What should I do? Wk6 R1 or go back to Wk5 R1

[R18onn13]

Hi everyone,

I was ill (cold and cough) last week so only managed Wk5 R1. So you thinK I should go back and redo that or start wk6? They are the same programme, so figured it should be ok. I've got a goal to run my 1st Park run at the beginning of March, before I go to florida the week after. So don't wanna go back a week 🤦🏼‍♀️ otherwise it will muck things up. Totally dreading the 20min run too.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great you're feeling better. Your next run should be wk5r2 . You shouldn't skip any of the runs. All the previous runs or weeks prepare you further next. Also wk6 is different from wk5. Good luck 😊

[R18onn13 in reply to Buddy34]

The running schedule is exactly the same as wk 5. I'll see how I go this week and R1 of wk 7. If its to much I suppose I can redo wk 6 👍🏻 just don't want to not reach my goal. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to R18onn13]

I don't know what schedule you are looking at, but NHS app wk6 is very different to wk 5. They are pivotal weeks in terms of building up capacity for longer runs, I certainly wouldn't be missing any of these runs out. Carry on from 5.2, and you should be able to do the parkrun, even if you treat it as a c25k and include the walking intervals. Glad you're feeling better!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to R18onn13]

The only runs that are the same as the previous week are the 3/25 minute runs of week 7, week 6 run 3 is also 25 minutes.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Do the runs in order... so, Week 5 Run 2...the runs in Week 5 prepare you for the change in Week 6... to complete the C25K programme you need to do all the runs...that way you reach week 9 and Graduation, injury free and having had fun

Goals are great...getting there safely is great too

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes the advice that you will not lose significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

In respect of W5R3 read this breakdown of the workouts healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Debston Graduate]

Great advice from everyone already, you should continue with Week 5, Run 2. After just a few days off poorly, you won't have lost fitness. You really shouldn't dread the 20 minutes of solid running for Week 5, Run 3 - you'll be ready for it! And it's a massive confidence boost when you realise that you can run for longer than you thought possible!