worried about week 5

[kernow1]

Hi

Completed run 2 of week 4 and it was so difficult. I really don't think I can manage 8 minutes next week. Today i didn't think I could do 1 more step. Any advise welcome.

[rfawag]

The best thing is to give it a try. If you really find it tough, just repeat the previous week until you are comfortable to move on. You are doing this for YOU, nobody else so just go at your own pace. The very worst thing thing you can do is do something that might de-motivate you. See how you get on after run 3 of this week, you might have just been having an off day! Just remember this is not a race, you are doing this for your own reasons so take as steadily as you need to. Good luck, and keep on with c25k!

[Lifewithoutthecouch Graduate]

You CAN manage it! It seems daunting but I found that most of my fear or hesitation was in my head. As many others say- the training leading up to this point will help you to complete the runs and although you found the run difficult you are making progress fo well done. Pace yourself, don't go too fast and remember to breathe! Happy running.

[Chocotwit Graduate]

I totally agree, you're doing this for YOU and you don't have to justify yourself to anyone else. Listen to your body, while you are doing week 4 run 3. If you find it really tough, give week 4 another go. I took about 16 weeks to do the couch to 5k plan, and got there in the end. It's not a race, you are in charge

Having said that, you might find you surprise yourself. I think my big moments of self belief during the whole journey were all when I started out on something I didn't think I could do, and surprised myself by doing it.

(I had another one of those today, by the way!).

good luck

[zippyfeet Graduate]

I agree with the other comments here. Just give week 5 ago, as Laura says you will be ready for it physically but it will stretch you. I remember thinking at one time when I was really struggling - it may have been when the runs upped to 8 minutes - that if it was easy then it wouldn't be doing me any good and wouldn't be worth the effort. Somehow that gave me the pep up I needed. it's not supposed to be easy I tell myself each time - it's supposed to get this sad body that I've neglected and abused for 20 years into some sort of shape. My week 7 has been a killer but I'm determined to finish this programme - it's been very tough but it's also been life changing and the sense of well being and achievement I get is worth the stitch, sore limbs and the feeling that my lungs are bursting. Good luck - we know how you feel that's why this forum is so fab.

[meggyann Graduate]

I can only agree with everyone who has already answered your post!

Along the way when completing couch to 5k there was a lot of times when I started a podcast feeling like there was no way I could finish it, but then finding that physically I was able to, it's the mentality alot of the time because it's sometimes hard to believe that you are able to run for X amount of time, particularly if you've been a running-phobe your whole life like me!

Give it a go, don't put too much pressure on yourself, if you manage it then amazing and be proud but if not equally, don't beat yourself up, just repeat a couple of previous runs and see how you go

Hope the support from these forums help and good luck with your runs.

[kernow1]

Hi

Thank you so much. I think my breathing is the problem. I am going to work on that next run. I won't give up but as you said I can always repeat wk 4. It just seems to have suddenly jumped in time. Will let you know. I am 45 so should have started this 20 years ago. Better late than never though.Thanks again and good luck to you all with your runningx