Why do W6?

Kjphotography90

What is the point of Week 6....I finished W5D3 and have done one 15 minute run since then. I do NOT want to do week 6, I want to RUN. I don't want to stop and go back to 8 minutes. Ugh! HELP!! Help convince me that I need to do week 6!!!

lyttlewon

How do you feel when doing 8 minute runs? I absolutely needed week 6. Even though I did the 20 minute run I had to do week 6 twice to get to the 22 minute run. I just needed the endurance.

sheismith

I guess it depends on your fitness level. I also needed to repeat a few days after doing the 20-minute run. Personally, I just trusted the program as it was given to me. The runners who developed these program must know what they're doing. I've read too many comments about people who rush, do too much, or alter the program, and end up injured. I was afraid of injury so followed the program -- and the advice of others who said trust the program.

tinkermommc

I skipped W6D1 by mistake and I was fine. So if you feel up to it you can probably skip to D3 but maybe not. I agree with trusting the program, I just clicked the wrong day by mistake...oops!

jsidel126

I was doing the c25k workouts 6 days a week. The day after W5D3 20 min run was a diffcult to complete because I was stiff. An adhoc run that day and then I was back on schedule. If you don't need the shorter runs and feel comfortable with the longer runs, I would say go for it!

Kjphotography90

On my off days this weekend I ran several miles. I will continue with the program even though I don't FEEL like I need it, I could probably try to pick up my pace during the intervals. I am going to trust the program and before I know it, the intervals will be over anyway. Thanks for your thoughts guys!!

lovekohl

If you're already running several miles, perhaps you don't need the C25K program. I would look into other training programs like the 10k program outlined on the Cool Running site.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/145.shtml

Personally, I really needed week 6. It was nice to go back to working interval runs to build up more endurance. There are other parts of the program that I questioned, but I kept at it and I'm just starting week 9 this week. I'm signed up to run my first 5k race on Sunday, which will be my W9D3 workout.

TammiAcker

I just did w6d1 last night. I graduated the program last Nov and took a break from Running and focused on strength training and other cardio. I really missed the running so I started the program again. Could I have run for 20 min? Yes, but I know it's more for endurance. Doing the intervals is going to build you up. Not everyone is the same and progress the same. If you want to just run, then do it....? If you find it hard come back to this point and continue. The program is just some guidelines. You know you better than anyone.

kadinlucas

If you're already running several miles, perhaps you don't need the C25K program. I would look into other training programs like the 10k program outlined on the Cool Running site.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_4/145.shtml

Personally, I really needed week 6. It was nice to go back to working interval runs to build up more endurance. There are other parts of the program that I questioned, but I kept at it and I'm just starting week 9 this week. I'm signed up to run my first 5k race on Sunday, which will be my W9D3 workout.

I agree with this, it is meant for people coming from the couch who have never ran. Maybe you are a bit advanced for the program, especially if it is boring you. I just did W6D2 which is 10run, 3walk, 10run and I almost found it as hard as the 20min run straight as it was hard to start running for the second part...
The 20min run seemed like it was thrown in for a test to prove to yourself that the program has worked and you can run 20mins, then it gets back to increasing in intervals. But from now on it looks like my interval days are done..