Anyone else struggle with week 6?

[Keepgoing3030]

I was so pleased with my 20min w5r3 , I think I managed it fairly well but the w6 r1&2 I’ve really struggled with. I’m planning my w6r1 tomorrow and Its the first run that Ive been quite nervous about! Must be part of the program to build up stamina or maybe Ive up’d my pace without realising and need to slow it down a bit? Whats everyone else’s thoughts on week 5/6? 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.W6R1 catches out more people than any other run in the plan.

If any run is tough, just slow down.

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.

You might benefit from following the link in the guide to the post about mental approach.

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[Keepgoing3030 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! Will be sure to have a read and act upon any advice!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Week 6 catches a lot of people out, it’s longer than week 5 and because you’ve run for 20 minutes your head tells you intervals will be easy Just read the guide and take it slow and you will surprise yourself

[Plattszo Graduate]

Hi!

Week 6 can be quite tricky.... full of confidence from smashing the 20 minutes non stop run, you can head into the w6r1 a little too gung-ho.

When you are running, just know that a few find it tricky but with determination you will get through it and are only a few runs away from graduation.

I think this is where the mental strength you have built up is there to carry your through! You can do it... the program is magic and has brought you to this place.

Believe!!!

[Lookslikejames Graduate]

It caught me out, as Plattszo has said above, I was brimming with confidence after week 5 and was knackered after the first run.

The key thing is to take it slow (which is pretty much the golden rule for everything running related) and know that your body can do it. You’ll smash it, and then you’ll be on your way to graduation 👩‍🎓 🏃‍♀️ 🥳

[Rennur Graduate]

Go slow. Simples. And believe in yourself.

[nowster Graduate]

Week 6 starts with less running than W5R3, but it's spread out over a longer time. This stretches your endurance. If you don't pace yourself you'll tire yourself out and not be able to complete. W6R2 has the same amount of running as W5R3, but spaced out.

[Chicky12]

Hi, I too struggled with week 6 run 1 and 2😂 but I listened to my body, gave it a couple of days rest, then went for it on run 3. 25 mins solid running! I haven’t done that since cross country at school, even then I probably walked😊 feel great too, so yes, keep going😎

[Chicky12 in reply to Chicky12]

And it was raining quite heavily, but after a shower and a brew, I’m good.

[Helentich]

Ooh I start Week 6 today!! I am 66 but their is life in the old dog yet!! ☺

[Gymbunny55 Graduate in reply to Helentich]

I am also 66 and graduated in July and still running three times a week so well done to us “oldies” xx

[Helentich in reply to Gymbunny55]

👏 👏

[Speedydonzalez Graduate]

I found w6 hard going, I repeated it twice just so I could get ready for w7, try not to think about the length of time and maybe change your route as I found that helped. I'm now on r3w9 so you can do it believe me, if I can anyone can! 😊

[Keepgoing3030 Graduate]

Thanks so much everyone for your support! Its so reassuring to hear that others have also felt like this at this stage. I’ll be tackling this run tonight with my dad (he’s 61) going slow and steady 👍🏼

[Dups Graduate]

As everyone has said , W6 can catch you out, but you can and will do it. The plan is great. It is as much about the mental attitude as well as the physical. Stay focused and the key is definitely slow and steady.

Good luck on your next run. Have a good one 💪

[Angielou]

I was ok on wk6 run 1 but run 2 yesterday was a shocker and I felt very disappointed with my performance. I Am 60 with no ACL on left leg, damaged medals and meniscus to both knees. I run on a treadmill incline 1 as suggested. I’ve always listened to Laura about not going too fast but reading others comments thought I must be going too slow- usually warm up walk 4.3-4.6 jog 4.9-5.3 depending how I’m feeling and length of run. This time warm up 4.9 and first 10 minutes at 5.6, 2nd 10 minutes had to drop down to 5.2. ☹️ Not sure whether to move on to run 3 or do run 2 again but slower.