Hi. I’ve just started week 5. I’m not finding the motivators very motivating! They say they are but say nothing during the run which is what I need to hear. I’m starting to get nervous as there is a big jump from an 8 minute run (which I’m going to find hard) on day 2 of this week to a 20 minute run on day 3! Why the big increase? Already I’ve told myself I can’t do this!
How did everyone get through this barrier?
TIA x
It feels like a big jump but you will have done 16 minutes with only a small half way walk. Keep the walk brisk and the 20 minutes won’t seem to challenging when you come to it.
You can do it. I was terrified about the jump from 8 to 20 minutes but sheer determination and bloody mindness hit and I kept going. I used Sara and she did just keep me informed with time and she encouraged me to keep going. Good luck
You can do it & the plan has prepared you. 👍 I did it & I am not Superwoman in disguise (or any other way!) The main things are 1) Don’t go too fast, especially at the beginning - easy to push on if you’re feeling nervy, but you really need to stay slow & steady; and 2) remember that thousands of us have done this run, so tell yourself Yes I Can!
Lots of people actually find steady running easier than intervals, as your body adjusts & changes its responses. Distract your mind and just trundle slowly along and enjoy being a (beginning) runner. 😄👍
Well done for getting this far and I'm sure you'll surprise yourself because you will be able to do it ... I'm sure a lot of us - definitely myself included, thought 'no way'! but give it a go and then you'll be sooooo pleased you did. Trust the process and at the end of the day, nothing to loose 🏃♀️
Believe in 3 things : the plan, the comments above and yourself. You can and will do this, then you’ll be on top of the world.
You can do this. Just go slow and slower again if needed . All the runs up until now have prepared you for it. Good luck 😊
I completely echo all of the above! I definitely didn't see how I could ever do 8 minutes. Then I did it. But there was NO way I was going to be able to run for 20! And, then I did. The advice you've been given is golden - slow it right down, you're not trying to cover a distance, just run for a time. It doesn't matter how slow you go. Believe in yourself and in the plan. You can do this!!
Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
If you are finding it hard, you are pushing too fast.........jog at the easy conversational pace described in the guide above.
Your perception of Week 5 is very common but misplaced.......this post about Week 5 may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
You can do this.
Thank you
I decided from the beginning I was just going to do what the plan tells me to do......And I don’t read ahead so usually I don’t know what is coming up in each run, which is better for me. When my motivation has been lagging I have told myself I will just do the next run... and see what happens...I have just finished w6 so something is working 🙈🤣 Also the advice and support here is fantastic ....especially to ‘just slow down’ Good luck Cx
You can do it 👍. I just completed week 6 run 3 which was a big step change as it's 25 minutes continuous running. I had been concerned about it all week. I told myself I would not be able to do it. (I'm a champion giver upper with anything hard) anyway, after 10 minutes I zoned out and happily jogged all the way to the end. This program is doable for everyone. I've never exercised before starting this, I'm overweight and nearly 60. I don't run fast but I'm really enjoying it. Hopefully in a few weeks you will be posting your park run timings with pride and confidence. Good luck. You are much better than you think.
Great post 👍
I too was worried about the step up to the 20 minute run, but saw lots of other people giving loads of encouragement here and my daughter ran the w5r2 eight minute runs with me which was brilliant. Today was really horrid, very strong winds this morning and raining, and even our local Parkrun was cancelled because of the awful weather. However, absolutely amazed that I completed the run slowly but surely - the programme works! Believe in the system and yourself and you’ll be fine!!!
Running a continuous snail pace can be easier than stop/start. Break up the challenge into small goals: I'll run to the next lamppost then see how I feel. I'll just run to the traffic lights and see if the Traffic Light Gods are on my side. Once you've done that, set another goal: I'll run til the number 6 bus comes past, or I've seen three cockapoos, or my favourite song has finished. Anything except20 minutes.
Mind over matter & self belief
Wk5R3 mind over matter!
Mind over matter! 🤣
Mind over matter.
W5R2 - Mind Over Matter 
