Hi all,
Newbie here (as in, I've just found this community)
Started the Couch25k a few weeks ago. Yesterday finished week 5 run 3 (the 20 minute one!)
I think I was more scared of it mentally rather than physically. I did finish it and I think I could have gone on for longer and I got faster towards the end.
My legs are feeling it today but really happy with the progress I've made.
On to week 6 starting tomorrow
Fantastic! That’s such a milestone run and you’re right-mentally it’s a step up but you’re physically ready for it, as you just proved to yourself! Keep stretching those legs, and if you can fit in a gentle walk, or swim, or any non impact way to move today that will help them recover. Maybe you got a little over excited at the end! Finishing feeling like you could have gone further is a great place to be.
It’s probably worth a browse through the programme guide for some hints and tips. Glad you found us and looking forward to hearing how you get on with the final weeks of the program. Just one small piece of advice-week 6 sometimes catches people out when they see its intervals again and set off a little fast. Keep it steady and you’ll have a lovely set of runs. 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Oh well done; that 20 minutes is so scary and such an achievement. Great advice from MissUnderstanding
I think it’s the run that worries more runners than any other because it does look like a big jump. There’s a nice post in the FAQs explaining that it isn’t physically a big step-it just looks like it. That helps many to feel more confident and able to tell themselves they’re ready.
Here in case anyone wants it…
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Running is so much of a mental game that the programme is also teaching you how to get through runs that make you doubt yourself and whether you’ve got the ability to get to the end. That feeling of achievement is just golden when you finish. My absolute favourite run on the whole programme!
It’s great to look back on that run isn’t it! How far you getting on at the moment Languid_Lil ?
All good thanks MissUnderstanding - up to the 45 minutes now but I can't do a park run (busy on Saturdays) until the first one in March which is my plan. Thanks for asking xxx
Ah fantastic! That’s great to hear! ❤️
I'll bet you set off too fast on your first one. I did. I was swept along by the others and didn't realise I was going much too hard until I ran out of puff about three quarters of the way round and had to walk a section.
Well done! That one is a mental challenge. Your body's ready but you can't believe you are.
Watch out for the Week 6 runs. They stretch out the overall session length again. Make sure you don't set off too quickly with your new-found confidence, otherwise you'll find you're struggling to finish.
Week 5 run 3 is my run tomorrow- not looking forward to running continuously for 20 mins, but will give it a go!
That’s a great way to approach …just give it a go! You’re ready. 💪🏃♀️
Well, great to have you on board. You have definitely done the right thing in joining this group. The people are wonderfully supportive and encouraging, and give some really sound advice. They definitely got me through the nine weeks. Good luck 😊
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newbie here!
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Newbie: Anxious about Week 5
