Advise please..

[Button21]

I have just finished week 5 run 2 and am aware my next run is for 20 mins. I'm a bit nervous any advice

[Baileyb Graduate]

Don't be, I remember that run and it scared me as well as it does everyone who approaches it but trust Laura trust the plan and believe in yourself. I graduated today and if I can do it anyone can.

[Button21 in reply to Baileyb]

Thanks for your support. Well done on your success to date and good luck. I will keep your advice in my head on Wednesday when I plan to finish week 5. Fingers crossed

[Baileyb Graduate in reply to Button21]

You're welcome, looking forward to hearing how you get on, you are going to be so pleased with yourself im really excited for you

[5kOrBust Graduate]

When I did it I thought of it as four runs of five minutes, and told myself "Right, that's the first five minutes done, now the next five minutes" etc. Your brain KNOWS you can do five minutes. Also, don't be afraid to slow right down if you feel you need to. It's not a race. Good luck!

[Button21]

Thanks I will keep that in mind. I am sure it's a battle of the mind but I need to keep being positive. Enjoyed the challenge so far just don't want this to be such a hurdle that breaks me. Thanks for your support

[Charlottesmummy]

I did it today, I followed the advice you have been given and though of it as four lots of five. Once the first two were done you know your in the home straight.

It was far easier than I expected, I started slow and bumped it up as I got further through and felt more confident the last five minutes being bout my normal as I knew I could do five mins at that even when I felt tired.

It really is mind over matter go j to it positive knowing that you have got this far you will be able to do it and look forward to knowing how great it will feel to get it done.

Good luck not that you need it and enjoy, this is the great bit where it all starts to fall into place and you know you really are a runner x

[Button21 in reply to Charlottesmummy]

Thanks for your reply congrats on completing the 20mins challenge today but you were delighted. I will keep you updated.

[Mattsv Graduate]

This is the run that everyone is most nervous of. You are probably more than ready physically, you just need to trick your brain that you CAN do it.

Start slow, and slow down even more if you need to. When I did mine, I split it into 4x5 minute runs.

First 5 minutes was just a bit of a warm up, after the second 5 minutes I knew I was half way, after 15 minutes I was almost there and just one more bit to do. Those last 5 minutes did seem to last a bit longer than the other ones though 😳

Best of luck.

[Button21 in reply to Mattsv]

Thanks for the advice until now I had not thought of that tactic. I will let you know how I get on. Thanks again 😊

[Lyndz7 Graduate]

I did this run a few days ago and like you I was pretty nervous! It seems such a big jump. But I did it and actually quite enjoyed it!

My advice would be, listen and trust Laura, take your time, set yourself achieveable goals like 5minutes, map out your route but most of all believe in yourself. All the hard work you've put in will pay off and the feeling once you finish is amazing

[Button21 in reply to Lyndz7]

Thanks I think your right I need to believe that I can do it 😊 thanks for your support and good luck

[johnjc8 Graduate]

You need to do three things: go slow, go slow and go slow.

[Button21 in reply to johnjc8]

Thanks I will bare that in mind

[Vixchile Graduate]

Just stay calm, take a deep breathe and tell yourself you can do it. Slow down when you need to, aim for the next tree, lamppost, then the next tree and before you know it laura will be saying you have have done it.

[Vixchile Graduate]

Forgot to say good luck!

[hilbean Graduate]

I think this is the most nerve racking run of the program but you are well able to do this physically. You just have to keep those mental gremlins at bay. You know you can run the first 8 mins and the last 8 mins so all you are doing is adding 4 mins in the middle. Go slow and steady. And bear in mind that your mind will lie to you! If you are flagging ask yourself 'Do my legs hurt?' 'NO', 'Can I breathe?' 'YES', Then my mind is a liar. Worked for me. Oh, and if the answers to the above are the opposite then just slow down

Good luck! You will do it and will be absolutely buzzing afterwards I'm sure

[Northernspirit Graduate]

I did this run on Saturday and was nervous like you, thinking how can I go from 8 to 20 mins with no stopping! Everyone on here is right. I also think of this community, it gives me that belief I need to keep going. I also focus on how I will feel at the end, the delight and satisfaction. oh, and I also go v slow!

[Leoag]

You can absolutely do it. I did week 5 run 3 yesterday, I originally started c25k in the summer but gave up at this run, I was too scared of it. But now on second time round, yesterday I did that run thinking 'I bl***y well can do it' and I did! go slow, listen to Laura, and trust yourself, you've done all the work you need and physically you're ready for it. Thinking of it in 5 minute blocks is a good idea. The feeling when you finish it is amazing! I'm still grinning today! Good luck!

[nutorun Graduate]

i was exactly the same - part of me was saying "no you can't do it", whilst the other side was like "hell yes, this is what you've been working towards". Break it down into chunks, or if you listen to music i break it down into songs... so i run for one, then say right i'll get through the next one, and so on.

I ran for 40 mins the other day... never thought i'd do it... ok i admit it was hard work but i did it, and you can to... keep telling yourself that

Good luck x

[LordOberon Graduate]

Hi Button.

Don't worry. When I first saw that target I thought it was a big mistake and no way I could do it. And we're still here! Loving it!

Just take it slowly, listen to Laura, trust her!

And think what a celebration it will be afterwards!

Breathe and take it easy. Time, not speed.

See you at the other end!

Lord Obe

[carole01 Graduate]

We have been there and felt exactly the same. In fact I was so scared of moving forward I carried on with Wk 5 run 2 for an extra week because I didn't feel ready . Words of encouragement from here helped achieve it because I really felt all of the words of wisdom with me. I did remember the just 4 sets of 5 mins helped. Keep it slow and steady -no speed just completing the time with Laura's support. I wish all the best