Getting tough now

[Time2Run]

So first post to this group wanted to get into the routine first, but today is week 5 run 3 - 20mins! This is going to be tough, I've run further than that before - last year with my Jog Scotland group but now I'm on my own and I think most I have done this year on my own is about 13mins in one go. I found last week pretty tough, my legs just want to give up after about 5 mins. I also find the music on the podcasts terrible! The song about cutting yourself open and bleeding does amuse me however!!! ha ha. I know if you have the app you can use your own music but I run with my mp3 player. Suppose a motivation to finish right there - to listen to my own music!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

This is the NHS C25K program, Jog Scotland has also got a C25K program as well, however, run 3 of week 5 are the same on both programs, take run 3 of week 5 slow and steady, once you have completed it you will be very proud of yourself, good luck.

[Time2Run in reply to AlMorr]

Yes I did the Jog Scotland last year with a group from work which stopped due to covid. I was running on my own over summer but totally lost my mojo and wasn't progressing so I decided to start from the beginning again with the C25K. It has been a lot more difficult on my own but I've completed every run so far just very slowly!!

[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...

Enjoy your journey.

[Time2Run in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi, yes I think I've read all the info but thanks for sharing. I do a pilates routine after each run for my stretching but I think I need to start adding something more to strengthen my legs as I feel like I'm dragging them!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Time2Run]

Heavy legs can be symptomatic of poor hydration. As a runner you need to drink a minimum of 2.5 -3 litres of fluid each and every day, running or not, as mentioned in the guide.

[LottieMW Graduate]

How did you get on? This is the week when I started listening to music to distract me 😄

[Time2Run in reply to LottieMW]

Hi, I did it! Admittedly very slowly almost more like power walking but I didn't stop. I was flagging by 10mins and found the next 5 really difficult but when Laura said there was only 5 to go I perked up a bit! Was thoroughly drained though, not sure how next week will go..... the first 2 I know I'll be able to do but after that all long runs!!! Hmmm.........

[LottieMW Graduate in reply to Time2Run]

Brilliant and well done Runner!

That’s how my head got through it...

I told myself that my brisk walks were as fast as my slow jogging...so I had done it already 😊🐌🐌🐌

If you read the posts, you’ll see that ironically a lot of people have problems with the intervals in W6. I did find W6R2 particularly hard (for various reasons).

From W6R3, it’s continuous running all the way...and somewhere in there your brain stops telling you it’s too much and you just do it! The programme works and trains you for the next run.

Have a little celebration and reflect on how far you have come! 🎉 🐌🐢🏃🏻‍♀️🍁🧡🍂

[Time2Run]

Yes I remember my trainer from Jog Scotland last year saying it doesn't even matter if my jogging is slower than my walking as long as I'm putting my body through the jogging motion which uses the whole body. So that's what I'm doing and people are walking faster than me 🤣 but if it helps me to get there....... love this time of year, fresh, perfect temperature for running, very pretty with all the colours so that's definitely helping 😀🍁🍂