Should I keep repeating or just move on?

[IdleThreat]

After the third run of week 2 I knew I wouldn't be able to move from 90 seconds to 3 minutes at a stretch so I did the week 2 run twice more, trying to add on 20 seconds or so each time. Then when I moved to week 3 I was able to do the 3 minutes (albeit not easily!). Now at the end of week 3 I'm confident I can't increase from 3 minutes to 5 minutes. Is it better to do the week 3 run a few more times, which is my inclination, or to plunge straight into week 4 and keep repeating each run until I achieve it? As background, I'm 62, have never run. I'm fit and well although a tad overweight and with very mild asthma (which doesn't require treatment) so I knew it wasn't going to be that quick or easy for me.

[Hidden]

Ahhh IdleThreat firstly look at what you've achieved 💪 another runner embarking on your idea dying-to-change is doing just as you're planning it's working for her, C25k is a plan tried and tested, but if you need to tweak it go for it, you're still running just making little adjustments for what suits you 👍

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lmc50. I'm surprised to find myself doing this!

[Hidden]

Do whatever feels right for you, maybe have a go at week 4 and see where it takes you 😁

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks - will let you know how I get on.

[nowster Graduate]

If you're struggling with Week 4, you could do the Week 3.5 that I put together for changing-woman :

5 mins warm up

3 mins jog

90 seconds walk

3 mins jog

90 seconds walk

3 mins jog

90 seconds walk

3 mins jog

5 mins cool down

That takes you from the 9 minutes of running in week 3, to 12 minutes, which is half way to the 16 minutes of running in week 4.

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to nowster]

Hhmm - this might be what I need. I've not been thinking about overall duration so far, just about whether I can manage each individual little run.

[changing-woman Graduate]

yes it is working... !

[changing-woman Graduate]

plus which each run is making you stronger...fitter....more stamina etc... thats every run...every single one...

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to changing-woman]

Great - that's very inspirational!

[Hidden in reply to changing-woman]

Look at you you're sounding more and more like a runner dying-to-change 👍

[Rising60 Graduate]

I have repeated each of weeks 3, 4, and the individual runs in week 5 until I've managed them, and then I've moved on. Yes, I've found it mentally tough not to see faster progress as other people seem to breeze through each week without any repeats, but I have also told myself each time that every bit of exercise must be better for me than none. It is true that slowing down helps you to get through the running session, so if you can do that, it should help. I find it extremely difficult to go more slowly - years of PE teachers expecting you to run as fast as you can have taken their toll.

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to Rising60]

Thanks - I have three contemporaries who've completed this since March which is what made me get up and have a go. But I honestly don't think it's possible to run any more slowly than I do already! I only have one speed and it's very slow.

[Rising60 Graduate in reply to IdleThreat]

I totally understand, and found it very annoying each time I posted about my troubles to be told again to go more slowly. I'm not sure what clicked for me in the end, but it did (I think), and I found the right rhythm. Good luck!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is nothing wrong with repeating any run or week but how do you know that you will not be able to manage the next challenge until you try?Self belief is all and what is the worst that can happen if you do not fully complete any session? As someone who first did C25K over seven years ago, I can tell you that I repeat runs on a regular basis, but I believe I can accomplish them before I start.

This post about mental approach may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Have you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which is full of tips?

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I guess I'm worried I'll be discouraged if I don't finish the run as per the programme. But yes, I need to give it a try. Thanks for the links.

[Hidden]

Try the next run IdleThreat, you might surprise yourself. If you can't complete W4R1, treat that run as a practice run for week 4 and repeat until you have got it. I always think it is better to move on to the next step than repeating a run you already know you can do. Saying that, nowster's plan seems a happy half-way house and will help boost your confidence. Believe in yourself. You can do this.

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks, that's very encouraging.

[Rennur Graduate]

Whatever works for you. But my maxim is that it sometimes is physical but usually it is a mental thing.As per "The Goons Show," "It's all in the mind you know."

[IdleThreat Graduate in reply to Rennur]

Yes, I'd thought it was entirely physical but maybe it's not....

[Hidden in reply to IdleThreat]

She/he who dares wins 😉 believe in yourself 😃