Wk5 5-8-20?! How is that possible/logical?

[Exerciser]

Wk5 Run 1 fine. Run 2 struggled with the 2nd 8 minutes but did it! However, just can’t see me making it to 20mins in Run 3, nor do I understand the almighty leap/lack of progression from 8mins to an uninterrupted 20! Thinking of repeating Run 2 until the 2nd 8 mins is less of a struggle. Anyone at my stage and in my situation and/or been there and felt that too?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is no great leap and W5R3 is the shortest workout since W3.........you are ready for this.

This post explains it all healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy it.

[Exerciser in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Ok shall try to visualise myself keeping going for 20 between now and run 3.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Exerciser]

If you are finding it tough, just slow down.

You should be running at a pace at which you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run.......if not, you are going too fast.

[Raring2020 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes , I agree with you .

I never thought I could run for 25 minutes continuously . Today I did my run 3 in week 6.

From running 10 and walking 3 then 10 I felt it was non achievable when Laura said 25 mins . Guess what I did it and feel so motivated !

The key is on pacing I guess......

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It isn’t 5-8-20... there are other runs in the first two. Brisk walking is also cardio... so in terms of your body, the third one of those is the shortest workout of the week. You can do it... the only way it’s harder is in your mind

[Exerciser in reply to UnfitNoMore]

The proof is in the pudding/plodding!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Exerciser]

Keep the pace deliberately slow, especially until the bell... and believe that you can do it... when that doubting voice starts, tell yourself, out loud if you need to, that you can do it.

[Jalapenolover101 Graduate]

This run is doable, it’s only the mindset that will stop you.

Your body is ready, the (gremlins 😈) start sneaking in now👿 w5r3 is my favourite run ! Believe it will be yours too! Take it at a steady pace and before you know it ....🎉 it’s butt is kicked and your onto W6🌶x

[Fluffiness Graduate]

One of the most common posts/worries. It is easier than some of the other runs - you have already run 16 mins and you may well find that it is easier to keep going and not have the walk break! When you started did you think you could run for 8 mins ? Trust the programme as you are trained to do this and enjoy and be happy when you do it!

[Nilsam Graduate]

I tried not the peak again and just went with the flow but I can understand people feel that they need to be prepared. Have a go...nothing lost. Even if you don't make it the first time you will have made a step forward (literally). 👍

[Fionabur]

I got stuck on that one for ages - but eventually took the plunge and it was ok. I’ve now finished the App and did my first park run last Saturday- you can do it too!

[JaoJao]

Yup! And take it from me, you can do it!

It’s a great anticlimax W5R3 and a massive confidence boost, it’s a game changing run. You’ll see!

[Fatgirlslim19 Graduate]

You can definitely do this. Try not to overthink it! Lots of us had the same fear as you, I couldn't see how I could possibly run for that long. But follow the advice - take it slowly - and you will! It does actually feel easier than the stop/start of intervals because you can find a pace and keep going. You can do it.

[John_W Graduate]

Dear Exerciser , Allow me to 'correct' the 'typos' in your subject title:

"Wk5 ... 15-16-20! Sounds doable! "

W5R1 is a TOTAL of 15 minutes of running. You managed it fine.

W5R2 is a TOTAL of 16 minutes of running. You imply that the 2nd 8 minutes was maybe a struggle. In which case S L O W D O W N

W5R3 is just a little bit longer with no walking break. Up to this point, you have 157 minutes of running behind you ... that's a LOT of new fitness and stamina you've built up thanks to Weeks 1-4, W5R1 and W5R2. And that fitness/stamina is *cumulative* , i.e. it's building up & increasing with every run you do. W5R3, 20 minutes? Your body is actually ready... but as with a lot of us, the mind is not. You have more than enough fitness now to allow you to complete a 20 minute run - if done at the right pace! You just need to change your mindset a bit and look at the numbers in a different and more positive way. And just remember my mantra: "every run you've run, prepares you for the next one".

Remember, you're trying to run continuously for 30 minutes, 3 times, in Week 9. How else a a program going to get you there? You have to ditch the walking at some point....

Did I mention Week 4? I believe I did ... Week 4 sees the biggest increase in running time in the whole program - from 9 minutes to a whopping 16 minutes - that's 75%! But you managed that fine didn't you? I bet you hardly noticed!

So... slow down a touch, get out there, enjoy it and kick W5R3's butt. It's just another run.

Want proof? See this: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and this:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck! (not that you need it)

John

[Fleetnot Graduate]

I kept on with 8 minutes until I got to end and thought I could easily carry on. Many people on here say there is a mental block and I think that is right. I then did the 20 minutes first time... surprised myself. Good luck.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

You just can. Laura hasn't let you down so far ahs she? Trust the programme and give it a go? What's the worst that can happen? Even if you only make it half way you'll have done fabulously, but I bet you can do it all...

[Hidden]

Me too! We are doing R3 of W5 tomorrow, I agree with your thinking and agree but other runners say just do it and trust your trainer.

If we can complete the 20 minute run then we’ve all cracked it I reckon.

Good luck to us both!

[Raring2020 in reply to Hidden]

Good luck!

[JaniceG68 Graduate]

You will be surprised at how you can run for 20 minutes non-stop. I remember when Laura said I had done it I had a huge smile on my face! I don’t know what the dog walkers thought of me but it’s all in the plan. You can do this!

[Raring2020 in reply to JaniceG68]

So encouraging isn't she . I liked it when she told me when I completed week 6 run 3 that I was now an official Runner!!!

[lunarcat Graduate]

It seemed a bit daunting to me too, but I went for it and did it... I honestly couldn't believe it but it felt SO good to have overcome what was really a mental barrier.

I'd say give it a go - you might surprise yourself!

[Exerciser]

Thank you all for your advice and motivation. Much appreciated. I did it this afternoon! It wasn’t pretty and the heavens opened as Adele sang Skyfall!

[lunarcat Graduate]

Fantastic news! Well done for taking the leap and going for it!

[61Runner]

Just completed the week 5 run 3 with 20 minutes running. Wow! It worked! I ran for 20 minutes having found the 2nd 8 minutes in the previous run, a challenge. Week 6 here I come! Hope you managed it too.