week5 run 3

[Fuzzyrex]

Does anyone know why the program jumps from running 8 mins/walking 5, to actually running for a full 20mins?

I have done this program before & have run the 20mins but it was just something I was contemplating whilst running ysterday

[MarkyD Graduate]

Everyone recognises that it is quite a jump from 8/5/8 to 20 minutes of running. And most people achieve those 20 minutes, surprising themselves. I am convinced that at W5r3 we are ready to run 20 minutes, even if our doubting minds are saying 'Surely not!'.

I am not massively fit, but after graduation I increased my longer runs from 5km to 8km to 10k to 12km over the course of 4 weeks, violating all of the good advice I'd received about increasing by 10% per week. We may agree that the biggest part of the body that needs training to run is our brains. So when Laura tells us to run for 20 minutes, we can do it at w5r3.

Love the message in your avatar photo, so true.

[SexyBexy Graduate]

Fuzzyrex - I'm about to do R3 of W5 tomorrow and am gearing myself up mentally for the challenge. There must be good reasons for the jump to 20 minutes but it'd be interesting to know. I think the program was written by a young man for his mother?? Not sure if I just made that up but the logic behind the progression would be interesting to know. What I do know if that so many people on this forum have successfully completed the 9 weeks and are now running more than 5K. So at the end of the day we just keep going and hopefully we'll be able to get our graduate badges at the end of it. Happy running. SB x

[Amisnan Graduate]

I think maybe it's because, having put the necessary stamina in place, the programme starts to deal with the 'head gremlins'. As each week progresses, and we doubt whether we are ready to move on, those little b*****s sit on our shoulders whispering doom and gloom.

Then suddenly we get thrown a curve ball....run for 20 minutes! What? Me? Noooooo!!

Just wait until you've done it. I bet you have a daft grin on your face. I bet you can't wait to tell everyone!

Happy running xx

[Fuzzyrex Graduate in reply to Amisnan]

Amisnan I did it about 3yrs ago & it nearly killed me haven't run since then because Ive suffered with plantar faciitus

[Melayahm in reply to Fuzzyrex]

Glad to know I'm not the only runner with plantar fasciitis. I've been living in Skechers Shape Ups for the last 4 years, which help a lot with it, so switching to flat running shoes has been a bit uncomfortable, but for short periods it's ok. Have you tried the pulling up on your toes first thing in the morning thing?

[Suercc]

I wondered that too. Now I have done it I feel elated.

Think it is a psychological fillip

[nutorun Graduate]

This is the issue i have... its all i my head... i think i can run for 20 mins - ie my legs and breathing will hold out if i pace myself but i'm just worried something in my head will stop me and say i can't do it. plus i get bored!