Couch to 5k - anyone on week 3?

[AlexaShutUp]

Hello all, just wondering if there are any fellow C25kers at about the same stage as me in the process, who would appreciate some mutual encouragement?

I've completed the second run of week 3. Found it very hard but manageable - I'm very out of shape. Last run of week 3 tomorrow and I'm already feeling anxious about the significant step up next week.

Anyone else on week 3 as well? I could use a buddy. Any positive stories from others who have gone past this stage would be good - especially from those who started the programme when they were very unfit/overweight. The last time I tried to do c25k I gave up at the start of week 3 because it felt too overwhelming, but this time, I'm determined to push on through.

Any tips/encouragement/company welcome!

Completed w3r2 yesterday.

Well done @wizzler! And welcome @feelingsadtoday2021!

Just popped back to say that I have just completed run 1 of week 4. It was tough, especially that second five minute run, but I did manage to complete it - was dragging myself at the end and running very, very slowly, but I did it nonetheless. I hope it will get easier as the week progresses!

Well done* @Alexashutup* i think it's a big jump from w3 to w4... good job on completing it

Well done all!

I've just completed week 4 run 1 as well. Was very slow but I did run for the full times on all 4 intervals.

She did start talking about breathing but I just ignored her!

Well done @Solidaritea. I ignored the stuff about breathing as well - it took all my focus and effort to just keep my legs moving!

AlexaShutUp and Solidaritea I'm so glad its not just me ignoring the breathing advice!! I think I switched off two weeks ago when she said breath out for four and in for four and I just about passed out . It does make me smile when I hear "if you're struggling just go a little slower but keep running". if I go any slower I will be walking! But I completed wk4 r2 this morning!

It does make me smile when I hear "if you're struggling just go a little slower but keep running". if I go any slower I will be walking! But I completed wk4 r2 this morning!

Me too, @Blobby10. Tbh, if I went any slower, I'd probably be stationary!

Well done for completing Wk4 r2! That will be me tomorrow!

Just done week 4 run 2. Still really tough and still really slow, but I managed to keep running. Really pleased with myself!

I’m doing one more w3 run in the morning then braving w4 on Monday!

Laura's ace.

Yes @LOTM, she is. I'm a bit amazed that I have been able to keep up with the programme so far, tbh, but she is very encouraging!

Good luck for your run tomorrow morning @CarlottaValdez, I hope it goes well. Please let us know how you get on with Week 5 Run 1 when you get onto it!

Oops, sorry, week 4!

Oh no! You've all overtaken me! I'm competitive so maybe I'll drag myself out for a run tomorrow so I don't fall behind.

Week 4 run 3 completed despite a slight technical hitch which meant I walked for an extra six minutes at the start 😩😩I switched playlists and forgot the app pauses when you do that 😁

@Solidaritea - if it helps to motivate you, that's all good!

Well done @Blobby10 for completing week 4 with a bonus 6 minutes to boot! Will be interested to hear how you get on with the first run of week 5!

Rest day for me today, which I'm rather glad about!

I did another week 3 this morning so I’ve now done it 5 times. Going to brave week 4 on Monday!

The one that’s terrifying me is the 20 mins at the end of week 5! Seems impossible but I guess I’ll just keep trying to move along with the programme!

@CarlottaValdez I just finished week 4 and similarly concerned about ever being able to keep going for 20 minutes but then two weeks ago I didn't think I'd be able to keep going for 5 minutes ! Hopefully it will all be OK - so many people have succeeded with this programme it must be doable.

Yes that’s what I keep thinking - it works for lots of people doesn’t it?!

@CarlottaValdez and @Blobby10, I'm really worrying about that 20 minute run, too. It seems inconceivable to me that I could be running for 20 mins non-stop by the end of next week. However, I didn't think I could keep going for 5 mins before starting this week, so I'm trying to trust in the process. At the end of the day, if I have to stop after ten or fifteen minutes because I can't manage any more...I will have still managed to run for ten or fifteen minutes, which will be a huge achievement in itself. And if I don't make it through the whole 20 mins first time round, I will just keep trying till I do!

It's easy to want to keep repeating the more manageable runs until we feel "ready" for the longer ones, but actually, we won't know if we're "ready" unless we try. We might surprise ourselves! I am working on trying to lose my fear of failure so that I can just give it my best shot!

I think you’re absolutely right! I’m tempted to do week 3 for a third time but I should at least give week 4 a go!

I’ve just done week 5 run 1! It was tough and really slow but pleased I kept going through the runs. I always find the first run section the hardest but then carried on running after the last 5 minute run for an extra two minutes! The 20 minute run is closing in though 😬

Well done @Dancingalong! Especially for carrying on running at the end!

Week4 run1 done tonight. Am in a routine of running every other day now but I think it might be too snowy this week

Thanks @AlexaShutUp

Well done @wizzler. We have snow forecast too, really hoping to keep up the momentum. 🤞