Week 5 Run 3?

[Tendance]

That is a mistake surely??? Just a random marathon 😳 popped into the plan??? Is it correct? Thank you

[TortoiseRegretsHare Graduate]

No. Not a random marathon. It is a psychological barrier, not a physical one, because if you’ve got this far you’re ready for it. The thing to conquer is your brain, not your body.

[Tendance in reply to TortoiseRegretsHare]

I am not there yet, I did the first run of week 4 today but I can’t stop thinking about that 20 minuter ‘gulp’

[Plattszo Graduate in reply to Tendance]

Read my post from yesterday.... it is very do-able, I promise!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

You will be absolutely fine, every step of the program prepares you for the next. It seems far more daunting than it actually is 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Dtay1978]

From now don't look ahead at future weeks or runs, wait for the instructions from your coach before you run, run 3 of week 5 is doable, once all runners have completed it, yes, it's like as if they have ran a marathon and they are very proud of themselves, it's the milestone run that they know that they will certainly carry on to graduate about four weeks later.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

You think that's scary?

Watch out for Week 9 (the end)

30 minute continuous runs!

I mean... What's that all about??

Triple gulp!

[Tendance in reply to John_W]

I do wonder how 30 mins could possibly be in my future!! I guess we shall see in a month!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Tendance]

You've signed up for Couch to 5k

Were you expecting to run 5k in 15 mins? You're in for disappointed!

PS Despite the catchy name, the objective is 3x 30 mins in Week 9, but don't let that put you off. Or Week 7. Or Week 6 for that matter. Or even Week 5.

PPS Little secret between you and me: Week 4 is the biggest increase in total running time in the whole program. Get through this week and your body is ready for Week 5, despite what your head says.

[Hidden]

I looked at every week with a sense of disbelief and a sinking feeling. Then at some point the penny drops; this programme works! Each run prepares you for the next one and each week is achievable. Don't worry, trust the programme and have faith in yourself

[CaptFrey Graduate]

You will be fine It’s a bit of a shock but it is achievable and then you are on the homeward straight 🤗

[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.

This breakdown of W5 may allay your misconceptions and obvious disbelief healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[N3llyB Graduate]

I promise you, you can do it. And afterwards you'll feel on top of the world! And then , the next run is (I think) 2 ten minute runs, so you might even feel a bit disappointed you're not running another marathon after the glory of the 20 minute run! Every time I had doubts, I thought "they wouldn't put this in if it wasn't do-able". Good luck!!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Tendance ok, so you're on Week 4 - have a look at it closely and tell me what the total running time is for each outing?

[Sybilw Graduate]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Believe me we ALL thought that even if we didn’t phrase it so well but thousands of us tried it just for you! And we managed it. I’ll now insert my cut and paste reply to everyone who struggles at any point.

Cough cough my theory .... (sorry a random Monty Python reference😆)

From now on it’s all about brain training. Your legs know what to do and your lungs and heart are joining the party however reluctantly!! Last invite is the brain which now needs to believe it’s all possible. Starting each run expecting to do it - instead of hoping you might - makes all the difference. Good luck. You’ll do it!

[Larrythecat Graduate]

I felt exactly the same and thought a mistake but you can do it. I did on Friday and found breaking it up in my head into 4, 5 mins runs helped. Watch out though Laura doesn’t tell you when 60 seconds left. The last she says is 2 mins left. I counted the seconds. It is possible I promise. Run 1 of week 6 a doddle then. Def a workout for the mind. You def can do it.

[Tendance in reply to Larrythecat]

I can’t believe I will be doing it next week 😳 that idea of 4 5 min runs really appeals to me thank you! I will use that!

[Scundered Graduate]

Tortoise has it absolutely correct. I was dreading it but you will succeed and be amazed at yourself. C25K really need to give participants a heads up about the psychological dimension kicking in at week 5. Physically it's something you've been prepared for and are fit enough to do but your mind needs to be over-ridden when it's freaking out. You will do it.

[Slchpotter Graduate]

Me and my daughter did this on Saturday. Was very surprised and proud of ourselves for doing it. Feel like we will actually be able to finish the programme no problem now 😀

[JoePhoto Graduate]

A couple of weeks ago I didn't believe I would be able to... But I did! Just relax, go steady and let yourself go... It is amazing to run / jog / stagger 20 minutes... 5 weeks earlier I could barely do that 1st minute! Now I've just run my first 'park run' course - looking forward to joining all the other grinning dafties that we are! It's GREAT just keep going, nice and steady... 👍