Panicking about W5R3!

[EdenMae]

So far, the programme hasn't been that difficult for me. I pushed myself to get to the end each time I was introduced to a longer running period (3mins, 5mins, 8mins) but quickly adjusted to it. I just looked at the programme, and in just a few hours I am due to be running for 20mins straight. I could hardly make it through 8mins, it took real effort and lots of positive thoughts so I don't know how I'm going to endure 20mins. Please help!

[Hidden]

Hi,

It does seem a big jump, but you are ready for it, and the fact that you've coped well so far that you will be able to do it.

Take your time, run slowly, don't keep looking at your watch, and keep telling yourself how good you'll feel when you've done it! Sometimes I spot a point on the road a few hundred yards up, and aim for that, or try counting cars, sheep, trees etc.

Good luck. I'm sure you can do it!

[Beek Graduate]

Yes it does sound a whole lot more but you will find, if you have done all the previous sessions, that you will be fit enough to do it. Just relax, go with the flow and believe in yourself that you can do it. Corius is right - keep it really slow and steady at the start so you don't exhaust yourself and you will be fine.

You will probably have a very pleasant surprise when you succeed!

Have a good run!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You've read the advice and it is absolutely right. Run as if you are keeping something in reserve, which means you can finish with a very satisfying burst of speed. Remember this run is about running for 20 minutes not going fast or a long distance. Accept the challenge on this basis and you will sail through and get the biggest sense of satisfaction to date in your C25k journey.

I hope it goes well. Good luck, tell us how you get on.

[EdenMae]

Thanks for the encouragement, guys! I'll be sure to stop in and let you know how it went. I'll keep your words in my head.

[edqa233 Graduate]

I'm just about to do run 2 of week 5, and I must admit run 3 has been playing on my mind for the last few days now... But just knowing that others on here are going through it at the same time, or have done it and gone on to complete the programme, is spurring me on!! We can do this!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to edqa233]

Well, you know what to do, don't you. Look forward to an endorphin overdose.

You CAN do it.

[Carolecal]

Can't possibly add anything else to the excellent advice you've been given already...just don't listen to that little voice in your head which will doubtless pipe up and insist that you can't do it ...oh yes, if legs get tired just concentrate on working those arms....should take your mind off the tired legs ! Good luck

[EdenMae]

YAY! I did it! Surprisingly for me, the first 5 minutes were the most difficult. Once Laura said I've already completed 15mins, I knew I was on the home stretch and already felt so positive about completing. When I started to get tired, I just focused on milestones like a few of you suggested and that helped the time pass more quickly. I shocked myself when I realised I had energy left to continue when Laura said I had just 2 minutes remaining so picked up the speed - I think pacing myself throughout made this possible. I truly feel proud of myself for making such obvious progress, it's hard to believe I'm in the same body. {Perhaps being 19 years old has something to do with my successes...but I think my determination helps even more so}. Looking forward to Week 6 - though I've read it comes with its own challenges.

[MinxyMissK Graduate in reply to EdenMae]

Yay! I got through mine yesterday too, feeling immensely proud right now

[SKessex78]

Well done x