Wk5r3 anxiety creeping in: How on earth did you... - Couch to 5K

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Wk5r3 anxiety creeping in

RunNewForestRun profile image
RunNewForestRunGraduate
10 Replies

How on earth did you make the leap? Did Wk4R1 this morning - not too bad, but a noticeable step up in gear. I was planning my next few runs around work commitments and my camping holiday to Eype near Bridport which starts on Friday.

Not only does the weather look awful, I was slightly panicked by what should be my last run when I am away.....20 mins non stop. Whilst I’ve not needed to stop and walk yet, this still sounds so unachievable and the self-doubt is creeping in. I’m a firm believer that a key to success with this programme must be a positive mental attitude....any tips on ensuring I approach WK5 with the right frame of mind?

As an aside, I’m reading ‘Run Like A Girl’ which is absolutely fab! Thoroughly recommend it.

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RunNewForestRun profile image
RunNewForestRun
Graduate
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10 Replies
J111eth profile image
J111eth

I graduated a few weeks ago, I had never run before not even at school, others on here will tell you the same the programme prepares your body, you just have to believe in yourself, you really have got this and the jubilation you will feel once you’ve done it will put you on a high for days. You’ve got this far you can do it 😊

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

Seriously, don't look ahead and scare yourself. Get through Week 4 first. Take it one day at a time.

You will surprise yourself. Trust the programme.

I finished Wk4 on Saturday - if you can get through Wk4R1 then you can do Wk4. Wk5 comes after that but you’ll be ready by then. Am onto Wk5 R1 today!

Plattszo profile image
PlattszoGraduate

Hi there. I graduated 2 weeks ago and this run filled me with all the concerns you describe.

My advice is to trust in the program and believe in yourself. You can do this! The coaching is great, listen to what they say...

I tackled this by thinking, well, I've already done 10 minutes, I can do that. When I get to 10 minutes I will push on and see what I can achieve.

On the actual day, I got to 12.5 minutes (I was clocking watching a lot) then challenged myself to 15 minutes. Once I got to 15 minutes I didn't want to let go of that so pushed to 20 minutes. I think I started to count down the numbers rather than count up...

Whichever way you tackle it, believe you can do it. It is tried and tested and everything you have done leading up to this run gets you ready.

All the best! Will look out for your post-run post!

girlsjustwannarun profile image
girlsjustwannarunGraduate

Trust me when I say even when I got to W5R1, and I was struggling after doing 3 sets of 5 minutes, I thought not a chance in hell will I achieve 20 minutes!! But change your mindset, know that the program will have prepared you for this moment and it is achievable! Once I did W5R2, and realised how I actually relaxed into the run better when it was longer and wasn’t clock watching so much, I really began to believe it was doable! So keep doing what your doing, take it slow, and you will do this!

Tinytears60 profile image
Tinytears60Graduate

Hi there - I graduated a few weeks ago and I was the same... in fact my first post was titled ‘W5R3 can I do it?’

I really let it get in my head and become my nemesis BUT there was no need ... so learn from silly me!

Read my post... it was actually and very surprisingly one of my most comfortable runs!

All this coming from someone who struggled after 20 seconds of the 60 second runs of week 1....

this is a magical little plan that prepares you without you even realising!

Don’t doubt yourself! Anybody that does week 1 is amazing ... and you’re on weeks

4/5

My advice is to post after every run- the people on here get you thru! Their support is as important as the running itself!

Go slow slow slow! I thought I was going slow but I was still too fast! 🙈 (see video link)

youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE

ORA21 profile image
ORA21Graduate

I finished week 5 not so long ago and I was similarly intimidated by the 20 min run. I decided to take the “week” very slowly, so I completed run 1 and 2 twice before moving onto the 3rd, so I effectively did a week 5 fortnight 😄 This built up my confidence and made the leap to run 3 seem less overwhelming. I’m now happily onto week 6 and I promise that you’re getting stronger all the time, you can definitely do this!! Plus, if you haven’t already, get yourself a hype playlist to listen to: I’m currently loving the old skool 90’s jams and time flies by!

RunNewForestRun profile image
RunNewForestRunGraduate in reply to ORA21

I have the Run & Bass playlist from Spotify. I can’t run without music!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Firstly don't worry about any run.........it is a training plan not the Spanish Inquisition.

In respect of W5 this breakdown may help allay your fears healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy the journey.

RunNewForestRun profile image
RunNewForestRunGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you, I love this post!

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