Help please

[Scruff55]

Week 5 myths

[Hidden]

Don't worry about week 5. Many have faced it with fear and trepidation and have been amazed by how well the programme works. Take it nice and slow and you will be fine

[JadeyG]

I seriously panicked about week 5 but I really didn’t need to. Take it nice and slow, breathe and you’ll be fine 😊

[backintime Graduate]

I remember worrying dreadfully about that one but the programme works, take it slow, and before you know it you'll be on week 6 : )

[Hidden]

There needs to be some myth-busting about week 5, because there really is nothing to worry about!!!

- If you have followed the program and have completed all your runs then there is nothing to worry about.

- Approach the week 5 runs as you have approached all the others, they are designed to help you progress.

- Go at a slow steady pace.

- The final run of the week is continuous, but that is what this plan is designed to get you to do, and you will!!

- Trust the plan.

- Enjoy it!!

You can do this! Happy running 🏃‍♀️ happy 😃

[notquiteretired Graduate]

Hello Scruffs55, take it from someone who looked a week 5 and thought, blimey I won’t be able to do that(Infact I used the “d” word and suffered the consequences). The truth isthe programme builds you up to complete it, honestly it does. First impression it looks like the running intervals jump from previous week but the actual running time as a whole doesn’t. I am now doing week 7, 25 mins run which is amazing for me, just a short while ago I struggled with week1 after not exercising for 40 years other than walks.

Please just approach week5 like any other, you can do this, think basics, drink plenty( no not jack Daniels), take it slow and steady🐢 and rest days😊

[Fluffiness Graduate]

It is more a psychological barrier as you look at run 3 and panic - well I did, but actually I managed it no bother at all and the confidence boost was awesome!! Way to start week 7 tomorrow and know I can do it. My biggest thing is the longer recovery time, and aching legs, but just powering my way through it (using the word powering loosely!!) Go for it!!!

[Fen_runner]

I can echo what everyone else has said. Make sure you're really well hydrated and don't be shy about slowing your pace down. It is a case of mind over matter! If you've followed the programme, you will be able to do it

[Scram Graduate]

Loads of people will tell you its not an issue and lots of people complete it comfortably.

I'm not going to lie I found w5r3 hard, even before I ran it! I couldn't believe I could do it but I received loads of encouragement from this forum. I gave it my best and managed 15 minutes on my firsts attempt. At the time I was really dissapointed but then I realised I had a choice - give up or give it another go. So second time for w5r3 I headed out and did it. Don't know if it was a better frame of mind or sheer bl**dy determination but I did it.

I understand w5r3 can seem daunting but give it your best shot. What is the worst thing that can happen? You might find it hard, you might need to run it again to complete it but it's all fine.

We have come so far from w1r1 and we are amazing. Every run we do helps us get fitter and stronger and we will get there .... even if it takes a little longer than expected.

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to Scram]

Thank you so much. You are right right. I’ll persevere and will get through it.

[Etrain Graduate]

I was girl that couldn’t run, and took French instead of PE in highschool. Not til I was 55+, and 50 lb overweight did I learn of c25k. I did not believe in it, but the forums emphasized GO SLOWER than you think you should. I jogged slower than most people walk, but my heart rate showed a great workout! Each run I gained more confidence. I still panicked over week 5, but just kept reminding myself that in each run I hit a magic moment that I confidently tell myself “I’ve got this”!!! And there’s no better feeling. I’ve graduated & am doing 5miles every other day. You will too! Take it slow and BELIEVE! Remind yourself how good it feels afterward. There is no better feeling than this sense of accomplishment. Congratulations on your grit! Persevere!

[Scruff55 Graduate in reply to Etrain]

Thank you I will continue