Honest advice please...it's ok, I can take it...

[I_will_do_it]

So, this morning was the much anticated (and feared), week 5 run 3. I'm just back from it, but don't know what to think! The first 5 minutes were hellish, heavy legs, sore calfs and really struggling with my breathing. It was also considerably hindered by the fact that my bloody husband kept trying to phone me (even though he knew I was out running - we'll be having words later!) which really put me in the wrong frame of mind. Anyway...I stopped. : ( ... Dead on the 5 minute mark as it turns out, as Laura chirpily interjected at exactly that moment. I probably walked for no more than 10/20 seconds before giving myself a good talking to and started off again. I ran then til the end of the podcast and found it ok: hard, but absolutely do-able. As punishment for my earlier naughtiness, I made myself run for an extra 3 minutes, which, whilst nearly killing me, I completed. So...I've run for 18 minutes continuously or 23 minutes with a little break. Should I redo the run or go on to week 6? Please help....

[Miso_14 Graduate]

Do not be harsh on yourself, that was brilliant! bring on week 6

[Hezzabelle Graduate]

I agree, you're being too hard on yourself.

I bet all the runners who have to stop for traffic and lights etc just consider it an inevitable part of their run and not giving in!

23 mins? You've done amazingly well! Give yourself a pat on the back and get onto week 6! Well done!

[ajwyld Graduate]

I agree - go for week 6 (and definately have words with your husband !)

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

First thing, always run with phone on silent : ) secondly you are doing fine move on to week 6 and enjoy your running if not then what is the point of going out there

[RozMJ]

Sounds like a familiar story to me. I had the same heavy legs and sore calf's when I did Run 3 last week. I ran on the spot for about 5 seconds before continuing but it wasn't fun at all. Trying for Week 6 Run 1 tonigh. Hopefully things will get better

[Snats Graduate]

You are doing very well and dont be so harsh on yourself. Week6 here you come. I have had a few hard runs but I completed the programme and I am still out there running 3 times a week. Good luck with the rest of your runs x

[amireallydoingthis Graduate]

I agree - straight on to week six. I got stopped on my W5R3 by a lady in the park who'd lost her group of sea scouts and wanted to know if I'd seen them. Seeing as I live in the centre of England (as far away from the sea as you can get) they must have been pretty lost!!!

Really well done for getting so far - keep it up and things really do get easier - I'm just about to do W9R3 and started to almost enjoy it around week 8 !

[I_will_do_it Graduate in reply to amireallydoingthis]

Brilliant! I wonder if she ever found them?! good luck with THE LAST RUN! can imagine it will all feel a bit strange...

[waletta Graduate]

Straight on & remember week6 can be a bit deceptive so be nice to yourself.

[Fattytumtum Graduate]

Move on to Wk6. I completed Wk5 yesterday complete with hangover, nearly recycled my breakfast to feed the ducks in the park, and at one point at around 8 minutes my legs were still moving but I swear I was going backwards, but I'm moving on tomorrow as I kept going. Good luck

[I_will_do_it Graduate in reply to Fattytumtum]

Good luck then...let me know how it goes...

[I_will_do_it Graduate]

Arrr, thank you everyone for all your lovely comments. Feeling a little more rational about it this evening and so definitely plan to plough on straight ahead with week 6! Husband apologised (though think he thought it a bit unfair- humpf!) and fairly certain he won't be calling for 'a chat' duringany future run (seriously! what WAS he thinking????)...

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

You mentioned heavy legs so perhaps if you have a rest day in between runs, you could try some stretches.

The NHS Strength and Flexibility podcasts are good but there are other exercises too.

It minimises any aches and stiffness for me so you might find it helps.

All the best with week 6 and maybe forward your calls to voice-mail before the next run