Wk 4 to wk5 ... can I really run for 20 minute... - Couch to 5K

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Wk 4 to wk5 ... can I really run for 20 minutes ?

Lucylu0101 profile image
10 Replies

At the moment I’m doing 5 minutes running, but apparently week 5 run 3 I will be able to run for 20 minutes ?!!!! HOW !!! I’m scared 😂 please people tell me that they did it and it was okay!!

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Lucylu0101 profile image
Lucylu0101
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10 Replies
Noraboswell profile image
Noraboswell

I was appalled when I read 20 minutes, but started, carried on and finished! And it wasn’t too bad. I see that week 6 has something shorter before upping things again, so now have hope I will stay the course.

Chin up and give it a go,.

Fionamags profile image
FionamagsGraduate

I was the same as you - quite anxious about managing it. But i nailed it! It was an absolutely fabulous moment when I finished that 20 mins and I was buzzing for ages afterwards. I think that's when you really start believing in yourself - and above all - the programme! Good luck.

It's more than ok. It is great and something to be looked forward to. The plan has prepared you for this and it's your time to go steady and last a little longer. The sense of achievement after is wonderful so don't fear it; embrace it and be positive because you WILL do it. Keep steady, keep calm and enjoy it. This run is the beginning of the next stage in your journey.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

You are not running for 5 minutes in W4.......you are running for SIXTEEN minutes.

This breakdown of W5 makes it all clear and puts it into perspective healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Yes, you can do it.

Jazzyrunner profile image
JazzyrunnerGraduate

Week 5 Run 3 was one of the best runs of my life! Everything you’ve done so far prepares you for this, when you get there you are ready, and once you’ve done it, the smile won’t leave your face for hours!!! It will be brilliant, enjoy it! 🏃🏼‍♀️👏🏻

Northlondongirl profile image
NorthlondongirlGraduate

Don't be scared, honestly somehow this programme works and you are ready for it. I found the first few minutes the hardest but before you know it you will be on the cool down walk with a big grin on your face 🤗 good luck!

diahug profile image
diahugGraduate

It’s amazing. I looked and thought I would never be able to do the 20 mins. That run is one of the best in the programme...you’ll be buzzing when you finish it

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

Every increase in time scared the crap out of me :)

But, I just kept trying until I hit the targets - it took me a long time to graduate but what a fantastic feeling that was :)

I was 56 when I started the programme, two forms of asthma, screwed foot bones, turhs out too one of the Chambers in my heart is "constricted", I had been a very heavy smoker for almost 40 years and I literally had never run more than a hundred paces in my life.

My dream back in 2016 was to be able to run three tenths of a mile without having to stop.

My "not TOTALLY unreasonable" dream this year is to run a full marathon this December.

This programme works miracles, if you just keep on hearing up, going out and giving it your sensible best effort :)

Wishing you many happy miles in your future :)

PeteJog profile image
PeteJog

Runnning for 5 mins straight was a really watershed for me. After 5 mins I settle in and 8 mins is fine. My thought before the 20 min run was that I know my legs would chug through it, and they did. You can do it.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Another recent W5 champion healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You CAN do it. If you set out thinking there's no way I can do this it will be so much harder. Trust the programme! 👍🏻😁

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