Remaining minutes on the App

[Walk2Run]

I’m coming to the end of W4 and I’ve found this week particularly hard. Those extra couple of minutes on the longer runs have been tough. What would help me is knowing where I am in the 5 minute sessions. I’m using Coach Laura and she only tells me when I’m half-way through, so 2 1/2 minutes in and then when I’m down to the final minute. It would be more helpful for me if I had 4, then 3 then 2 minute etc breakdowns as I could mentally tick those minutes off. As it stands, the minutes seem to go on forever and I don’t know how close to the end I am. Do any of the other coaches do a countdown as I describe above?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes a link to a spreadsheet view of the plan, so you can know how many more intervals are coming up.

If you are struggling, there is one foolproof answer........slow down.

The scripts are effectively the same for each coach.

Enjoy your journey.

[Walk2Run Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I know how long the sessions are as I check them before I run so in theory I know what’s coming. It’s just that once I’m running those minutes seem to drag. I counted down the final minute of the final run in my head today and that helped me get to the end. I guess we are all different but a countdown would certainly be useful for me.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Walk2Run]

Frankly counting down minutes to the end is hugely counterproductive.........are you going to do that when you are running for thirty minutes?

Find a distraction, but don't count minutes

[Walk2Run Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I disagree. At this stage, that’s what I need. As I get fitter, stronger, more able the longer sessions will become easier and less of a chore.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I believe they all use the same script. Maybe distract the brain into thinking about anything other than time... a watched pot never boils and all that. I used podcasts so I had something I needed to concentrate on.

[Walk2Run Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Perhaps I’ll try to listen to something as I’m running - a song in another language where I have to concentrate more on hearing the words. Can you have 2 things playing at the same time on a mobile - ie the app and music files/YouTube ?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Walk2Run]

Yeah, the app should turn down whatever you’re listening to while the coach speaks.

[Elsiebea73 Graduate]

I actually find the interruptions enough, anymore is distracting as I lose myself in either my own thoughts or the music on the running parts. When Jo (my celebrity choice) speaks it gives a jolt back to reality

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Coach Michael only tells me half way through as well, so I guess they all use the same script. But I try not to think of how much longer there is to go, it’s far too daunting! I just listen to my music, and hum/sing if I have enough puff. The end will come eventually! Good luck!

[Meedeb Graduate]

I’ve been changing coach every week or two between Michael and Sarah and both for week 5 and 6 which I’ve just started Michael tells me on some sections - I have 2mins/60secs to go. Which is nice but I try focus on my surroundings, how much further along I am than a few weeks ago and tell myself I can do and am doing it. Try keep a good headspace. Before long the time is up. I agree with IannodaTruffe - find a distraction. Music is a good one. Perhaps a playlist with BPM for beginner runners will help?

If you really want to check the time - use the app and watch how the timer moves through the sections that’ll give you a good indication of how long left on a run.

Happy running 🏃🏼‍♀️ go slow, real slow and enjoy week 5. 😁

[Walk2Run Graduate in reply to Meedeb]

Thanks for the tip about BPM playlists. I’ve downloaded a set and will give it a go on my next run.