Long Run all of a sudden

[saragriffo]

I was quite shocked to see how Week 5 Run 3 jumped to such a long Run, then after that it intervals out again. I don't think I can really run for that long, but will give it a go. Any ideas why it does this?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

The week 5 run 3 training session is actually I minute less than week 5 run 2 😁

[Ian5K Graduate]

Nobody here thinks they can run for that long but they all do. Statistically it’s a cert for you too then so don’t worry or overthink it. Take it slow and steady.

Interval training is good; maybe the question is why doesn’t it continue through weeks 7 and 8? 🙂

[GrimJard Graduate]

I did that run last week, and I felt like that too. But during the run I realized that every time I wanted to stop running it was just because I was feeling tired, and not because I couldn't continue. So I carried on and made it to the end of the 20 minutes. I'm sure you can too if I can, I was pretty inactive before I started this. The only thing I would do differently next time is to start a bit slower!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Yours is a very common reaction to W5R3. Before I make a longer post, a question for you.

C25K is 9 week program designed to get you running continuously (no breaks) for 30 minutes, 3 times in Week 9.

Get a pen & paper , sit yourself down and working backwards from Week 9, at point would you start those continuous runs and for how long? Is it Week 7? Or Week 6? Are they 15, 18, or 23 minutes OR something else? At point in the program do you ditch the walking breaks?

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

"I don't think I can really run for that long"

Do you mean right now or ever? I ask because you're doing the C25K program... are you aware of what the end goal is ?

Have no fear - your body is actually ready for this one, but your head tells you something else.

There's probably more posts about W5R3 than any other run. And for good reason, cos it's looks odd and scary at first. BUT... it isn't if you take a closer look at the program and how it works.

Just remember that as long as you don't have any limiting physical issues (e.g. clinical/morbid obesity) then *anyone* can complete C25K - it's not a physical test, but a mental one. Your mind ('gremlins') make you think you can't do it (or a certain run) when in fact your body is always ready and prepared for the next run (even W1R1).

[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.

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

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Hi there saragriffo.....yep know the feeling...20 mins does seem long time, I'm with you there. Every weeks seemed scary to me!!It's taken me 8 weeks to get to W5R3, after repeating weeks 3 & 4, and W5R2 twice. Today I ran W5R2 again and added an extra 5 mins because I convinced myself I wasn't ready for the 20 min run. Well that means I managed a total of 21 mins running....😁😁.... I'm going for the 20 mins on my next run👍👍👍 This is how I build up my confidence over the weeks. We've all just gotta do it at our own pace and in our own way... My aim is to run for 30 mins continuously ...I don't care how many weeks it takes me. We've come this far and so have many, many others.

" I don't think I can really run for that long, but will give it a go." Good on ya gal...give it a go. You haven't given up ..that's what's important. 👍👍👍🙋🙋