Just got back from Week 6 Run 2...and like the previous one, it was a joyless slog. Even my music annoyed me...and I felt only a tiny flicker of satisfaction at having got through it. In all previous weeks I've loved the programme and been overjoyed to complete each run....I want that lovely feeling back please!
How can 2 x 10 minute runs with a 3 minute walk in the middle, be SO much harder than one 20 minute run...and feel so much less of an achievement?
Ah well - into a nice hot shower...and then onwards and upwards I guess.
🍏Sometimes going back to intervals after the euphoria of having run for 20mins seems almost like going back to square one…and as you say a bit of a slog! However they are very necessary runs to prepare your MIND and your body for the longer ones ahead. No matter how you felt, the amazing positive to take away, is that you completed them!! You are now fully prepared to take on 6:3. You will run this one as you did 5:3.. but you are physically & mentally stronger… Take it slowly, get into your rhythm and enjoy it!!! Let us know! Meantime enjoy your Sunday xx
You're not the first and are highly unlikely to be the last to find week 6 runs 1 and 2 a challenge Hidden . Maybe you set off a bit fast? Maybe you thought that having achieved 20 minutes non-stop would make everything that follows easy? Many of us have done that. We think that 2 lots of running for 10 minutes plus three minutes of walking will be a doddle, forgetting that 23 minutes is actually 15% more than 20 minutes.
You're physically well prepared for week 6 run 3 and the remainder of the programme. It's getting your head round the remaining runs that can prove interesting!
You’re ready! I totally get the “yikes” reaction. I really battle with it myself-still! Whenever I start a long run, I have to give myself options to stop (like-“I’ll just run for ten minutes and stop”, and then, “I’ll just get to halfway and then I can stop”, and then, “I’ll just do five minutes more and stop”…. Pretty much until “oh well, it’s only [however many] minutes to go and I’ve done that before so I can keep going to the end”!!). Running is such a mental game and you’ll come up with strategies to help you start and help you keep going through those “yikes” runs! Your body is there and you just need your head to catch up!
I recently posted about what I was thinking during each mile of my longer run…so many “yikes” moments!
I know it’s a longer distance, but my thoughts used to be so similar during couch to 5k-I can’t do it, it’s too far, I’ll just start and then stop, now I’ve started I can stop in a few minutes, oh I’m sort of nearly done now so I might as well keep going! I’m sharing so you can see even experienced (well, sort of!!) runners often feel just like you do.
Totally re-assuring! You make me think I can get this done.
The programme works so well. I remember feeling the same at the time - all those (few🤣) weeks ago! But your post is a very useful reminder of the importance and benefits of intervals as you (we/I) build up strength and stamina. I need to get back to doing some of that now. Well done for this - and good luck with the next run!
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Week 6 complete 
Anyone struggling with week 6?
Thanks folks for helping with the “dreaded” Week 6 
Week 6
