Week 4 - I can't do this!

[Wheel_chubs]

Yesterday I did week 4 run 1 - OMG I just can't see that I'll ever be able to run for the 5 mins.

Last week I struggled with the 3 minute runs, sometimes having to fast walk at the same speed as I run (I'm on a treadmill), but sometimes managing the 3 mins.

Yesterday I struggled with the 3 min runs and just impossible to do the 5 mins - I can't see me getting through it.

Do I need to keep doing week 3 until I can run for all of the 3 min runs, then go on to week 4? I really don't want to go backwards as this is my 3rd time doing C25K and I don't think I've ever got past week 3 (due to injury & broken treadmill ) - it's so disheartening to think of going backwards.

I'm already going slow, but tried it a little bit slower, any slower than that and I just cannot "run" it will be a definite walk.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

It is always possible to go slower. Many people have to jog slower than they can walk. It is an action, not a pace..... ...it is possible to run on the spot, so forget about covering ground.

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.

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

YOU CAN DO THIS............. slowly.

Enjoy your journey.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Gently, gently, and take tiny steps. As Iannoda says you could do a run while gently running on the spot, it’s the action that counts.