Help for week 5 run 3!!

[Habley]

Hi everyone. I’m so excited to have gotten this far when just a few weeks ago I couldn’t even run for a bus. However, I’m dreading this 20 minute run for week 5 run 3... any tips? Also, seem to be experiencing some shin splints?

[Hazel10 Graduate]

You have done the training and you will find it ok. The problem is the first 5 minutes - which are always rubbish. You will be waiting for them to tell you to stop running for a minute at the end, but you can do it. Do not listen to your head which is already making you doubt yourself. Music on, do what they say - as slow as you can! Can’t wait to see your next post saying you did it!!! 👍

[Cherrycheesecake in reply to Hazel10]

Just like Hazel said, don't listen to your head, listen to the music and don't push yourself too fast. Go to what is comfortable to you. I find my feet go to the speed of the music when I let myself get into the music and that worked for me. We are all different but you have got this far and you can and will do the 30 minute run in week 9. I am doing the 9 weeks again as I had completed it and before I could do the next step, couch to 25k, I hurt my foot and badly bruised it. I was afraid to do the 30 minute run again until I had completed the course so as to let my foot heal properly. I had broke my ankle on the same foot last year so being very cautious. Remember, listen to the music and just keep moving. It will come and you won't believe you have done it. Well done to you for getting this far. Congratulations!

[Ellasolo Graduate in reply to Cherrycheesecake]

Hi Cherrycheescake sorry for jumping in. I broke me ankle last year in the snow. I’m on week 5 run 1 and having problems with my ankle. I’ve been looking for inspiration and you have spurred me on

[Cherrycheesecake in reply to Ellasolo]

That's wonderful to hear Ellasolo!!!! Thank you for letting me know and keep going. Make sure you do the day rest in between so you have a chance to recover and keep hydrated. I don't do speed, although I have sped up for a minute or so but mostly I simply do a light jog and find that enough at my age. I just celebrated my 71st birthday and never thought I would be running at this age. I have to say it feels bloody good

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Don't worry about run 3 of week 5, take that run slow and steady, good luck, once you have completed it you will be very proud of yourself 😊 🏃.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Delight not dread... read this and feel reassured...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You are so ready for this

Shin splints...? Maybe get that checked out and do try some exercises too..

womensrunninguk.co.uk/healt...

[AndyB111s Graduate]

You'll be fine.. i had two goes at this run. The first i know i wasn't properly hydrated and i was running a bit too quick. Fast forward 2 days and with proper hydration and going slow then slowing it down some more i found it ok. You can do it! Re: shin splints if it persists i'd maybe get it checked out. I had pain in my shins back in week 3 i think it was. Slowing down and trying not to land on my heels seemed to do the trick.

Good luck 👍

[Lifluf]

Go slowly and do smaller steps. It's not about distance it's about stamina. Good luck. You will be able to do it.

[OpalEmerald]

You’ll be amazing! I had lots of arguments in my head about whether to stop or not but just listen to your music and put one foot in front of the other and you’ll smash it! Let us know how you get on! 👟👟

[Cherrycheesecake]

I also wanted to say when I checked out about shin splints, it says on the couch to 5k that they can be caused by running on hard surfaces or by running in shoes that do not have enough foot and ankle support. Just so you are aware and good luck.