Unsure I can achieve 8m non stop

[Majic30]

So I’ve started week 5 this morning... felt energised all day. But I’m unsure if I will maintain an 8min run next... I struggled with the last minute earlier today of 5m to virtually a snails pace! ... wondering if I should repeat other weeks? Or carry on with the program?

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

If you completed this one you can do the next, a lot of c25k is the games your mind play, those gremlins that tell you you can’t are a pesky part of running, try and slow down some more take nice deep breaths put on your favourite music and look around you as you run, good luck and let us know how you get on mHaving said all that if you can’t complete any of the runs take a rest day or two and try again

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

Follow the link in the guide to the post about mental approach, it may help.

Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden]

You can do it, all you need to do is slow down. Instead of having to slow down to a snails pace, run at a snails pace to begin with.Every run you do sets you up for the next one. Read all the very helpful information, put your positive head on and enjoy your next run x

[Roxy52 Graduate]

If I am not happy with a run I repeat it until I am then move on I repeated on week 4 and week 7 although they say as long as you run it doesn’t matter how slow xx make sure you hydrate well before going out x it makes a huge difference . Let us know how you go on your next run x

[nowster Graduate]

Another thing is that you are allowed more than one rest day if you need it.

[limu_mu Graduate]

You can do this!!!! One of the biggest challenges of C25k is taking it easy and silencing those gremlins that keep saying no... you got this! 🏃🏃‍♂️

[Rennur Graduate]

It's all in the mind you know, as they used to say on The Goons Show. Banish those gremlins. As for the physical aspect: Going slow is the best advice. Taking an extra day's rest can do wonders. It's not cheating if you have an 8 or even a 9 day "week." Your body is only just getting used to your new lifestyle choice.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

All the repeats you need are built into the programme already - any more doesn't give you any more information or any more confidence.

[QuadroVEINia Graduate]

You definitely can. If you feel your need to repeat any week, you should, don’t put any pressure on yourself. Good luck! 👊🏽

[Hidden]

I was feeling the same way and have now decided not to look ahead at what’s coming next and to just press start on my app (I’m using 5k runner) and do as I’m told!

I am overweight, have back troubles and my ITB is not too happy at the moment but with a bit of encouragement from my husband (who despite being someone who can just chuck on some shoes and run 10k is being really supportive and coming too ❤️) I managed the 8 minutes. I’m not going to say it was easy, and I think I can walk quicker than I run but I did do it and felt amazing afterwards.

I’m sure you can too - good luck 😀

[Majic30]

I actually did it.... thought I was going to cave until I heard the bell saying half done!! I slowed down which really helped. It felt such an achievement x. Now getting the jitters about week 6 run 3 but il enjoy run 2 first..... never did I envisage getting this far but really chuffed I have