Repeated week 5 run 1

[BaggyShorts]

I am having a bit of a wobble...

Although I completed week 5 run 1 last Friday, I just didn’t feel ready for run 2 this morning. My running schedule was disrupted and I didn’t manage to get out there at the weekend, so after 3 rest days I thought I’d repeat week 5 run 1. I completed it, but I feel like I’m at capacity. I can’t imagine being able to push myself on to complete 8 minute or 20 minute run intervals within the week. Did anyone else feel like this? Should I just trust in the plan and attempt week 5 run 2 on Thursday?

Trusting you guys to help me get back on track xx

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I couldn't imagine running even more but like you say trust the plan. The usual stuff make sure you're drinking plenty water 7 days a week and go slow and slower again if needed. You can do this. 😊😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

You are doing great,repeating a ring is fine but dont let it then put you off moving on. The plan really does work - honest. Take the runs slowly, even if it means running slower than you would walk. Dont stop till the end if you can. Then celebrate and tell us so we can celebrate with you.

[iain-strachan Graduate]

In addition to what the others said (go slower if you think you're at capacity), I'll add this:

TBH I think W5R2 is easier than W5R1. You begin to learn it's about recovery time, rather than the length you spend running - this is because the program has taught you what is a sustainable pace.

In W5R2 you spend one minute longer in total running (16 mins vs 15 on Run 1). BUT you have a massive 5 minute gap between the two sessions. I've done this program twice, and both times I noticed that the 5 minute walking gap was way more than adequate - I was ready to go again after 3, so by the time I got to 5 it was like starting as fresh as at the first one. In W5R1 you only get 3 minutes to recover.

Now, of course W5R3 jumps up the running to 20 minutes - but think of it this way - in R1 and R2 the total workout lasted 21 minutes and in R3 it's over a minute earlier. And it's not as if you're doing nothing in the walk gaps - you're still working. And once you've discovered a sustainable pace (one you can keep going for ages) you'll realise you don't actually need the walk gaps.

I've read elsewhere here that often people get caught out in W6R1 because they don't actually like going back to walking gaps!

I think if you take it nice and slow you'll get there, and you'll find the longer runs get easier quite quickly.

[BaggyShorts in reply to iain-strachan]

Thanks Iain. I knew by posting my concerns in the forum I’d get some words of wisdom & encouragement. Everything you have said makes perfect sense....and dare I say now I’ve read this I’m almost excited to try W5R2 to see how I get on. I’m very grateful you took the time to post. Cheers x

[Hidden]

As long as you’ve completed the previous run, there’s nothing to stop you moving on to the next. Trust the plan and trust that ever run you’ve done previously has prepared you for the next. Good luck 💪🏼 you’ve got this!

[BaggyShorts in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

I’m new to this, but my plan is to repeat runs if I feel I need to, until I feel ready to move on. IMO some of this is psychological and if you feel in your head you need to repeat, then do so. But, hey, what do I know 🤪

[Keswickfan Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

I agree 100% with the above comments, i repeated numerous weeks until i felt ready to move on. Good luck, you can do this!

[Vicjo Graduate]

Hi I remember finding week 5 tricky and even repeating a few of those runs. There is no harm in that. Trust the programme and how you are feeling when each run is finished. Keep going! Good luck!

[Debston Graduate]

Week 5 is a turning point and I remember feeling daunted by it. In the end you just have to try and trust that your body is ready. You can always repeat runs if you don't quite manage one but I bet you won't need to. And once you've got that 20 min run under your belt, you'll feel AMAZING! ☺

[Alast]

I'm at about the same stage in C25K as Wenderwoo (W2R1) so have not progressed anywhere near as far as you have. When I first started on the programme I had a couple of false starts and for various reasons, did two sessions of week one twice in a fortnight before I was able to complete all 8 x 60 seconds runs. I started the programme again and by the time I got to the third session, decided to try and prolong the final run to 90 as a test for when I started week 2. I was so chuffed that I could now run for 90 seconds whereas a few weeks ago I couldn't complete 60. My feeling is that if you don't try, you won't know if you can. I plan to complete this course, and to do it as efficiently as possible BUT have not set myself a time limit. I am quite prepared to stick at each week and not move on until I've completed it. I admit that at the start of week 2 I'm already daunted by the fact that in the next week I have to do a couple of runs that are twice as long (3 minutes) than I've run so far, but once I've completed week 2, I will move on and give it a go. If I struggle I will stick at it until I can run that far (and from experience up to now I will probably just have to slow down more so that I can go further). Good luck with it BS, you've done brilliantly to get so far, and as Debston says above, I'm sure that when you do complete the 20 minute run you will feel AMAZING!