Week 5 Run 3 - Any Tips?: Tackling the infamous... - Couch to 5K

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Week 5 Run 3 - Any Tips?

RozMJ profile image
11 Replies

Tackling the infamous 20 minute run tomorrow. Does anyone have any tips for how to get through it? I have been finding that my legs are quite heavy and during last nights run my calf muscles got pretty tight. Anything advice would be appreciated.

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RozMJ profile image
RozMJ
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11 Replies
Rockette profile image
Rockette

Hi roz , have you tried stretching pre run , this may help the calves . Also nice steady pace & you will get through the 20 min , don't start off too fast you will just wear yourself out if you feel you want to go faster nearer the end then fine , just see how you go , good luck with it , you will be fine .

suzybenj profile image
suzybenjGraduate

Slow and steady - give yourself every chance of finishing. If a bit puffed out - jog on the spot then keep going. Trust and have in the programme - if Laura says you can do it - you can!

good luck:-)

Clumsy2 profile image
Clumsy2Graduate

Good advice above, no shame in slowing down a little so start off a bit slower then you would normally. Also try not to over think it, am sure the reason I missed out on the first try is because I'd built it up so much in advance and convinced myself I was going to struggle. I know easier said then done but the plan really works and you've got yourself prepared and ready for this run.

Balimbalo profile image
Balimbalo

I did it last night, took it at a steady pace I knew I could manage, deep breaths if I felt I was struggling and went for it. Believe you can do it and you will! Good luck!

Frikkadella profile image
Frikkadella

well, for me, the 3rd try was the charm;)

So DON'T give up, even though if you for some reason cant finish the 20 minutes today

I was dreading those 20 minutes, and my 2 other tries where just pitiful - then something just clicked the 3rd time and I managed to finish:)

Jenwrenarm profile image
JenwrenarmGraduate

Before you go out tell yourself that this is the first run you're going to really enjoy; that you SO can do it and you WILL. Make your warm up walk really count and take those deep breaths to oxygenate your blood and flail your arms about and then just GO FOR IT! Take it really easy and try and concentrate on the music and your surroundings rather than what you're doing. If you're struggling tell yourself that giving in isn't an option and the only thing stopping you is your head gremlins. Just take it slow and easy. Good luck! :-)

Tinyrun profile image
TinyrunGraduate

Great tips. Thanks folks. Right I'm about to go and do this one too. Wish me luck, leg and mind strength!

RozMJ profile image
RozMJ

Thanks guys great advice :) Really nervous but excited at the same time. I think I will give some stretches a go and see if it makes a difference.

Good luck Tinyrun! I'm sure we will both get through no problem.

Tinyrun profile image
TinyrunGraduate

I did it! Although I am the slowest person I've ever seen running and I know I can push myself but can't seem to. RozMJ when are you doing yours? I always try and concentrate on anything but running, but I did keep remembering what people said on this thread, which helped a lot. Good luck.

RozMJ profile image
RozMJ

I did it! Can't say I enjoyed it though, my legs started screaming about 2 minutes in. At one point I actually cried out in pain but it was worth it and the seem fine this morning. Still pretty chuffed.

Tinyrun profile image
TinyrunGraduate

Well done. I don't know how I'll see what distance I'm doing as I've not got any fancy gadgets. However, if I can eventually get to 30 minutes then that's something. Onwards and upwards RozMJ.

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