W4R3..to repeate or not???

[SKessex78]

hi all, to all you runners who repeated weeks, what do you feel you gained from it? Are you glad you repeated? I have just finished W4R3 and although I did complete it, I was gasping and found it very difficult. I don't know whether to repeate the week or just push on with week 5????

[boudicca Graduate]

I'm having similar thoughts - totally failed W4R1 but have now done two W4 runs successfully. Can't make up my mind whether this means I've done the week and should move on or whether I have simply repeated the failed R1 and so still have R3 to do.

[mattaitch Graduate]

I would push on, you might surprise yourself and if you do struggle, then go back and do W4R3.

[happierswimming Graduate]

boudicca, since the week 4 runs are all the same, it's best to get 3 completed ones done before you go on. But SKessex, if you completed all the runs, no matter how slowly, you will be able to do the next week. Just take things slowly. It's quite usual for people to need to go more slowly as the runs get longer, but the main thing is to complete the podcast time and you can build up your speed after graduation

[Skandia Graduate]

Hi I repeated several weeks after failing a run (I did week 4 four times! I just couldn't get it) really glad I did as I felt more confident moving on to week 5 and breezed through it. I'm now stuck again at week 6 run 3 which I have tried seven times and failed each. No shame in repeating weeks as long as it reach you goal eventually. Good Luck (I certainly need it)

[mcc65 Graduate]

Hi SKessex, funnily enough I posted exactly the same question in a blog the other week when I got to the end of W4 and felt I was nowhere near ready to take what seems like a huge leap into W5. Loads of people were kind enough to respond and all advised me to push on and see what happened.

So I did, and surprise, surprise I managed the 3 runs straight off the bat.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against repeating weeks - I mean I was so bad when I started that I had to repeat W1, but as Laura says in one of the podcasts this stage of the programme is about mental strength as much as physical strength, it is about having faith in the programme and yourself - yes I know, it sounds like a load of hogwash, but it really does work.

My advice would be to push on if you can, the sense of achievement when you finish R3 is so worth it :o)

[subhyst]

Hi

I've repeated runs in week 1, 2 & 3 mainly due to interruptions and lifestyle, but I did it knowing it was still doing me good and that I would push on.

So if it feels right for you repeat your last run and then move on well do so, it's a good reminder that you are ready to move on as it just gets easier each time.

You know your own body better than anyone, so listen to it but keep the final goal insight it's all about finishing the 30 minutes and/or 5k not the 9 weeks. good luck

[boudicca Graduate]

Update: Having havered about whether to repeat a W4 run, I pushed on and did W5R1 tonight. It wasn't exactly easy but it was much, much better than I expected and I totally cracked it. .