W4r1 - struggled but keeping at it

[Lriddell]

Hi all,

This is my first post - I'm a complete newbie to running but I love the way the couch to 5k program builds you up slowly but still challenges you week on week.

Just had a crack at week 4 having completed weeks 1-3. I managed the first 3 runs of the session ok, but couldn't manage the full 5 mins on the last run. Was thinking about dropping back to week 3, but I've seen loads of posts with people encouraging others to just keep going, so I'll keep at it!

Thanks to everyone on here for sharing their experiences, makes me feel like I'll get there eventually👍

[Northlondongirl Graduate]

You are doing so well to manage the runs in this little heat wave we are having! Maybe repeat w4r1 again if you feel you did not do it well enough to move on. Are you able to run slightly earlier or later in the day so it is slightly cooler? It might help with your energy levels. Also are you making sure you are having atleast 1 rest day in between runs? Whatever you decide good luck with the rest if the programme 😁

[Lriddell Graduate in reply to Northlondongirl]

Thanks, I'm going to give the week 4 run another try day after tomorrow, hopefully it will go better. Will try and pick a time where its cooler outside as well

[Northlondongirl Graduate in reply to Lriddell]

I need to take my own advice and get out earlier too 😉

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Oh for sure, just keep going! And slow your pace - even if you think you are going slow already, there’s always room to slow it down some more. 👍 It doesn’t matter if you find it tough; just finish the run, slooooowly! And so much of running is in the head, so think positive. When I struggled on a run doing C25K, I had a mantra that I would chant over and over: “You can do this, you ARE doing this!” Weirdly helped a lot! Happy running, keep going. 😁

[Nilsam Graduate]

Well done for posting and progressing with the programme. Happy running. 🤸‍♀️👍

[MartinKH Graduate]

Great advice from fellow posters , I just want to say very well done so far and keep up the great work 👍

Also please make sure you drink plenty of water even on rest days so you are properly hydrated. I’m talking from recent experience , I didn’t do this yesterday and really felt it during the run. Lesson learned for me.

Happy running 🏃‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️👍

[Lriddell Graduate]

3rd time's a charm! Today I completed w4r1 without stopping at all during the final run!

Thanks for all your kind words of encouragement