Should I repeat a run/week?

[Bloomsbury22]

Hello everyone! I am such a newbie to this. Have just picked up running, for the first time. I have just completed week two, run one, and must say I really struggled with the increase from week one. Should I keep doing week one runs until I am really comfortable with them before moving on to the next week/step? All advice welcome! Hope you are all keeping safe and well.

[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 advice on pacing.........you are probably going too fast.

Slow down so that you can speak clear, ungasping sentences as you run and you will be fine to move on.

Each run prepares you for the next one.

Enjoy your journey.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for the quick reply and pointing me to the guide. It's not so much my breathing, it just feels like my legs are made of lead, the world's heaviest legs, so just literally the shifting of them for that much longer. I'll have a good rest day tomorrow, perhaps do some yoga to stretch everything out and will give it another go on Saturday. Thanks for the motivation.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Bloomsbury22]

Heavy legs are symptomatic of poor hydration.

As a runner you need to drink 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

This is not optional, but crucial.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome to the forums... and well done getting started. Have a read of the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which has many tips and will answer most of your questions.

Be very proud of this run... you struggled, but you completed it, that means you toughed it out and coached yourself through it... great job. There’s no need to repeat a run, though it’s your call of course, just because you had to dig deep... just repeat any runs that you don’t fully complete.

I’ve been running 2 years now, and I still get some that are really hard to finish from time to time... beating those runs is one of the things that makes runners different, we don’t give in easily. See how you go next time out... slow it down a little if you need to.

You can do this... enjoy your journey.

[Scw787 Graduate]

I’m new to this running malarkey...I’m on week,4.... it’s tough but I’m following the programme. Day off between runs...sometimes 2.... I’m 4 stone over weight...it’s tough and even a minor incline is very tough .... but hey I’m doing it as you will... be kind to yourself. I have Jo Whiley...she says to,say...I love running...it is helping! Keep gong ....x

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Scw787]

I have Jo Whiley too, and just yesterday tried that mantra too. Am being really good about the rest days. Will keep going! Thanks for the motivation. And well done you!

[Curnie1]

Sound advice in previous answers. Just go at your own pace, recognise and enjoy your achievements and say well done to yourself.

And a well done from me, too!😀

Keep going.

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Curnie1]

Thank you!

[Curnie1 in reply to Bloomsbury22]

You’re more than welcome 😀

[Bracken2018 Graduate]

Hi, congratulations for starting the programme.

In my opinion, yes, repeat a week until you feel your ready for the next Weeks challenge . Listen to your body , take it slowly, it’s far better to be comfortable and less likely to have an injury. You know each week will push you on towards improving your stamina . Don’t give up - you will make it to W9R3 🐾

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Bracken2018]

Thank you!

[Uphill-downhill Graduate]

I’ve been using Sarah Millican, love the way she says ‘well done pet’ 😀

[Bloomsbury22 Graduate in reply to Uphill-downhill]

I have a Geordie at home so relying on him to say that! 🤣