Week 5 on Monday any tips 😶

[Zanzibar4]

I completed day 3wk 4 this morning it was good but tough going am.really concerned about completing wk 5.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Believe in yourself, Zanzibar. 5 weeks ago you would probably not believe that you could run for 5 minutes, but you did that twice this morning. Today you ran for a total of 16 minutes. That's amazing.

Your next run W5r1 is a little shorter - just 3 lots of 5 minute runs with a nice-but-brisk 3 minute walking break between them. So your next run is slightly shorter (easier?) than today.

Then W5r2 comes along. It is not so different from W5r1. In the first run this week you'll run for 15 minutes and walk for 16 minutes. W5r2 is only 16 minutes of running and 15 minutes of walking. So 16+15 instead of 15+16.

Then finally, what everyone dreads, W5r3. I really don't know what all the fuss is about. W5r2 is not so different from W5r1, and W5r1 is shorter than W4r3. And whereas you are moving for 8+5+8 in W5r2 (total 21 minutes), in W5r3 you are moving for only 20 minutes.

People say "Wow W5 is so much harder than W4, surely this is a mistake??". But C25K is a progressive running program. Sure, W5 is a transition week to longer periods of running, but we are aiming to get you to 30 minutes in 9 weeks. And W5r3 could be considered similar to W5r2, and W5r2 is just one minute more running than W5r1, and W5r1 is slightly shorter than W4r3.

It's all in your head. We all see those large number 5,8,20 and we panic. But you are ready for these longer runs, and it is more a mental challenge than a physical challenge. You're going to be OK. Just start off extra slowly.

[Pianism Graduate]

I absolutely loved week 5! Don't be frightened of it... instead, revel in the challenge.

My belief is that week 5 is not about your body - it's about your mind. You have already built up to the level of fitness required to get through it. Now all you need to do is believe it.

So, keep it slow and steady and enjoy it - don't let it be your mind that stops you!

All the very best with it.

[PollyannaG in reply to Pianism]

I loved week 5 too! Helped me feel powerful and capable!

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Wk5 is totally doable

It's definitely a case of the gremlins messing with your head! You will be absolutely fine. Slow then slow some more x

[Julia187 Graduate]

I do run 3 of week 5 in the morning and have really enjoyed it so far, I’ve been surprised at how well I’ve progressed each week and how comfortable I was with each run. I can honestly say I haven’t dreaded one run yet. Have faith in the program and yourself, slow and steady, you got this 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You could read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Zanzibar4 Graduate]

Thanks everyone yes you are all right this the battle with the self. I will try to remain positive and let you guys know how it geos. Thanks for all the support I truly couldnt have got this far without it. Xo

[Rosiepug Graduate]

Doing my w5 next too. We’ll smash it! 👍

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Rosiepug]

Hi Rosiepug! Agreed - we’ll be fine! Have fun!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi Zanzibar4! I’m starting W5 on Monday as well so I’ll think of you while I’m trotting along - I’m quite looking forward to it on the basis that I’ve got this far so it has to be doable, right?! Good luck!

[Zanzibar4 Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks so much for th d support and absolutely we can do this. X