Forum lurker here. I’ve just done W5R2 and like a lot of people on here I’m feeling nervous about W5R3. I’ve read the posts though so I know it’s a mental battle.
On my run today (R2) I found the first 8 minutes okay and after about 2 mins rest I thought I was ready to run again. I didn’t, I took the full 5 min rest.
On the last 8 min run I struggled though. I don’t know whether that’s because it’s slightly uphill and I tend to unconsciously run a bit faster to compensate, or if it’s just mental. Does anyone else have this problem with the second / last run? Does anyone have any tips?
Thanks ☺️
Update: I did it!!
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ClareT89
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Just follow the plan as laid out and run at an easy conversational pace, as recommended in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and it will all fall into place.
Hello ClareT89. I'm in a similar place on the programme as you having ratcheted up and down a bit since initially starting C25K last September, I re-ran W5 R2 successfully on Monday. I always find the first run to be my problem and think this must be because despite having a (slow) metronome beat in my ear, I start off too quickly, but the other problem I have is the 'nagging doubts'. If I don't think I can do something I soon prove myself right by not being able to do it! I listen to comedy podcasts to take my mind off the time I have to run, so would suggest that you find yourself some sort of distraction, plus that you follw the often repeated advice of 'just trusting the programme, every run prepares you for the next one' and most importantly to 'slow down, and then slow down some more'. All being well if you can do this, and believe in yourself you will be fine and will rattle through the rest of week 5 and beyond. I hope that it all goes well for you and look forward to hearing all about how it goes!
Thanks, I have an audiobook on in the background otherwise I wouldn’t manage it 😂 I’m going as slow as I can without walking I think, the nagging doubts get a stern talking to from the other side of my brain “no shut up, you can do it” haha!!
Take it slowly, if it gets hard, slow down even more!
Concentrate on finishing the session, don't worry about the speed.
Try to distract your mind, I use a mix of new and old music on my phone that sends my mind off remembering good times etc instead of thinking "oh how much further?"
You'll manage it, trust the plan, you will be smiling so much afterwards!
I've got run 3 of week 5 tomorrow and after all that's going on in the world right now I'm looking forward to the distraction. I'm sure my running speed is slower than my walking 😊 I distract myself by looking at what's going on around me, I'm lucky that some of my route is in countryside so I try to spot wildlife as I go. Good luck with run 3.
I have just done day 2 of week 5 yesterday and found the last bit a struggle. I was blowing at the end of it and didn't feel like I was barely running. I checked my split times and it was my slowest time out.
It's almost like this week they forgot there are 9 weeks in total and are trying to shove a load more in!!
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Whoopadeedoo! Week 5 Run 2! 
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LET WEEK 5 COMMENCE !
Woohoo! Started week 5!!!!
