How much harder is W5 than W4?

[MargoPuffyPants]

Hi there fellow C25K Bunnies! So far I’ve been doing every week twice because I’m old and fat, but having just done W4R3, I was looking at W5 and wondering if I need to do the W4 repeat?? Any advice gratefully received! Xx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Yes this Easter Weekend we are ALL C25K Easter Bunnies, I am sure you are not old and fat, well done on completing week 4 run 3, if you want to repeat any runs or week's you may do so. I know what you are thinking, you have had a look at run 3 of week 5, don't worry about that, when you run it, just do it slowly and you should be OK, after you complete it you will be very proud of yourself, good luck. 👍

[MargoPuffyPants Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AIMorr! I really am old and fat - 61 and a couple of stone overweight. That said C25K is the best thing I’ve ever done to get fitter. I’m already really proud of myself - like you’ve never known! It’s the 20 mins that scares me on R3 as I don’t think I can run any slower than I do already 😉

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to MargoPuffyPants]

I was just over 72 when I graduated from C25K, I felt very nervous regarding run 3 of week 5.

I had my old Smartphone with me while I ran that third run of week 5 about 15 miles away from where I live I am replying to you on my new phone although I have the stats of that run in front of me now, the distance was 2km 309m, ran on 21st May, duration 20 minutes, 2 seconds, pace 08.40/km.

So you just do that 20 minute run slow and steady, I am just about as nervous again as I am reruning some of the weeks as I haven't been doing much running recently, in the next few weeks I will attempt that 20 minute run once again.

[Bookbizlady Graduate]

I have found that although each week when I looked ahead I thought "blimey 3 minutes...5 minutes...20 mins..!!!) I've managed each one fine! The program is building you towards the next run. There's no harm repeating but if you're finding that you're coping well I'd bite the bullet and have a go! I'm pretty sure you'll ace it!

[MargoPuffyPants Graduate in reply to Bookbizlady]

Thanks, that’s so encouraging! 20 minutes sounds like forever but you don’t know until you try, do you? I’ll let you know! 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

If you feel ready to move on then do it you can do this 😊

[MargoPuffyPants Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy34. Love your pic, by the way 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to MargoPuffyPants]

That's my dog he will be 3 in August 🐶🐶

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This breakdown of Week 5 might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and you might find following the link in the post to the post about mental approach

Each week is a step up, but the previous week has prepared you for it. There is actually a bigger proportional increase between Weeks 3 and 4 than between Weeks 4 and 5.

Don't overthink it and you will be fine.

[MargoPuffyPants Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That’s really good advice. I was so scared of W4 but it’s easier than I thought, so perhaps W5 will be ok too 👍

[Hidden]

Hello Margo, I've not written on the forum before but your story is so similar to mine I thought I should give what encouragement I can! We're a similar age and I too weigh a bit more than I'd like. I've also been repeating some runs because I didn't feel ready to move on. Anyway, I started Week 5 this week and it's been ok so far - I managed Run 1 & 2 much better than I thought and I have Run 3 to do on Sunday morning. I'm a little apprehensive but I'm going to go for it! I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine - I bet you'll surprise yourself at how well you do.

[MargoPuffyPants Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ooh good luck for Sunday! I’ll be rooting for you! 20 mins just feels like forever when the most I’ve done is 5. Thanks for the encouragement!