicker than my walk and I'm not panting at the end.

My other big tip is music! I was listening to music with a faster beat which I was was unconsciously trying to keep up with. I've picked some cheesy pop music that I can mime along too and take big breaths with.

It's silly advice but it's what's helped me so far.

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Running_Giraffe]

A new word for me to steal, love it! Juffle! (I do it a lot as it happens 😊)

[Running_Giraffe Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I seen someone on here mention it and though damn thats exactly what I do 😂

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Running_Giraffe]

🤣 now I think about it, it might describe my dancing style too 🤣🤣

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

If you completed the runs, then move on to week 4. If you didn't, or had to walk when you should have run, repeat that run. Some people can't run when hungry, so eat something an hour before, like porridge and/or banana. And don't miss your warm-up, and do cool down stretches if you aren't already, they really help your muscles recover ready for the next run. If you are struggling with breathing while running, slow down. Embrace your inner 🐌. And follow Ian's link😊

[Laurzmum Graduate]

I’m on w4r3 now and the only thing which gets me thro each run is my mind. Think about why you are doing this, the extra hours of life you’ll gain by getting fitter. Also for me it’s all in the music. Can’t beat a good tune - something which inspires you.