How will I run for 20 minutes without having an initial 3 minute run first?

[lycranotlikely]

I've found that the first run is always tough but once it's over the rest follow with not too much of a struggle. My pace is snail like but....I keep going. But my next but one run is 20 minutes with no "first" run. How will I do that? Should I walk 5 minutes in my own time then use laura's five minute walk to run 3 and walk 2 before running 20? Or just trust in the program?

[Janeymiddlewife]

You will surprise yourself, I hadn't looked ahead so was very surprised when \laura informed me. Pace yourself slowish to start with, then you can either speed up or slow down accordingly. the last 2 minutes were hard, breathing was fine, but legs were struggling - it's really a mental thing as the first few weeks ramp up your fitness levels.

I guess it's a bit like anyone who runs half marathons is fit, so are those who run full marathons - you just train yourself stamina wise.

\you'll be fine, go for it!

[Olivia78]

Is it that you need the first run, or that you need the first 3 minutes? I tend to find that the first 5-10 minutes of any exercise is the hardest, then you hit the groove. So it might just be that you struggle a bit through the first 3 minutes of the run and then pick up without needing a walking break, if that makes sense?

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to Olivia78]

I need the first run. It's the worst. But I'm going to give it my best and hope!

[Caledonia Graduate]

I know what you mean! I trusted the program though. My first 3-5 minutes are always the worst, even now (week 9).

I just started off slow and steady for week5 run3. It was a bit tough at the beginning, but after the first few minutes I was fine and comfortable and 'hit the groove', as Olivia78 says.

It seems amazing, but the whole thing has been so well planned and it just works! Good luck with it and trust yourself, and Laura!

[lycranotlikely Graduate]

Thank you Caledonia. I'll just have to go with it I think and if it doesnt work keep trying! But I'm worried...which is silly I know when I'm not even running 3 till Wednesday.

[gdeann Graduate]

Trust in the program, go slow and KNOW you will conquer the dreaded 20! Has Laura failed you yet? All previous runs have prepared you, go for it! Gayle

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to gdeann]

OK You've been there so should kknow. I'll believe you. See this blog on Wednesday the 8th.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Just believe! And go slow and steady (of course! )

Nobody thinks they can do it, but they do. I was very scared of it, but it was ok!

Just keep going for the first half, and the second half is so much less scary. Really.

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Thank you greenlegs. I've taken your words to be right all the way through so far so I will go for it "slow and steady".

[DavD Graduate]

Trust the programme, you'll find that you can do it, just like all of us did before you!

All the previous weeks helped us to build stamina and endurance, so don't worry about it. The first 5min are always the worst for me (week 8) but somehow, by pacing yourself for a comfortable run, you'll be fine. I don't say it'll be easy, but you definitely can do it. Go for it and believe in yourself!

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to DavD]

Thanks I'll give it all I've got.