Confused at week 6...

[Ianb250164]

I am now about to go to week 6 , run 1. I am confused as to why I am now running at 20 minutes solid, (unbelievable by the way as I had never run until January this year), why am I hearing that I will run for I think 8 mins and then walk... It feels like a step backward.... Appreciate thoughts from those who have done.....

[bizzyb Graduate]

Week 5 is a big jump to 20 minutes, week 6 consolidates that by giving you a bit of a rest but still has chunky intervals of 8 minutes running. It seemed strange to read it on the page but made sense out running it on the road. Good luck with week 6

[Deryn61 Graduate]

When you graduate and start following another plan you will find it wont be a constant gradual increase in mileage/time to run. All I know is . . it works!

[shelleymcb Graduate]

I think its done like this to stop you getting too confident & ending up with an injury which is easy to do if you up the distance or speed too quickly.

some of us found week 6 run 1 very difficult after running 20mins solid? which doesnt make any sense either!

[Ianb250164 Graduate]

Thanks BizzyB.... I have always made sure that I can complete all runs before moving forward, so. Have actually been running now for 11 weeks, but only now about to move to week 6. As example have now done wk 5 r3 four times in total, so I guess that is why I am struggling in the thought of taking a break in the run... Giving thought to doing the w5R3 run again and then going straight to the 25 minute run as in w6..........

[henrietta Graduate]

No I wouldn't advise that. Your legs have taken a hit with that 20 min run and the next 2 interval runs really prepare you for the 25 min run. I am speaking g as someone who has tried in the past to start running only to give up injured after a few weeks to having a go again now following the plan and I'm on W9.

[sfb350 Graduate]

I found W5R3 a real joy and then struggled through week 6 - I think perhaps it allows for a bit of recovery from the unaccustomed 20 minute run. And/or keeping a bit in reserve for week 7, maybe ?

[Ianb250164 Graduate]

Thanks for all tips so far guys... Will heed the avice and thank you all again....

[Ianb250164 Graduate]

Have tonight followed all tips and completed W6, run 1. Boy that was hard but incredible. Would never have believed that walking in the middle of running again would be difficult, but it was.. Thanks for all tips. Rest day tomoz and then R2..... Keep on running!