Hi all, this is my first post... I’ve just completed run 5 week 1 today and it’s scared me!
Started C25K as I’ve got a place for the great north run in September and am a total beginner. Been managing OK up to now but this run was so hard! Ankles and calves were hurting from almost the beginning of the run and for the first time I ALMOST slowed down to a walk.
I’m a children’s nurse running to raise money for the charity I work for so I’m determined to do it, but I really don’t want to hit a wall and lose motivation! I don’t think I did anything different to usual, I drank plenty of water beforehand and went at my usual pace, but for some reason couldn’t get into a rhythm and my breathing seemed all wrong. Argh! Feeling so frustrated.
I’ve got proper running shoes and currently running on a treadmill with the incline set. I have to admit I did look ahead to the next 2 runs and thinking that maybe this has got me in a panic hence why I struggled?!
Should I move onto week 5 run 2 next or try to repeat run 1??
Written by
GreatNonRunner
Graduate
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7 Replies
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Don't be worrying about future runs, just concentrate on your run you're doing 👍 have you tried out door running mix it up maybe or reduce that incline
Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.
As others have said, just concentrate on the run you are doing if knowing what is coming up is freaking you out. However, since you now know, this breakdown of W5 may put it into perspective healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
If any run is tough, just slow down. It is about duration, not speed.
I had a run like this and the general advice was, as I didn't give up, I should move on. Trust in the program and believe in yourself. I promise you can do this. What a fantastic thing you're doing. Good luck. I'm sure you'll smash it🤞
Thank you very much everyone for your advice and kind words. I haven’t tried outdoor running yet due to the dark nights but going to try this soon, I’ll try to slow it down for my next run too and I will carry on to the next run!
Dear GreatNonRunner Congratulations in making it to week 5 🤗. I ve had some horrible runs and been convinced I wouldn’t go forward and would attempt the next run convinced I wouldn’t be able to complete it . ........ today I began week 9 and I ve not had to repeat a single week . That doesn’t mean to say I wasn’t prepared to - I was . It just proves how good the program is and I still can’t believe it works 🤷♀️. My advice is attempt week5 run 2 and and do so with an open mind 🙂. I ve NEVER run before , not even at school ( and that was about 40 years ago 😳🥴) ........ so chin up , ear phones on , laces laced and off you go on run 2 sometime soon . Let us all know how you get on 🏃♀️👍
I did W5R1 yesterday after repeating W2,3 and 4. Slow start due to calf injury but yesterday did it pretty much pain free. Nervous about moving to run 2 but agree with above keep convincing myself won’t be able to cope with increased time. But have learnt take each run as it comes and listen to my body!!
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Run 1 of week 5 - done!
Week 5 Run 1 - not as bad as expected
Week 5 run 1 - least enjoyable yet 😏
Week 5 Run 1 - A Bit of a Struggle To be Honest
Week 5 Run 1: Choo Choooooo 
