Week 3 struggling : Finding week 3 hard with... - Couch to 5K

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Week 3 struggling

KimberlyAubree profile image
13 Replies

Finding week 3 hard with that 3 min run and all I can think is how will I get to the 5 min run I always run first thing in morn maybe I’m running at wrong time of day as I’ve not had much to eat??

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KimberlyAubree profile image
KimberlyAubree
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13 Replies

Hi KimberlyAubree you can do this. Don’t think about the 5 min run at the moment...

Think only about the run you are doing

3 min..there is no rush, you just have to jog, slowly and if you find this difficult go slower.

I was trying to run...it was just too fast, someone told me to slow it down and if still difficult go slower, but it’s a jog.

Try it, it is my motto and this has helped me right from the start as I couldn’t get through the first week and had to do it again.

Good Luck !

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

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

Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.

As stated in the guide to the plan, if you have eaten normally in the 24 hours before your workout then you don't need to eat anything extra to complete the session.

If any run is tough, you are in charge, so slow down.

Whydothis profile image
WhydothisGraduate

Are you feeling hungry while out? Or just finding the running difficult?

If you are hungry, try having breakfast and then going out a bit later (not too soon after eating though). If it is more that you are struggling with the running, don't worry, take it very slowly, and you will get there. If you can't finish a run, just put it down to practice, and repeat it next time. The shorter one will still have helped you develop your running.

And as Chrissie says, don't look ahead, just concentrate on getting this one under your belt, then you will be ready for the next one

KimberlyAubree profile image
KimberlyAubree in reply to Whydothis

I have a shake a green tea and banana before I go so don’t think I’m hungry but it’s worth definitely trying thank you so much

Allbarron profile image
AllbarronGraduate

We'll done for starting this process. Running 3 minutes is such an achievement and running slow is an even bigger achievement. It's hard to pull it right back but it does pay off. Try having half a banana before your run and see if that helps. I run first thing. I have a cup of green tea and then go. I've tried eating and it just makes me feel sick during the run. I also feel sluggish if I have to run later in the day for any reason. The thing that makes the most difference is making sure you're well hydrated. Not while you run but the day before your run and through the day after your run. I find this the thing that influences my run the most. It's all about trying different things and seeing what works best for you.🤔 You are unique no one else is comparable. Find your path and stick to it. You've got this 👍👍

KimberlyAubree profile image
KimberlyAubree in reply to Allbarron

Yes I’m same banana and green tea before I go and water through out I can’t go out after 8am or I feel rough I like to hey up and go as well thank you

Jcksam profile image
Jcksam in reply to KimberlyAubree

I like to have the other 1/2 banana when I get back in along with some watermelon from the fridge, it’s so cold and refreshing.

Jcksam profile image
Jcksam

For the first time i had 1/2 a banana half an hour before my run this evening W3R1 and I surprised myself how much energy I had in reserve.

Sdoog40 profile image
Sdoog40Graduate

I used to think I needed to eat. How would I have the energy if not? I’ve come to realise that it doesn’t matter. I started again and have realised that for the majority of the programme I have needed to change my mental attitude and then persevere with each run. If I didn’t complete a run I would go back out the next time and repeat it until I did. Everyone said slow down and I thought if I slow down I’d stop! But I’ve somehow managed to slow down and I’ve noticed a difference. I’m seeing progress and super proud of myself. I will complete this and so can you.

KimberlyAubree profile image
KimberlyAubree in reply to Sdoog40

Ah thank you I’m hoping to for myself and fact that il feel better after giving birth I feel a little bit of me again !

Good luck also

BexJogs profile image
BexJogsGraduate

Hello! First, brilliant that you're doing this! 3 min is no mean feat and you should be proud of yourself. Second, absolutely agree with the comments you've already received: slow down, and then slow down again. It's not better to go faster: slower running builds stamina and will help you in the later weeks! I also found that drinking enough water the day before the running days was the absolute key for me. Try to always have a glass of water beside you and you'll drink more without even realising it! Chugging a pint before you set off won't make up for a day of not drinking enough before - I learned that the hard way! I also tend to have a very small glass of milk and a couple of nuts half an hour before I set off for my morning runs. I think it's fine to go on an empty stomach but psychologically I prefer to have had something. I much prefer going 1st thing: it's quieter outside and you haven't had time to make any excuses up...!! Good luck with your running journey and keep posting here so we can all cheer you on!

KimberlyAubree profile image
KimberlyAubree in reply to BexJogs

Ah thank you I went pm today and deffo prefer first thing when no cars or people around lol I deffo also prefer before I’ve eaten anything meals I got my first stitch today as I did a pm run and I don’t want one of those again lol

Thank you for tips will keep u posted 🤞🏽

scubasmiff profile image
scubasmiff

Trust the plan, 5 mins might look daunting but everything you are doing this week is preparing your body for it. If you need to repeat a run or a week it's no big deal, the sense of achievement you feel whenever you make that next increase in time makes it all worthwhile.

Keep it slow, don't race, I know it's hard when people go running past (my wife and I call them flouncers), just remember they've been running for a lot longer than you. The only person you need to beat and impress is you, you got this, you will do it.

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