Ready for W5R3

[Coddfish]

My next run will be the big one, run 3 of week 5. I think I am ready, all previous runs completed without any real difficulty. I expect a big mental challenge. Do any of you have any tips for how to manage the mental side of it?

[mini_neon Graduate]

Don't worry! (Easier said than done). A lot of people find the longer runs easier than the shorter ones: by 10 minutes you're as tired as you're going to get, so the second 10 minutes may be easier than the first. My number 1 tip is, if you run outside, find a new place to run. Tell yourself you're going to enjoy it; you probably will! Very best wishes.

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to mini_neon]

I agree. Once you get past the first pain threshold, what have you got to lose? Just keep running till Laura tells you to stop!

[Coddfish Graduate in reply to mini_neon]

I live five minutes from the sea and can run on a beautiful promenade that stretches for miles, it's like a giant running track first thing in the morning. There are other places I can run if it's too cold / windy to be on the seafront but I find running with the sea in view motivates me so much, it has always been my favourite place. I am challenging myself with different sections, sometimes looping inland and other times going out and back along the promenade. Thanks for the advice.

[GettingFitter Graduate]

Just keep telling yourself a little bit more, pick spots up ahead and run to them when you pass them pick another one and so on. I find breaking it down into smaller challenges helps defeat the head gremlins. I used this technique from the 8th KM marker yesterday and again from the 500m to go sign of the London Run. You can always slow down but don't stop running. Good Luck the program knows you're ready and so do we!

[Coddfish Graduate in reply to GettingFitter]

Thank you, that's great advice

[Irishprincess Graduate]

The programme has prepared you for this run and so you are more than capable for it, mentally and physically. However, you're right, at this stage it is more mental.

When I did this run I thought throughout how great I'd feel after I'd finish it. I had a mental picture of me going home and telling my husband "I just ran for 20 minutes!". It worked! Good luck. You will do it.