Struggling With Week 3

[hyanddl]

Hi, I'm new to the program and have a question. I just finished Week 3 Day 3 of the program and on the tail end of the second 3 minute run I am pretty tired. I can finish it, but it's a struggle. I'm wondering if I should keep repeating this step before moving onto Week 4 or should I just move on? I've looked at Week 4 and I'm not positive I can do it at this point. I'm weighing two options,

1. If I should just keep repeating Week 3 until I comfortably do it w/o any struggle.
2. If I should stay on Week 3, but ramp up the days to 4-5 days a week instead of 3.

I'm male 35yo/5'8"-5'9"/137lbs.

 

Some background on my running "experience." I started running at the end of October to lose weight and didn't know anything so I figured I'd try 4mi everyday. This wasn't "running" fulltime because I couldn't, I walked and ran. It was working with running, quitting soda, and lowering my daily calories I was losing weight and gradually able to run more and more on my route until about 3 1/2 weeks when both knees were so sore it hurt to even walk. I visited RunnersWorld forums and they said I was trying to do too much too soon w/ no program and recommended C25K. I waited until my knees healed and started C25K and am 100% pain free, but as I mentioned above I'm struggling at the moment.

 

When I was "running" everyday I felt I was building my endurance much quicker than w/ the current 3 days a week intructions. I'm worried if I push it to more days the sore knees problem will come back so I'm stuck at which of the two options I should pursue.

 

Sorry for the long post, thanks for any help and advice!

[Guest Caz]

Have a go at week 4 if it's too hard repeat week 3.

You may be surprised though as my experience of this programme I get that feeling at the end of every stage.

[Guest Caz]

Sorry didn't answer you fully. If you want to train more then do but make sure you get at least 2 rest days a week. They're vital to your recovery and improvement.

I sometimes double train but if you're going to do that make sure you eat the extra you need or you'll burn out quite quickly.

[KellyAnn]

Hi Hyan,

 

Caz hit the nail on the head. Thanks Caz. I like to run no more than 4 days a week. I cross train the other days. I lift weights, interval training, etc.. That will definitely build up your endurance to be able to complete your runs. If you need to repeat weeks go right ahead. I will usually train with app for the 3 day and repeat the 3rd day or the first day of the next week. I love it that way. I always want 4 days.

 

Anyways. You are doing great. Proud of you. You can do it.