Week 5 Run 3 nerves

[YvetteK]

C25k is going well so far but I'm concerned about the jump to 20 mins continuous running in week 5 run 3. Is this jump actually possible? Any advice folks?

[Coddfish Graduate]

I did W5r3 only this morning. In preparing for it, I felt there were two things to crack - physical readiness and mental readiness. The programme sorted out the physical readiness side - I found I was ready. Mentally it seemed a big leap, and the first few minutes did feel like they would go on forever. I changed my route from its usual long stretch on the seafront into something on the streets so I always had a short section in front of me. I played my favourite music and thought about how I would feel at the end.

I am late 50s, overweight and hadn't run for more than 20 years when I started this. I think everyone on here will agree it's possible.

I always check wind strength and direction before I go out looking at forecasts and also actual son local weather beacons. I don't run outside if it's more than a force 5 (I have the option of using a gym) and I try to pick a route which avoids running face into the wind.... A bit of insight from someone who sails, in how to make conditions as favourable as possible.

[YvetteK Graduate in reply to Coddfish]

Thanks Coddfish. Very helpful advice from a sailor. As I'm also running by the sea and harbour so I may need to consider the wind factor too but the views are inspirational.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You obviously haven't followed this forum for long. Your question is probably the most commonly asked and the one we all wondered about, even if we didn't ask it ourselves. The answer is self belief. You have managed each week's runs up til now and W5R3 is not a typing error, it is in fact the most important run of the programme. The one when you finally realise that you can become a runner and that it is not some distant fantasy.

The structure of the plan is superb and if you look back on the last 5 weeks you can see how far you have come........well past the half way mark, well on the way to graduation and you CAN do this. Start slowly, keep something in reserve. Speed is not important. Facial stretching before the run is!! Otherwise the grin just gets set and can really hurt after three days. Prepare to amaze yourself at your own ability. Good luck and tell us how you get on.

[YvetteK Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Spot on IannodeTruffe. I just joined the forum yesterday and did wonder if it was a serious typo! Sounds like it really is more of a mental than a physical challenge.

Hoping to be grinning ear to ear by Friday

[flossieflyblow Graduate]

Ah ha! You looked ahead and have therefore opened the Pandora's box of self-doubt. Ionnada's right; you are prepared for it physically. This one is a mental challenge and to ensure that you manage it, listen to Laura and go slowly. The important thing is the 20 mnutes not the speed. It doesn't matter how slowly you go in order to complete the 20 minutes. And you will. Enjoy!

[Tomas Graduate]

Some are not ready, but you are. Seriously. You are!

[Hidden]

5 weeks ago you found it hard to run for 60 seconds ? Now ? You can do this....You really can...

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

So much about this running business is in your head. This of us who have been there already know you can do this, just because you've made it this far. All you have to do now is convince yourself.

Once you've done it (and you will) you will start to believe you can do anything.

And you can.

[jo4t15 Graduate]

Absolutely possible. I did it today and if I can do it, anyone can! (46, overweight, not run in 20 years, not done any exercise since having kids. -oops, 13 years ago,)

The programme is steady and you're well prepared. It seems like a big jump but it's not as hard as going from nothing to week 1!

Good luck, you can do it, and just think of the feeling at the end!

Roll on week 6!

[cs783 Graduate]

thanks for the question Yvette and for all the replies- looking ahead from wk4 this is all encouraging good sense.

[YvetteK Graduate]

Wow! I'm so impressed and inspired by all your comments and encouragements. I have decided that this is now a mental challenge so I will keep all your comments in mind tomorrow and keep faith that I can break through. Will keep you posted and will ensure I brush my teeth in preparation for the ear to ear grin! Thank you all.

[aliboo70]

You can do it, and the sense of achievement is immense, just keep on going, believe in yourself and get ready to bask in the glory of that 1st 20 min run good luck

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

As everyone says, you are ready, you can do this - you just have to let yourself do it. Start slow - and then probably slow down a bit more! Really, speed and distance are irrelevant. Just remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other until Laura tells you to stop. The shoulder gremlins may try to whisper doubts in your ear - don't listen to them! Then be prepared for odd looks as people wonder why you have such a large grin...

[YvetteK Graduate]

So.... despite the howling cold winds I did it! 1.92 miles in 20 minutes. It was great and I even had some energy afterwards for a short hill attack.

I was so unsure a day or two ago but the advice and encouragements from you all helped me expect to get through it - and so I did. Yay!

Big grin, well earned! Thanks

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to YvetteK]

There is no stopping you now!!! Congratulations!!

Keep running, keep smiling.