What should I do ???

[Never2Heavy2]

Fabulous forum guys ! Keep up the good , supportive and informative feedback .

I managed the 20 minute run of week 5 but have failed five times to complete a 25 minute run . In my first attempt I made it to 23 minutes but have now slipped by to 18 ish minutes . On each failed occasion , after a minute or so of walking , I’ve been able to carry on to run a total of 5 km in 30-35 minutes .... I just can’t do it in one continuous spell of running 😫.

Laura keeps saying “ run to the end “ “ don’t stop “ etc etc .... what should I do ?? Is a cheeky short walk ok or is it imperative to nail the continuous run .... if so I need advise please !!

Many thanks in anticipation....

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

You really do need to complete each run fully in order to move on. It sounds like it may have become a mental block now. Why not drop back and redo W5 from the start. Certainly won't do you any harm, and the final 20 min run (which you know you can do as you did it before) will give a nice little confidence boost before starting W6 again...?

I would also revisit the guide and make sure you're going at a "conversational pace" healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Never2Heavy2 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you , I will endeavour to nail this .... slowly slowly catch a couch to 5 k monkey !!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Never2Heavy2]

Definitely! There is no such thing as too slow here. You CAN do it!

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Hi N2H2! You really need to be able to complete the run non-stop before moving on to the next one. Are there reasons why you’re finding it tough? The main reason is that we go off to fast, if that’s the case slow down! You really can’t go too slowly! Next is hydration- are you drinking enough water? 2 litres a day seems to be what is recommended though some manage more than that. Try breaking it down into manageable chunks - eg, I’ve done five so I can do 5 more, I’ve done 10 minutes so another 5 is ok etc. If you want to build up your confidence again, have you thought about re-doing week 4. You managed it once so should be fine doing it again and by that time you might feel better able to tackle week 5 again. If you’re managing a total of 5k on 30-35 minutes, I suspect you’re probably just trying to push it too much. Ignore the 5k in the title of the plan - the idea is to get you to running 30 minutes; most of us don’t get to 5k at that point . Hope this helps! Good luck!

[Never2Heavy2 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you Oldgirlruns ( I felt terrible calling you that ) !

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Never2Heavy2]

Everyone else does so don’t worry about it!!

[Cath075 Graduate]

Don’t beat yourself up to much. You’ve done amazing to get this far. Have you tried running with a slightly longer break in between runs? Sometimes my best runs or when I have at least two or even three days in between. Just an idea....

[Never2Heavy2 in reply to Cath075]

Thanks Cath ... I haven’t tried that , but even when I was younger I performed better for 3/4 days rest between rugby , hockey even cricket matches . I will try that for sure , thanks !

[Cath075 Graduate in reply to Never2Heavy2]

Sure thing. It works for me. Are used to run a lot more and a lot further years ago. I would run on a Monday Tuesday Thursday and Friday. My worst runs were always Tuesday and Friday. If I left sufficient time between the runs it was so much easier it was almost a breeze. I always tried to leave at least one day in between runs these days 😊

[John_W Graduate]

What´s making you stop?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.