In need of some words of wisdom

[RunningGnomes12]

Hello everyone,

Mines to this site, so lovely to meet everyone.

Me and my sister in law, started the couch to 5k in February and are just coming to the last run of week 5 and well, we made the mistake of looking what week 5s last run entailed!!!

Where has the graduate lead into a run gone 🙈🙈 I was expecting maybe 10 mins, 5 mins walk and 10 mins, after the 8,5,8 not bladdy 20 mins!!! Gahhh my mind is now blown and 100% don’t feel prepared for such a leap!! Especially when week one of week 6 seems easier 🙈

We are both novice runners and both hate running, but enjoying the couch to 5k. I had a knee op a few years ago and it’s never been the same since and this huge leap just seems massive!!!!

I’m nervous for tomorrow, any words of wisdom would be great!!

Thank you x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Relax..read this..slow and steady..enjoy..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Don't panic about W5...... relax and read this breakdown healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and know that most people feel like you beforehand and then can't stop grinning after doing it. Do a search for W5 posts.

You can do this!

[Fitwannabe]

I think everyone feels like this about w5r3. I know I did! If you have followed the programme you should be able to do it, just keep your pace slow and steady. Good luck!

[mummybowles Graduate]

Don't panic. If you've stuck to the plan so far, you will do it. C25K is perfectly structured to build your progress and your body will be ready - it's your mind you have to work on (to tell yourself you can do this). Good luck !!

[orcadia Graduate]

Everyone feels like that before that run. I was so worried about it but when I started and Michael told me to believe in the programme and that I’d done all the preparation and could do it, I suddenly (surprisingly!) believed it and *knew* I could - and I did!!

I graduated a couple of weeks ago now, and realise now that running is as much about mental as physical. The 8,5,8 session is actually more running than the 20 mins. And the brisk walks (in my experience) cover the same amount of ground as the runs anyway. They’re not a rest, they’re part of the session and because it’s a brisk walk not a gentle stroll it’s been building your fitness in preparation for this run.

Go for it, do it - and enjoy the feeling of achievement which is the best ever! And whatever you do, run very very slowly!

[AgingMetalHead Graduate]

I remember that run well as I was in sunny Spain last summer when I ran it! Managed to get out early and took a lovely run next to the sea whilst the family had a cooked breakfast!

Just take it very slow. You were on the move for 21 minutes last time so you can do this.

[Yeti5 Graduate]

Hi RunningGnomes12

Please don't worry about W5R3. I did it yesterday and it truly isn't as big a physical step as you are imagining.

The most important thing is to remember that you have got to this point by following the plan. It does work. You are proving that every time you complete a run.

Take your time, go as slowly as you can but before you take your first step KNOW you can do it.

Enjoy and let us know how it goes.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

You can do it!

Every graduate before you has done it so you will too! Slow and steady 🏃🏻🏃🏻‍♀️

[Granspeed Graduate]

All good. May the Plan be with you! Remember that often (even for experienced runners) the first 5 minutes is the hardest part. So you only have to do that once in this run! Stay slow and you’ll see.... 👍 Let us know how it goes, too. 😄

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi RunningGnomes12 ....guess what??? You've fallen for it...most of us have done exactly the same things as you...and absolutely dreaded w5r3...but we're all still here, we survived it

..I think it took me 2 or 3 attempts at it but I did it in the end, and so will you. Take it slow and steady, don't overthink it and I'm sure you're in for a surprise...did you think right at the start that you would even get to week 5? No, I thought not, but you have...and you will get to the end...good luck, let us know how it goes

[RunningGnomes12]

Thanks for all the messages guys, really appreciate it. Just putting little one to bed and then heading out! My legs are a bit sore today, from running around for an event today, but I’m motivated to get out!

Hopefully I can do it! Will let you all know x

[RunningGnomes12]

We did it!! We bladddyyyy did it!!! Week 5, session 3, check, van, done!!

I can’t actully believe it! Gutted that neither of my running apps worked! However we ran 20 mins wahhooo!!

Thank you everyone for your kind words x