Start W5 tomorrow....

[Grubby1985]

I managed to finish W4 this week, somehow. It took me a little longer to finish than expected as we went down to Cornwall for five days of surfing and hiking which made my legs hurt, so I didn't get to do W4R3 until Wednesday.

So tomorrow it's on to the dreaded Week 5. I'm kind of surprised I got this far. At the same time, I've found Week 4 soooooo unbelievably hard that I'm not sure I'll get through W5R1. I was almost crying during the last 5 minutes, I didn't think I'd make it, and I was going so slow I may as well have been walking. I expect I still had tired legs from the surfing, but still - I'm not buoyed for tomorrow at all and even considered sneaking a repeat of W4 in!

[Dunder2004 Graduate]

W5R1 isn't really much of a step from W4 so you might as well go for it!

Just take it slow and steady in the first couple of running stints and I am betting you will be fine.

[jules50 Graduate]

Slow is definately the key, it really doesn't matter how slow you go, as long as you go!! Are you using music to listen to? Get some proper motivational music going into your headphones and think Rocky Balboa lol

[Niknok01 Graduate]

You can do it Grubby, I have so you most certainly can. I've just completed week 7 in Wales! It was a killer with the hills. Just go slow and steady and you'll be fine. Well done 👍

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

You have 3 choices:

1. Give up - hopefully a no no.

2. Repeat one of the W4 runs just to prove to yourself it was the surfing and hiking that were giving your legs extra grief and get your confidence back.

3. Have a go at W5R1. What's the worst that could happen? Why not give it a go? You DID W4 so you're ready for W5.

[Grubby1985 Graduate]

Honestly I think this forum is amazing. Thank you all sooooo much for your words of encouragement and making me realise I'm not alone! This morning I was laying in bed reading and it was raining hard outside. Suddenly the rain stopped and I thought, this is my chance. I went out and attempted W5R1. And you know what? I nailed it!!! It was hard, and my legs did hurt, but I refused to listen to my inner gremlin telling me it was ok to give up. At some stage the sun even came out. During the last 5 mins, when I was struggling, a woman tried to stop me to ask me directions (who stops a runner?!) 'I'm sorry' I panted as I ran past. 'I can't stop right now!' I felt rude, but you know, if Laura tells you to keep going - you keep going!

Btw, downloaded some of the Rocky soundtrack - that helped immensely! Thanks everyone and happy Saturday!!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Grubby1985]

Aw fab post Grubby, Well done for getting out there and giving it some welly !

Isnt it mad when people try and stop you to ask for directions ha ha ! I say the same , cos I know if I stop I might not get started again ha ha

Im sure it doesnt happen to Mo Farah when he is running home for his Quorn does it ?

Onwards to W5R2 ! You are doing great, keep going ! xxxx