Big jump from 5 minutes

[Jormarun]

I am so not a runner!!but I am really enjoying the challenge I am about to start week 5 and I’m rattled to see it jumps from 5 minute runs to 18!! Gulp!! I think the battle starts in your head, and I’m telling myself it’s the same but without the stops. Wish me luck 😝

[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 minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

W5 is just another week of gentle progression and there is no big jump, as explained in this breakdown of the week healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

You run - therefore you are a runner.

And you're right, the first few weeks of couch to 5k are a physical workout, but it soon becomes a mental one. A good dose of shear bloodymindedness and determination to keep putting one foot in front of the other is required. That's why so many people are still on the couch!

Good luck. 👍

[Jormarun in reply to Speedy60]

Thanks .. true grit 🤨😊

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

"...it jumps from 5 minute runs to 18..."

Noooo, noooo, noooo.

Week 4's 3 runs see you run for a total of 16 minutes each time. (3, 5, 3, 5 minutes).

W5R1 is 15 mins of running (3x 5 minutes)

W5R2 is 16 mins (2x 8)

And W5R3 is a perfectly doable mental challenge ;-), because believe it or not , your body will be ready for it, despite what your head tells you.

Week 5 is to be embraced and enjoyed.

Get into the right mindset and...

DO IT

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Just remember the program has prepared you for this 😊