W3R3: I found this week a bit of a challenge... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Sonia52 profile image
Sonia52Graduate
6 Replies

I found this week a bit of a challenge with my legs feeling like lead weights into 2- 2.5 minutes. My breathing is much better and i don’t hurt afterwards with my inner thighs anything like they were during week one, and I am definitely not tired afterwards like I used to be. But sticking to 3 minutes is a serious struggle when it comes to slight up hills (love downhill moments). I really don’t feel ready for week 4. Will it be fine to repeat week 3 for now? Age 52, only 8 stone 4. My legs are looking great for it though, defined muscles forming already after week 1.

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Sonia52 profile image
Sonia52
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Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

If your legs feel heavy it is possible you are needing to up your water intake 2-3 litres per day and not just in run days , 7 days a week. Well done 😊

Sonia52 profile image
Sonia52Graduate in reply toBuddy34

Thank you. That would make a lot of sense. I have to take water with me on a run and occasional sips do help, or i would just start to feel heavy in the legs and a bit dizzy. At my age that amount of water would also mean running to the bathroom a lot, but i drink a lot of coffee at work, so maybe i should swap to water for most of the day. I have a fast metabolism, I need to constantly snack as well or I feel faint. I know not eating 2 hours before a jog wouldn’t work for me. Also I do two different weekly shifts at work so i don’t have a set routine as such.

I read above you don't feel ready to start the next week but why not try it anyway? You might surprise yourself. If it is too much, then you can go back to week 3 or just keep at W4R1 until you do it. I'm not a big fan of staying on a run even though you've done it (you may not have liked it or not done it as well as you'd like) but I'd say keep moving on. Just my thoughts. 🤗

Sonia52 profile image
Sonia52Graduate in reply to

True. I did much better today than 2 days ago. That time was the first time i faltered and dropped to a walk after 2 mins running halfway through the session. Just looking at week 4 scares me i guess. Also i might change my route from my front door and find more level ground. It makes a big difference.

in reply toSonia52

Ah, in that case then I'd do another session of W3 so that you do all three runs in a particular week, as the programme says, without any extra walking. I know what it's like to be scared of upcoming sessions - I have a biggie on Monday - but your body really is ready. It's just the mind gremlins trying to persuade you otherwise. Very good luck. 👍

Sonia52 profile image
Sonia52Graduate in reply to

It was just on one of the 3 minute run parts i faltered. After that i managed to stick to the rest of that days session. But yeah... I can walk for 5 miles or more easily but I find running hard. But compared to W1D1 i’ve come on very far!! 😁 It does get easier I do admit.

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