Week 5: Hi all! Forum lurker here. I’ve just... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,192 members159,537 posts

Week 5

ClareT89 profile image
9 Replies

Hi all!

Forum lurker here. I’ve just done W5R2 and like a lot of people on here I’m feeling nervous about W5R3. I’ve read the posts though so I know it’s a mental battle.

On my run today (R2) I found the first 8 minutes okay and after about 2 mins rest I thought I was ready to run again. I didn’t, I took the full 5 min rest.

On the last 8 min run I struggled though. I don’t know whether that’s because it’s slightly uphill and I tend to unconsciously run a bit faster to compensate, or if it’s just mental. Does anyone else have this problem with the second / last run? Does anyone have any tips?

Thanks ☺️

Update: I did it!!

Written by
ClareT89 profile image
ClareT89
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
9 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Pace yourself for the whole run.

Just follow the plan as laid out and run at an easy conversational pace, as recommended in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and it will all fall into place.

Alast profile image
Alast

Hello ClareT89. I'm in a similar place on the programme as you having ratcheted up and down a bit since initially starting C25K last September, I re-ran W5 R2 successfully on Monday. I always find the first run to be my problem and think this must be because despite having a (slow) metronome beat in my ear, I start off too quickly, but the other problem I have is the 'nagging doubts'. If I don't think I can do something I soon prove myself right by not being able to do it! I listen to comedy podcasts to take my mind off the time I have to run, so would suggest that you find yourself some sort of distraction, plus that you follw the often repeated advice of 'just trusting the programme, every run prepares you for the next one' and most importantly to 'slow down, and then slow down some more'. All being well if you can do this, and believe in yourself you will be fine and will rattle through the rest of week 5 and beyond. I hope that it all goes well for you and look forward to hearing all about how it goes!

ClareT89 profile image
ClareT89 in reply toAlast

Thanks, I have an audiobook on in the background otherwise I wouldn’t manage it 😂 I’m going as slow as I can without walking I think, the nagging doubts get a stern talking to from the other side of my brain “no shut up, you can do it” haha!!

pippkins profile image
pippkinsGraduate

Take it slowly, if it gets hard, slow down even more!

Concentrate on finishing the session, don't worry about the speed.

Try to distract your mind, I use a mix of new and old music on my phone that sends my mind off remembering good times etc instead of thinking "oh how much further?"

You'll manage it, trust the plan, you will be smiling so much afterwards!

Good luck!

ClareT89 profile image
ClareT89 in reply topippkins

Thank you, I’m planning on doing it Friday so see how it goes!

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate

I've got run 3 of week 5 tomorrow and after all that's going on in the world right now I'm looking forward to the distraction. I'm sure my running speed is slower than my walking 😊 I distract myself by looking at what's going on around me, I'm lucky that some of my route is in countryside so I try to spot wildlife as I go. Good luck with run 3.

ClareT89 profile image
ClareT89 in reply todijep

I’ve got no countryside here at the moment, wish I did for my run. Good luck to you too with week 5!!

Bekkstar profile image
Bekkstar

I have just done day 2 of week 5 yesterday and found the last bit a struggle. I was blowing at the end of it and didn't feel like I was barely running. I checked my split times and it was my slowest time out.

It's almost like this week they forgot there are 9 weeks in total and are trying to shove a load more in!!

I am very anxious about day 3.

Well done for doing it!

ClareT89 profile image
ClareT89 in reply toBekkstar

Have you done day 3? How did you get on? It’s such a mental battle!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Week 5 run 2 completed

Can't believe I did 2x 8 min runs like most people I couldn't run for 60secs before starting it...
Poppy112 profile image
Graduate

Week 5!!!!

So I’m about to start week 5 today!! It was so hot last week I decided to repeat week 4 as I knew...

Wk 5 run 2 done

Hi all, I’ve just looked at the next run and it’s the first 20 min run. It seems a massive jump...
Hally1973 profile image

Week 5 shock !!!!!

Just done week 5 run 1 on my second attempt having got that far last April before pausing for some...

WEEK 5 RUN 3 COMPLETE!!!😃🥳

I can’t believe I have actually just ran for 20 minutes!! The first 10 minutes was one heck of a...
Ellaloux profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.