Hi all! I just finished W3R3 and am unnerved by the thought of what lies ahead. Running for three straight minutes is such a challenge -- how in the world will I run for five?!? Twice! It sounds impossible!
Which week do most people feel is the most difficult to face? Oh dear, I probably shouldn't even ask that, it probably gets worse.....
Slow and steady would be my advice. I'm currently on week 7. It gets harder each week, but the way I see it, we've done the hard part already (W1R1). Just go at your own pace, make sure you are properly hydrated before running and try to enjoy it. You can do it!!
The number 2 rule* for C25K is not to look at future runs, wait for your instructions from your coach, anyway regarding week 4, just relax, drink plenty of water the day before you run, do the running parts slowly, that way you should should be fine with your running.
So from now on, no looking ahead for future runs.
*By the way, the number one rule with C25K is not to run on consecutive days, I am sure you knew that already. 😊 🏃
Hi I had the same feeling for almost every run, how an I going to do that?? However, the program works, you are going to be a bit fitter than last week, and you will be able to a bit more, and one day you will surprise yourself running 30 minutes! Follow the advise of going slow (I learnt that on the first 5 min run), and trust that you can, most of the time is your mind stopping you!
No run is any 'worse' than the one before... because they are all, just runs.... runs you are ready for and runs you will achieve...
The runs change..they have to, otherwise you could not move forward...they do not get harder... and you get stronger with each and very run.
Scary posting has, historically, given some runs bad reputations....wrongly. They are just different...
So trust the programme... believe in yourself and KNOW you can do it!
We’ve just finished week 4 and didn’t believe we could do it but it’s great and after 5 then 3 feels very short Good luck
I was thinking this same thing going into Week 3, Perygl. Three minutes, or even just the fact that runs were becoming measured in minutes rather than seconds, really intimidated me. I surprised myself with it though, and got through it. I think that's the idea of this entire program, whilst each incriment will become harder on us, we can achieve it with what we've put in before. The tried and tested method is testament to that.
I have to admit, I have been cauht out by how much more I'm feeling the after effects from Week 3, as apposed to feeling like the first two weeks. I've just done Run Two this morning, which was done on already heavy legs and now they really are in bits. Probably wise to concentrate more on recovery, as we step through each week.
Keep your chin up and remember that all you're steps before have got you ready for the next lot.
You'll be absolutely fine , each week physically prepares you for the next . Just trust c25k 😊😊
I'm about to start week 4 too and I'm equally terrified. I had to repeat week 3 and although I can now do the three-minute runs, I feel like I'm dying at the end of them. But it's not like anyone's standing over me pointing at the calendar to tell me what week I should be doing ... if I can't manage the five minute runs, it's not the end of the world; I can just keep trying until I can. We'll get there! And we might surprise ourselves.
I'm doing W4R1 on Tuesday... will check in to see how yours went! 😁
I thought they were all equally terrifying : ) I hadn't yet found the forum (til week 7) and was just plodding along. The hardest was probably week 1 run 1, just because it was the whole decision to start, lacing up those trainers for the first time and all that.
But as everyone has said. Trust in the programme. Believe in yourself.
I felt the exact same! I’ve just started week 5. Week 4 was better than I thought, I really paced myself and tried to take my mind off the fact I was running for longer. The best thing to do is don’t stop when you’re running! You’ll feel so proud of yourself when you complete the run and trust me, runs 2 and 3 of week 4 feel so much easier than the first☺️
Be not afraid! If you have followed the programme to the letter, you will be fully prepared for each and every run. Yes, each week is more effort, but you’ll never progress if it isn’t. Good luck, and don’t fret! 😊
Thanks, everyone! This is very encouraging. I'm starting a new job in September and am eager to keep managing my stress and boosting my energy by staying active... but running has never been my jam, and 50 is right around the corner. I suppose I just need confidence... 
I always hated running and was useless at it. I’m nearly 59, clinically obese, but a recent graduate. I still run painfully slowly, but I run. Three times a week (well four this week, as I took my granddaughter to Junior Parkrun today). If I can do it, then you can, too. 😊
Hi, I’m feeling the same. I completed week 3, and I am currently repeating it because I’m not sure if I am ready. I felt like this going into week 2, so I know if I go slowly I will get through it. Going to Continue with week 3 until Friday. We can do this!
Yes, nothing at all to be afraid of, the unique thing about the program is that every run you complete is preparing you for the next one, you’ve got this 😊
About to do Week 4... scared
Going to miss week 4 - scared of week 5!
Week 4 
Week 4 Run 1
Week 4 run 2 
