Tips for W5 R3

[Northernspirit]

So, run 2 in week 5 went well today and now wondering how I'm going to deal with running 20 minutes no stopping??!! Never thought I would get this far, and am committed to this programme, love it! dealing with the mind gremlins seems to be the main thing, my breathing is good (so far!). What do you tell yourselves to keep going?

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I'm not sure I tell myself anything. My strength is that I am supremely bloody-minded, and I don't like to be beaten! Read all the former posts on this subject. Most people don't find it too bad when they actually do it - once the first 5 mins are done, it's just a slog till Laura tells you to stop, but it doesn't seem to hurt any more! Just don't try to break any records on speed, and just put one foot in front of the other ...

[hilbean Graduate]

I got myself a little mantra going when I 'thought' I was struggling. 'Do your legs hurt?' 'NO'. Can you breathe?' 'YES' 'Then my mind is a liar!' Got me through the middle section and once past that everything seems to be fine. Slow and steady as usual is the key. If you really are struggling then.... slow down. Good luck and let us know how you get on

[5kOrBust Graduate]

I broke it down into 5 minute chunks. "Right, that's the first 5 mins done, now for another 5 mins etc." It worked for me. Before I knew it Laura was telling me only one minute to go (or was it two?) and I was so pleasantly surprised I went a little bit quicker until the end. You can do this, you know you can. I'll wish you luck, but I'm sure you don't need it Steve

[loubee33 Graduate]

Go as slow as you need to go. Honestly you can do it. I cried when I completed 20 minutes. it felt like such an achievement.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

You've done the work leading up to this run so you will be ready for it. It's more mental than anything else so just get your head fixed on the feeling you'll have when you do it. It's so worth carrying on for! You'll be absolutely fine.

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Thank you sooooo much all of you!!! Great advice and encouragement......I am ready, well I will be day after tomorrow!! What a fantastic forum this is X

[no-excuse Graduate]

You will be fine I am sure. I agree about thinking of it as 5 minute chunk,s that worked for me. I also thought of as many names of people on this forum as I could and imagined them all being at the finish, cheering me on! Hahaha, you wouldn't believe the things that have gone through my head, anything to keep me going! Take it really steady and keep us all posted x

[Coddfish Graduate]

I broke it down into segments by choosing a route which ran round some intersecting streets where I could never see more than 400 yards or so ahead, and I kelp thinking about how I would feel when I had finished. I arranged to meet my partner for breakfast at a favourite cafe straight afterwards as reward.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

"I can do this. I am a runner."

[Northernspirit Graduate]

Haha thanks!!!!

[Hidden]

Just go really slowly....

[YvetteK Graduate]

I managed my first 20 minute run this evening - I'm sure you'll do it too. Just keep going and pull back your pace if you're feeling tired. It is possible

[Northernspirit Graduate in reply to YvetteK]

Wow well done you! Bet you feel fantastic!! I will let you all know how mine goes