Should I go back a week?

[Grex]

Unfortunately due to both the bad weather and work I had ten days between finishing week 3, and starting week 4. I really tried but after a long day at work I could only manage four three minute runs instead of the two three minutes and two five minutes. This is still more than week 3, but do I go back a week and re complete week 3 or just continue with w4 r1 until I can complete? Really unsure what to do 😞

[Rennur Graduate]

Maybe just do one run of week 3 or twice at most. Ten days is not a huge gap but you have only just started. See how it feels.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As stated in the guide to the plan, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you lose no significant condition in the first two weeks of non running.

After that loss of condition is gradual.

All any of us can do after a lay off is to go out and see what we can comfortably manage, then build back up gently, using C25k or something similar as a guide to weekly increase.

Being tired after a long day at work is more likely the cause. This post explores some of the factors that impact on your performance healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Repeat the session you are on until you can complete it successfully (and then you have another two goes with it) Everyone has at least one rough run in the programme I think and one of the beauties of it is the structure so you don't overreact. In your case you can clearly identify that you had an unusual challenge against you.Going back a week won't give you any useful information, although it is all getting out there. What is worth doing is trying to optimise your next outing in terms of what you already know works for you (timing, food, hydration, clothing, whatever) and avoid negative associations with a particular route.

[Diabeticdaddy Graduate]

Personally I would just do the week again. No need to go back as you’ve already completed those runs.