Couch to 5k dread lol

[Lil_legs]

Hi all, just about to start week 4 and dreading it... Had a look at week 5 too... That last run on week 5. Cannot imagine running for 20 mins yikes!!

[Lindsey1097 Graduate]

Please don't dread it... Trust that by the time you are on that run, you will have progressed no end and you will be ready. It is a tried and tested programme and I thought the same, but I did it.I'm about to start week 9 which is 30 mins runs. 9 weeks ago, I couldn't imagine being where I am now and I struggled to run 60 seconds.

Stay positive, keep posting here with your progress and for support and most importantly go slowly. No slow is too slow, just keep going. You can do it 🤩🤩🤩

Good luck 🍀🍀🍀🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

[Lil_legs in reply to Lindsey1097]

Thanks so much for your encouragement!! Well done you! Did you ever have to redo any weeks when you were working through them? X

[Lindsey1097 Graduate in reply to Lil_legs]

Luckily I haven't felt like I've needed to repeat any weeks but there is definitely no shame in doing so. It depends on your circumstances I guess. What I do know for sure is that before I found this forum, which was actually week 4 for me too, I was trying to run far too fast. I would most certainly have given up and/or failed if I hadn't had such support. Also, the sound advice to slow down, drink plenty of water even on non running days, take rest days and stay positive. Good luck, happy running 🤩🏃🏼‍♀️

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well doneb on your progress.

This post about mental approach may help you get it all into perspective healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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

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.

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[YellowBee2 Graduate]

I completely understand how you feel - I am the same when it comes to my runs even though I’ve completed the programme! I’ll share some advice that I was given on here, which is to take your time - don’t try and run too fast (try and say a sentence out loud to help you). I think it’s the thought of the pain/breathlessness that gives us the anxiety but you’ll get through it 💪🏾 You’ve come so far, try and enjoy it AND it’s okay if you have to stop, you can always try again ☺️ Good luck!

[Hidden]

Guess what Lil_legs ?????

Did ya guess?

You can do this, the plan has built you up you're ready! Probably more than you realize. Take it slow, if necessary slower than you've ran previously. You'll feel brilliant when you hear you're in the last section and you've got that extra gear left🙂 looking forward to hearing you did it!!!

[drun]

Good advice on here Lil_legs we've all been there - when I started I couldn't imagine running for 25 minutes, I did it. Just keep following C25K and read all the advice given on here, be patient and you WILL succeed. Well done for what you have achieved so far.

[run_rabbit63]

I have just completed the 20min run and actually found it the easiest one I've done. I had dreaded it and actually repeated run 2 several times before plucking up the courage. Slow and steady and plenty of hydration for all the runs. Trust the programme 🏃‍♂️

[Frenc Graduate]

Hello Lil_legs! I know what you mean, I looked ahead to those longer runs and thought they want me to run for how long, are they mad?! But as others have said, it’s so well designed you should smash it. You will have done all the ground work leading up to it. Just go s.l.o.w. and you’ll be absolutely fine 🏃‍♀️😀

[Snail50 Graduate]

Hi I too was dreading the week 4 run 1 but did it yesterday and although it was a little tough I just ran very very slowly. I made it and was on a total high when I got home. I can't believe I ran for a total of 16 mins! Of course I'm now dreading week.5, but I have to put my faith in the programme. I'm finding the calf/shin ache is the worst aspect but I think they are getting stronger.

[Zenta Graduate]

I almost graduated in the first lockdown (seems so long ago), but then ground to a halt. I started again from scratch and today completed wk 4 run 3, I'm actually looking forward to week 5 as I've done it before and I know that I will be able to do it again! I'm never going to be a fast runner, but at least I am getting fitter, which was my reason for doing it. Stick with the plan and you will be fine.

[61happy in reply to Zenta]

I'm the same got to week 5 and then had to stop because if work so aiming to start again. As you get to each week its amazing you just feel ready for next step.

[silly-socks]

I felt the same and started it to find it mentally difficult to get through the runs as I had convinced myself I couldn't do it.

What helped me was to switch from listening to music to listening to comedy podcasts. I was so engaged with the podcasts that I didn't notice how long I'd been running. It also helped me keep my pace nice and slow as there was no beat to sync with.

[Lil_legs in reply to silly-socks]

Such a good idea!! I'm going to try that! X

[Suzie123bar]

It's the middle run on week 5. I completed yesterday .. N I did it... can't believe it .. couldn't run a mere minute when I started .. you'll be fine slow jogging .. you'll smash it x