W5R3 - too big a challenge today.

[Hennith]

Just tried W5R3 for the first (but unfortuately not the last) time.

Having had a really positive Run 2 on Wednesday, I was finally believing in the programme and the work I've put in so far. Although I still can't say I was feeling confident, I did feel that 20 mins was worth a shot.

Once I got going though my body had other ideas - my legs felt so heavy and I couldn't breathe steadily. I had told myself before starting out that once I got past 10 mins I would have less to go than I had already done and that I could chip that away in little blocks. In the event, I got to 10 mins and just ground to a halt - I felt I had nothing left. I walked for a couple of minutes and then ran for another couple, but, again, had to stop. So I decided to start my warm down walk from there and to be pleased that I had run for 10 mins non stop, which is 2 mins longer than I have done before!

I think I might try a Laura free run next and just see how far I can do with some good music on the iPod and no targets - but a couple of rest days are beckoning at present.

All suggestions will be most welcome!

[BettyJane Graduate]

We all have bad runs now and again, sometimes there's a reason, like coming down with a cold and sometimes there just seems to be no reason at all. Next time start out slowly, and you'll probably find it a lot easier.

Even after over a year of running I still find the first 10 mins the hardest.

[annasee Graduate]

You still got out there and did it, so it wasn't a fail. And as you say, longer than you had run before. Had you had something to eat and drink a while before? Because that's my only advice. Apart from just running really slowly. I felt with the first long run that it was important to not feel exhausted early on, and I did all the psychological tricks that you did. I got rid of the podcasts by week 9 and now I just use my own music and a watch. I also try and do a 10 minute warm up, rather than 5. Maybe you could try a longer warm-up too, who knows it might help?

[Fiwini Graduate]

Well done anyway Hennith. It's a tough one. As you say, the longest you've run previously up to now is 8 mins, so mentally and physically it's a huge leap. Try and relax into it if you can, slow down and try to recover and run at the same time if that makes any sense at all. Stick with it though. We need you to keep us all going.

[Hennith Graduate]

Thanks everyone. Yes, I'll be giving it another shot, without Laura this time, on Monday. Sorry Laura, but I do find some of the things you say don't help: "if you're feeling tired", "you don't want to wear yourself out this early on", "I found this week one of the toughest", etc. I don't need additional negative thoughts being planted in my head!! I've just set up a playlist of music I think will help me along my way, so we'll see. Hope you all have good runs (awful weather permitting) this weekend!

[KTBinkles Graduate]

I wouldn't have got through W5R3 without my lovely hubby running with me telling me I could do it, only 9 telegraph poles to go etc. I was absolutely gasping by the end. Is there someone a bit stronger than you who could run with you and encourage you along?

I often think at 3 minutes there's no way I'm even going to get to 5. A couple of times I've "failed" then at others, like this morning and earlier this week, again still feeling I wasn't sure I'd make it when I got to 10 minutes, but managing just over 30 in the end.

I do find myself answering Laura (and sometimes the music) back so I can relate: ditching her might be good!

Just go with what you can manage and remember that 10 was outside your ability at the start so doing that when tired is a big move forward.

[Fiwini Graduate]

Good luck tomorrow Hennith. You can do it!