Struggling

[Purpleheather62]

Well after struggling WK4R1 on Monday, have had to go back to week 3. I can do 3 minutes but the 5 minute run kills me. But still determined.

[Hidden]

Hi Purpleheather62. You are doing really well and have achieved great things so far. Don’t worry about repeating runs. Think of repeats as strength training for the week ahead. As you run you will recognise for yourself when you have that extra energy for the 5 minutes. It’ll be sooner than you think. 😊

[Purpleheather62 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. Xx

[Richlfb Graduate]

I honestly thought I’d never do week 4 but I have just done the first run, I slowed it right down from previous weeks and it fell into place and felt amazing!! Keep it up, if I can get there anyone can believe me 😜

[Purpleheather62 in reply to Richlfb]

Thank you. I keep thinking I can't go any slower. X

[Richlfb Graduate in reply to Purpleheather62]

Then I would suggest rather than considering the run as a challenge, make doing the run slower as a challenge, honestly it really works, have a look at Japanese slow jogging it makes so much sense 😜 x

[Purpleheather62 in reply to Richlfb]

I had a look at it last night but I'll have another look, thanks.

[WillRunForWine Graduate]

You will get there! I completed this one yesterday but was nearly in tears at the end of the first five minutes I must admit. Hoping the next one will get easier. I think it was mind over matter yesterday as I really didn't fancy a run and was nervous about week 4. Doesn't matter about repeating runs as long as you just run Keep going!

[Spammachine Graduate]

Hey Purple, don't get caught up on this too much. I repeated 2 of the earlier weeks twice, and I literally just finished 9 3 around 10 minutes ago!

Where I went wrong in the earlier weeks was pace and hydration. In week 3 / 4 I was still trying to go too fast. Once I slowed it down, the 3/5+ minute runs were manageable (I won't say easy!) I also discovered I wasn't drink enough on my run days and the days leading up to them.

Stick at it and repeat if you need to, you'll get there!

[Purpleheather62 in reply to Spammachine]

Thanks for the encouragement x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on pushing through.

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it is full of tips.

You might also find this post about mental approach helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you slow your pace and approach with a positive attitude, then you can get those five minute runs under your belt, no problem.

[Granspeed Graduate]

No harm in repeating - practice is a good thing! Be sure you are drinking enough water every day; the hydration on rest days is important too. And do consider slowing down. The aim is stamina, not speed at this stage. Aiming for a pace that lets you chat to the trees/lamp posts as you go by is ideal. 😂

Good luck. You will do it!

[Purpleheather62 in reply to Granspeed]

I probably don't drink enough water. Thanks for the advice.