Week 6 run 1 found it hard

[Pinkhoodie]

I did week 6 run 1 this morning.

On Thursday I did week 5 run 3, and I felt euphoric when I’d finished. It was easier than I’d anticipated and when I got to the final few minutes I was smiling my head off realising I was actually going to finish.

However this morning, doing week 6 run 1, I found it quite tough, and I usually love my Sunday morning runs. I have heard that this is quite common after doing the 20 minutes, so I kept at my usual slow pace but it was still hard going.

I’ll carry on because I’m really enjoying the programme, but I guess I’m just after a bit of reassurance that it will get better again, because so far I’ve really surprised myself.

[Vintage61 Graduate]

I had exactly the same. I think there is such a build up to W5R3 that the only way is down!

Finished week 6 today, 25 mins and grinning like a loon. Keep going you’re doing fab 👍🏻🏃🏻‍♀️👍🏻

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 5, that is a milestone run with C25K, onwards and upwards to week 6, both run 1 and 2 have interval walks and runs, that is why you found run 1 of week 6 tough, just take run 2 slow and steady. 😊 🏃

[Hidden]

I have a theory about this.

1. Week 6 isn’t easy, you’re active for 24 minutes not 20. Remember even when you’re walking your heart rate is still elevated, your body is still working hard. This is the genius of interval training.

2. It’s hard because you did 20 minutes for the first time only two days ago, you still haven’t fully recovered. This is a recovery run, recovery runs should be very slow, very relaxed. You may find that week 7 run 1 is harder than week 6 run 3 for exactly the same reason. Listen to your body and slow down.

You’re doing great, don’t worry about it, you’ll be graduating in no time. 💪

[Debston Graduate]

I found the start of Week 6 tricky. I managed the 3rd run with no problems and was glad to see the back of the intervals. Stick with the programme and you will be just fine.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes it will get better wk6 does catch people out for some reason. Just go slow and enjoy 😊

[Pinkhoodie Graduate]

Thank you all. I was expecting it a bit because I’d read that people find week 6 unexpectedly tough, but it felt like such a come down after the high of week 5.

Still, I will keep plodding on.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Great job. Those intervals suck... that run catches so many people out. I’m a year into my running and doing my two hardest runs again... yesterday I kicked W1R1’s butt... tomorrow it’s W6R1’s turn.

What you’re missing here is that W6R1 was actually longer than your last run. Don’t forget brisk walking is cardio... so last run you did 5 minutes brisk walk and 20 minutes running for 25 minutes of cardio... I won’t go into the cooldown as it’s irrelevant and in recovery we don’t always hit the brisk standard... I know I don’t. Now look at today... warmup 5, run 5, walk 3, run 8, walk 3, run 5... that’s 29 minutes!

Next one is 28... then you do 30. Slow and steady in the first interval next time and also that last one of the week. You’re doing great.

[SlowLoris]

W6R1. Catches out lots of people. Don’t worry about it.

[Scruff55 Graduate]

Don’t panic W6r1 catches a lot of people out I struggled with it too but just keep remembering that you have run for 20 minutes nonstop so you CAN do this. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Don't worry you're doing great. Yes W6R1 can catch people out but it could be it also coincided with a crappy run. Sometimes they come along for no apparent reason, just like my good one did today.

Don't forget to stay well hydrated in this heat even on non run days. It really does make a difference.

Stick at it, you're being awesome 🤗

[JackieGB]

I thought run 1 of week 6 was harder than the week 5 20 minutes too, really weird! Couldn't believe that I managed 20 minutes and told everyone!