Hi everyone!

[Andreagetfit1]

Just found this forum - good to see how everyone is getting on. I'm doing week5 run3 tomorrow - eek! Really enjoying it all so far, but the thought of running for 20 minutes without a break is scary!

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Trust the programme it is a bit of a hump run W5r3 but you will feel brilliant once you have done it and you are ready for it. Just take it steady. Good luck

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to GettingFitter]

Thanks, I am quite looking forward to it in a weird way! I've enjoyed the process so far

[Hidden]

Yes, it IS scary, but if you've followed the programme properly without skipping sessions you'll be ready for it. Don't start off too fast... enjoy!

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, no I've not skipped sessions and enjoyed the one yesterday, it just seems a big jump to do 20 mins with no break. I'm going to do it though!

[flossieflyblow Graduate]

I hadn't found the forum by wk 5 run 3 and also hadn't been looking ahead in the programme as I thought that it would put me off. I had no idea what would come next. I won't repeat what I said to my husband about 'what that '*****' just made me do' when I got in to the house after the run. However I did it and was so thoroughly thrilled that I managed it. I'm sure that you will too!

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to flossieflyblow]

Ha ha! I can't resist having a look at what I've got to do for the next session, but I don't look further ahead than that! I just think that there is still another four weeks, so what will I be doing? But I've come a long way in a short time - I can do this!

[flossieflyblow Graduate in reply to Andreagetfit1]

Yes, you really have come a long way. To think that many of us found it hard to run for 1 minute to begin with.....! Well done and keep going, we're rooting for you!

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to flossieflyblow]

That is such a lovely thing to say and means a lot. Amazing support on this forum, thank you so much. I'll let you know how I get on! xx

[Hidden]

dont worry about it to much , you can and will do it take it nice and slow you will be amazed at what you can do , good luck

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to Hidden]

Aww, thanks very much!

[hilbean Graduate]

Oooh good luck! Just remember that this one is more of a mental exercise. You are more than ready to do the 20 mins but your mind might just try to sneak in and LIE to you!! Don't believe it! Keep going. You can and will do it

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to hilbean]

Thank you. I know that's what Laura says so I'll keep going! I have a mantra that kind of fits the rhythm of my (very slow) running. I just keep saying: "I am getting healthy. I am getting fit." I try and match my breathing to it and focus on the words.

[hilbean Graduate in reply to Andreagetfit1]

Good for you. I think it helps to have a mantra of some sort. In moments of weakness mine was. "Do your legs hurt. No. Can you breathe. Yes. Then your mind is a liar". You will feel amazing when you have done it

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to hilbean]

That is so cool, I'll let you know how I get on!

[Vixchile Graduate]

You will be able to do it, Laura has prepared you well and go slow and steady. Good luck and let us know how you did

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to Vixchile]

Thanks, I definitely go slow and steady! I have to say that my dogs are really enjoying it too - it's getting them nice and fit as well!

[Hidden]

You can definitely do it - it's just those pesky mind gremlins that make you think you can't. Have a great run even though it is a bit of a jump. I was in happy tears after that one!!

[poppypug Graduate]

You can do it Andrea ! Dont let them head gremlins tell you otherwise !

This is a major milestone and when you have done it, you will never look back . Good Luck , hope you and your dogs enjoy it . Deep breaths, Go for it ! xxx

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to poppypug]

Thank you! Will have to try and find somewhere to run with the wind at my back today - it's a bit blowy! Can't believe how much support I've been given on this forum. I will let you know how I get on. Thank you again xxx

[Chloewho Graduate]

You can do it Andrea! I did it today and the feeling is great!

The advice I was given by an experienced runner at work today was helpful:

'Remember once you've hit that 8 minutes the effort and stress feeling doesn't get any worse it just stays the same so don't panic! In fact at any minute after that you should get a 2nd wind!'

Knowing that really helped today and stopped me getting too worn out/scared/panicky. Getting to the 8 minutes is the hard part of the process I think, after that you're fit enough to increase distance with very little extra effort, you've done the hard work.

Go for it!!! It's such a fab feeling x

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to Chloewho]

Oh thanks Chloe, great to hear from someone that has only just done it. I have to say that I didn't realise I was running eight minutes when I did that, as I thought the first one was a five minute run so my first eight minutes was a pleasant surprise and then I I thought, well I've done it once! I'll have to find somewhere to run where today where the wind is at my back as it's a bit blowy, but with the advice from and support of everyone on here I'm looking forward to it

I'll let you know how I get on! Andrea xx

[Andreagetfit1]

Hi everyone, just to let you know I did it! Managed to do the full 20 minutes and it wasn't too bad at all, even though I had to run into a headwind for some of it. I like that the app breaks it all down and keeps urging you on, and the comments I had from everyone here were really helpful and encouraging. Thanks a million. Week six here we come!

[lynne7 Graduate in reply to Andreagetfit1]

Well done!! I am just at the start of week 5 and already Run 3 is looming in my mind so it's great to hear from someone who just did it - hope I can say the same next week!

[Andreagetfit1 in reply to lynne7]

I know, it seems a real hurdle, but I just took it really steady and Laura gives you a motivational boost every five minutes, which helped. I was proud of myself afterwards, I have to say! The posts and advice on here really helped too. Good luck with week 5 and let us know how you get on! x