I did it!!
Last week, when I did W4, it was rough, and I wasn't sure if I should have repeated the week or continue. My legs would hurt, especially during the 5-minute segments, not to mention the lactic acid buildup in my shins and calves. While I wasn't out of breath, it was really getting me down with my legs being the limiting factor.
I have been incorporating some more exercises like dead bug, glutes bridges, calf raises and planks to help strengthen my core and legs, something I wish I had started earlier in the program, but everywhere suggested focusing on the running and avoiding making the off days into workout days, but I think they forget who might be doing the program as in often someone who is not only new to running but might not even be exercising at all.
I decided not to repeat week 4, as I saw a lot of people saying that week 4 was one of the hardest weeks and week 5 was easier, so I tried, and I definitely agree with that. Not only was I able to run at the pace I was running before week 4, but I was dreading the 5-minute segments and wasn't just waiting for them to be over; I was actually able to enjoy the run and not just endure it.
Sorry if this was a bit of rambling, but I'm just so happy.