Week 6 run 1

[Mikeyboy58]

Just been reading about how people found week 6 run 1 harder than week 5 run 3, glad it wasn't only me. Also encouraging to hear week 6 run 3 isn't as daunting as it sounds.

[Hidden]

I am sure some one will come on and explain the science, I'll just say: follow the programme, trust in it's magic and feel the joy!!

Every run that you complete takes you closer to graduation and the world of fun that lies beyond👍

[Mikeyboy58 in reply to Hidden]

After repeating the week 3 programme for four weeks as I didn't feel confident in my abilities to do the week 4 programme, I have learnt to trust the programme and stick to it.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to the forum Mikeyboy58 . You’ve done really well to get to week 6. I’m not sure it’s a particularly scientific explanation but I think the main reason people struggle is the massive high of week 5 run 3 leading to a little bit of overconfidence/over enthusiasm when it’s “just intervals” again. Lots go a bit fast and run out of puff. There’s still a lot of running in w6r1, and sometimes the walking break in the middle throws runners out of their rhythm. Keep it really steady for the next one and it might be a bit more comfortable. You might be glad to know that it’s the last one with a walking break.

There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.  Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping.  Most of us go too fast!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Really good luck for your next run and enjoy your rest day(s) 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

[Mikeyboy58 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for the information. I agree that run 3 week 5 does give you a buzz and I was certainly expecting to breeze through week 6 run 1. I didn't run too fast (something I was guilty of earlier in the programme) but I don't think the freezing temperatures helped. I'm out on run 2 of week 6 tomorrow night weather permitting, and then the daunting 25 minute run on Saturday.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Mikeyboy58]

It can definitely be harder in the cold-that could easily have affected how you felt as you were running. Psychologically that’s hard when you’re expecting it to be easy. Been there myself!

Perhaps if it’s still as cold tomorrow night, really focus on warming up for your run. A recent podcast I listened to suggested starting warming up indoors which I wish I’d thought of earlier! I’m assuming today is your rest day if you’re running tomorrow so enjoy staying warm.

[Missmeadow Graduate]

Well done for getting this far. I also did week 6 run 1 yesterday in freezing temperatures. Wish I’d gone out when the sun was still out. I am learning to trust the programme and my body. Hoping to get run 2 in tomorrow though not sure when I’ll be able to fit it in. I really enjoyed yesterday’s run as I can feel my fitness building. I used to run and am being reminded why I used to enjoy it so much. It’s so simple, pull on trainers and step outside.

[beggerbush]

Hi, i was on week 7 run 2 but missed a couple of weeks due to work/life pressures, went back to week 6 run 1 to work myself back to getting on track. Found it quite easy but worried that Christmas pressures will get in the way, but i'm determined to keep going.