I'm a Health Unlocked newbie and currently on Week 5 of C25k.
Back in 2013, I was about 3st overweight, unfit and unhappy. Since then, I've nearly lost my extra weight (another stone to go) and am trying to improve my fitness. Around February of this year, I decided to get fitter - I started by walking more and cycling. Eventually, I decided to try running, downloaded the C25k app (Change4Life Android version) and the rest is history.
I've gone through the weeks with occasional problems (such as pushing myself too hard and not following the 'light jog' advice), but overall it's been a really enjoyable experience. I love going out there and challenging myself, and the sense of achievement I get from improving every week feels fantastic!
So far, I've completed Days 1 and 2 of Week 5, and they've gone well. I was nervous about the 8 minute runs on Day 2, but after doing them I felt amazing. But Day 3 is coming up and I'm VERY nervous. Obviously, I trust in the plan (it's worked so far) but there is a part of me that goes "20 MINUTES?! Really?!"
Any advice on this run would be much appreciated, thank you
Written by
rosalindar
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This is the run that freaks everyone out in advance but is the biggest breakthrough in the programme. Despite their fears, most people manage it successfully and feel great afterwards. Just take it really slow and steady and you will do it. Good luck!
First of all... WELL DONE. I completed run 3 of week 2 this morning and am feeling nervous enough about my first 3min run. Stick to the plan... im sure it will go well.
I think we were all nervous at this point, but there's nothing to fear honestly - the plan does work.
The first 5 minutes will be difficult as you'll spend all your time thinking about those 20 minutes. Try not too (easier said than done!) and just get into a steady rhythm as soon as you can. It'll be over before you know it and the satisfaction of doing it will be immense.
Well done! Well done on both getting this far, and your weight loss too, which is fantastic.
The jump to running for twenty minutes seems so huge it's insane, and everyone has doubts about it at first, but just relax, pace yourself and you'll be fine. It really is achievable; very much so. Afterwards you'll feel euphoric and wonder why you were worried about it! Pace yourself and you'll have no problems.
Very good luck for it and let us know how you get on.
I remember when I did this part. I found it hard at first but I just paced myself, did a very light jog and did it. Remember that you can always repeat it if you don't manage it the first time. The main thing is that you are running!
Light jog, light jog, light jog. That's all you need to know. Do what Laura says and it works. Good luck
I remember this run well - I thought Laura was mad. Me? Run 20 minutes? Crazy lady...
Trust in the programme and remember that right now a lot of the challenge is mental, not physical... Listen to Laura, take it slow to begin with and get yourself into a steady pace. You'll surprise yourself - I promise!
One foot in front of the other - repeat as necessary...
I'm doing w5 r3 tomorrow - and feeling mighty nervous too. But I didn't think I'd be able to run 8 mins either. It helps me to think there are other people on this forum at exactly the same stage as me. We can do it!
Hi and welcome Massive well done on achieving your various goals and reaching w5. I've just completed (yesterday) r3 of week 5 and I was also a little apprehensive about the 20 minute run. However, as you say, the plan has worked so far so trust in it and yourself and I'm sure you'll be fine. You will get a great sense of achievement on completing the 20 minute run and then there'll be no stopping you Good luck and let us know how you get on.
As everyone says - slow and steady (really SLOW at the start - you can always speed up at the end!). Know the program works, you will do it - let us know how you get on and well done for getting this far!
Extremely well done, if you have come this far with just a few more pounds to go then your achievement is fantastic; you have surmounted so many obstacles already there is nothing ahead that you cannot handle - I am trying to get a 'young person' interested in the programme, may I enquire how old you are because I am sure that if this 'young person' sees someone of a similar age she may become inspired. She has told me that she wants to lose three stone.
Hi gladiator, I'm 25 - I've been overweight most of my life. I've attempted to lose weight a few times before, but this has been my most successful attempt. I was nervous before starting C25k, as I've always been rubbish when it comes to exercise. The great thing about it is that even though the steps are small, they all build up to a huge achievement.
Go for it Rosalindar! W3r5 is the best run of the programme. The sense of satisfaction when you finish it is immense and the wonderful thing is, c25k is so well designed that if you can do w5r2 then you most definitely CAN do w5r3. Ah everyone else has said, take it good and slow and you'll be just fine. Good luck!
Congratulations on your weight loss and getting fit! Doing both has made such a big difference to my life - I hope the same goes for you! I have about a stone to go too - I haven't lost any weight for a month but my shape is changing so much due to exercise and toning! It's quite pleasing I must say! Good luck with w5r3! I'm on week 4.
If you look to the right of the screen you will see a list of weeks in blue type. If you click on week 5 it will reveal all the posts from those on the same week as you. You can dive right in and get to know what's occurring with everyone. You are of course welcome on any weeks threads though.
Well done for getting this far!! It does seem mad to go from 8 minutes to 20 but the sense of acheivement you'll get when you've done it is immense!!! I've just started W8 and completed R1, 28 minutes in total, what a rush!! You'll get there, if you've acheived so much this far, what's a few more minutes?!! Focus on the horizon, one foot in front of the other, find a rhythm and just stick on in there....you will do it!
Well done you for getting this far. I was there this time last week so know exactly how you feel - I was just the same - and I asked for advice too!
It is a huge leap, but believe me, it is do-able. Just keep a slow steady pace, keep focused and stay calm (crikey, I sound like Laura!) and you'll do it. And the sense of achievement is huge. I was nearly in tears I was so overjoyed.
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annoying! But I feel a lot less nervous about it though. 
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