Struggling in Week 5

[King88]

Hello all,

having never ran before, I decided to join up for C25K. I’ve been really consistent with the runs, really disciplined and having a rest day or two between each run. I’ve managed run 1 and run 2 of week 5 easily enough.

I tried to complete run 3 on Friday and just hit a wall, couldn’t get past ten minutes without walking. I tried again today, and hit about 14 minutes before I had to stop - I was losing my breath and my legs had cramped up.

I was quite prepared for both runs - I had eaten healthy carbs, had an electrolyte, stretched and did the warm up walk, I just couldn’t get the full 20 minutes done.

Do you think I should pause the programme and spend a week or two running to get that 20 minute goal? And then once I can do that consistently go back and pick up week 6?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi  King88 …absolutely smashing the plan so far I see??? And enjoying it, preparing for it and doing a fab job at it…I bet you peeped after W5r2 to see what your next run was didn’t you??? And you immediately thought “I can’t do that!! I can’t run all that time, 20 minutes is ages!!!” Admit it, you did don’t you? We all do it so you’re not alone…but in my humble opinion your barrier was in your head not your legs…for some reason everyone dreads that run…but it’s just a run…your body has been preparing for this for the last 5 weeks…you've completed the first two runs of week 5 so there’s no need to repeat…you are STRONG…you are a runner now…go for run 3 again & start MEGA slow…& you’ll be amazed what you achieve…good luck…& let me know how you get on…YOUVE GOT THIS !!

If you haven’t read this already, here’s a link that might help

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[King88 in reply to Mummycav]

Thank you so much! This is lovely and reassuring and helpful x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to King88]

All the things we hope to be x

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi  King88 , no I don't think you should pause the programme, nor start re-jigging it.

Instead I'd suggest you read the post from   Mummycav and also this link: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

As it explains, you've already done the longest week 5 sessions, and you're physically already prepared for the third run. The challenge tends to be in getting your head round it. The trick that I use for runs I find challenging is to break them down mentally into do-able chunks, each no longer than the preceding one. So for 20 minutes you could do 10 + 6 + 3 + 1.

Other thought: since you mention that you're out of breath and getting cramped legs, it might well help if you slow down.

Given that you're already into electrolytes and healthy carbs I assume you're already well-informed about hydration, but you might find this post interesting anyway: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Happy running!

[King88 in reply to Cmoi]

Thank you! Some brilliant advice in here x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I've tagged you in a Strength and Flex post... maybe take a look and see it there are any leg exercises on S and F which could help you

Well done you!