Wk 5 jitters

[Istria]

Hello all! I’m just wondering how on earth we go from running 8mins X2 to 20 mins on my next run. I have managed all the runs so far but don’t think I could possibly run 20 mins none-stop. Never ran before in my life, big and the wrong side of 50! is it even possible or should I keep repeating the 8 minute runs for a while? Any advice most welcome 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

The program has prepared you for run 3 of week 5, if you wish to repeat run 2 of week 5 you may do so but I don't think you you need to, take run 3 especially slowly, once you have completed it you will be very proud of yourself, that run is the run that many people are scared of because of the time difference between 8 and 20 minutes, trust the program,good luck.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

🤔 "don't think I could possibly run for 20 mins"

See, that's how we set ourselves up to fail... have a little more faith in yourself, and the programme. We all thought similar things about W5R3, but that run truly is the one that makes you believe in yourself and all that might come!

If in doubt read the guide again, make sure you're keeping it nice and slow, but don't rob yourself of the joy of completing that run without even giving it a go! 👍🏻😉

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[61Lady Graduate]

I remember thinking that too - like what happened to 12 or 15 mins ? Only repeat R2 if you want but if you done all the runs, the programme has prepared you for R3. Take it very, very slowly and good luck

[MontyMooDog Graduate]

Yes don't see this as an obstacle,see it as a challenge 👍As others have said, the program has prepared you for this. Take it nice and slow and you will do it👍👍If you are getting tired slow down some more but don't stop👍👍This the game changing run. Crack this and the running world opens up in front of you👍👍👍Good luck....and remember many have been here and many have come through it and you will too😁

[Istria]

Thank you to you all for your encouragement x I’ll give it a go. If I fail, should I repeat earlier runs or go forwards to week 6?

[WytchHazel74 in reply to Istria]

Firstly I’d say definitely give it a go. Don’t forget, you’re not running for 8 minutes, you’ve been running for 16 minutes so it’s not that big of a jump.

Secondly I was given a fantastic piece of advice - repeat a week if you have to, but never go back! This works on two levels: you’ve already proved you could do that week so you need to progress, and psychologically going backwards can have many subtle impacts on your performance and mindset.

20 mins does sound so flippin long, but just take it slow, put some cracking tunes on, and remember it’s only around 5 songs and you’re done. Good luck!

[girlsjustwannarun Graduate]

It’s possible - and you will feel amazing once you have completed it! I actually enjoyed it more because as I knew there was a long time on the clock I didn’t really think about how long i’d been running and I settled into it more. You’ve just done 16 minutes total of running with a 5 min brisk walk in-between which totals 21 minutes - so you can totally do it! Good luck!

[a_in_gsr Graduate]

I've just finished w5 and honestly its not as bad as you think!! just go slow, set for mind up for excitement, not failure; and you'll be good!

If you can't make it I'd repeat the run you could not complete, not the runs you can do. However, theres really no reason you can't do it - the programme has built you up for it. I too was nervous for the run (and I think basically everyone on this forum) and yet we all make it

[nowster Graduate]

I'm just back from doing W5R3. (See my post)

I'm not going to lie and say it was easy: it wasn't.

By the time you've done W5R2, you've reached a point when you can do the 20 mins. You could probably do the full 30 mins now if you put your mind to it. (Seriously: don't!)

W5R3 is where it becomes more of a mind thing than a leg thing. How you approach it mentally will determine how you do.

The last two mins felt awful, but I proved to myself (by doing a very very short sprint at the very end) that there was still plenty left in the tank at the end.

It's a mind game now. Your body's ready.

Go out thinking "OMG I can't do this!" and you'll fail before you've even laced up your shoes.

Go out thinking about how far you've got already and that it's just another run that you're going to be able to do and you'll do it.

[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 post about W5 may allay your fears healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

Hi

I got stuck at this stage and felt exactly the same ! I repeated the first run for about 10 times then one day just decided to try. I made sure that the route was flat or downhill and amazingly I did it. Take your time and keep mentally repeating’I will do this ‘! Good luck