week 4 done and dusted.

[ChrisFroome1]

I have just completed week 4 of couch to 5 k and am progressing. When I start my run I find the first run a struggle, but as I get to the 2nd run it’s a bit easier, run 3 better still. Has anyone experienced this?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

Yes-this is entirely normal! It’s called the toxic ten. Your body warms up and gets used to the act of running. That takes a little while. It was a game changer for me-I often hate the first ten or so minutes and once I’m past that, I have a lovely time.

[ChrisFroome1 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for the advice, glad it’s not just me. Thanks again

[Instructor57 Graduate]

As MissUnderstanding has said , welcome to the toxic 10 .

You've got your body of the sofa or out of bed and made it run !

It can often take around 10 minutes for your body to catch up and regulate for what you have just made it do !

Enjoy the rest of the programme! 😊

[ChrisFroome1 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

A big thankyou for the advice! I’ll bear that in mind when I get to the , for me dreaded 20 minute run!

[Mummybear171923]

Have no advice but just want to say well done on completing week 4 🥳

[BR808 Graduate]

yes I’m the same, I didn’t know until reading the comments on this thread that it’s called the toxic ten! I thought it was just me! Interval one and a bit of 2 maybe tricky but then I start to enjoy it and feel like sometimes I could go on and on. Obviously I can’t YET, but I feel ok !

[Deej182]

Ah, see, this is interesting to hear! This isn't my experience but I have a weird (at least, I think it might be?) one of my own, which is: I find the stopping and starting quite difficult. The walking segments should help me catch my breath but, it's like, when I stop running, it's really hard to start again. I feel a bit better when I know I just have to keep going till the end, then I'm done for the day.

[ChrisFroome1 Graduate in reply to Deej182]

Thanks for your input. Didn’t realise there was so much to running, it really helps to hear how others are finding c25k. Good luck with your own journey.

[Deej182 in reply to ChrisFroome1]

Thank you! And you!

[Penwithpink Graduate]

I’m exactly the same - run 2 is easier and run 3 a pleasure but yes that first step up is hard!