Yesterday I, finally, ran W5R3. It was a big day and I was over the moon. Today I mentioned it to someone and said how chuffed I was.
Their response: "Why did you only run for 20 minutes, did something happen?"
Having explained, though gritted teeth, that for me (unfit mid-40s, never run before) that was a huge deal they replied that since I'd been doing this for a while now they thought I'd be much, much better at it by now.
Bubble officially burst then.
J
It IS a huge deal! Don't let someone's negativity take away from your fantastic achievement.
The same thing happened to me it totally deflated me and I had been feeling epic!!!! Then I came on this forum and read the comments from the people here and that picked me up again. I mean no disrespect to the person that said that to you (or the one that said it to me) but who knows more about what an achievement it is to be able to run for 20 minutes that the ones who have all been through it?????
So here's what I think to you running 20 minutes:-
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a complete 🌟!!! 5 weeks ago you were not running any seconds now your running 20 minutes!!!!! Go back to that awesome, epic you felt when you first did it and bask in its glory because it's a great achievement and you should enjoy it 😀😀🎉🎉😀😀 congrats again on completing week5!
Exactly! 
Ahh! But we totally get what a big deal it is! Well done! Great feeling isn't it!
Hit them. For twenty minutes. Then ask them if that's a short time or not. 
Failing that, forget it and bask in your achievement.
Ha ha. Love it TF!
Like it!
I'd love to know if the person who said that could run for 20 minutes. Probably not.
We know better here and know how hard it is so you should be very proud of yourself. That's the big one done and by getting to this stage you have shown your determination and grit. Very well done.
I agree with all the above......and luv the one that says hit em for 20 mins 😜😜😜......you bask in your glory !!!! running for 20 mins is amazing 😃😃😃😃
Excuse my French but balls to them! I remember walking home in disbelief when I did w5r3 - it just didn't seem possible. Go you!
Tell them to get lost!! It was only your 15th outing and (if I remember correctly) the first run without break! That is a huge achievement and if they can't recognise that then that's their problem. Well done from all of us - we know what a big deal it is!
Pfft. Some people just love p1ssing on other people's bonfires, don't they? That first 20 minute run is a big a deal and milestone, don't let anyone tell you any different. Bask and enjoy.
Stuff them! 20 mins is a huge deal especially from scratch. Don't let the b*stards grind you down. As Homer would say "that really grinds my gears"!
For someone just starting you are a hero! 20 minutes is incredible!
Congratulations on doing that 20 minute stint - it's a great achievement, and don't let anyone make you believe otherwise. The miserable ratbag who said that can't be a runner. They probably never tried to run, and you'd have them gasping for breath after five minutes if you took them along with you next time.. Hubby made the mistake of using the "only" word once, so I suggested he came along to show me how it's done. The look of panic on his face was a picture 
Thanks all, you've quite turned my mood around
The person was my 70 year-old cancer surviving mother who is on edge as her first annual check-up is due next week ... so tempting as it is I probably shouldn't throw things at her nor drag her on on my next run.
In her defence, I started the programme months and months (not just weeks) ago so perhaps I should be further along. In reality some travel, some injuries, some poor decisions, some unfavourable terrain and some self-doubt mean that I'm not. I struggled when I hit week 5 and decided just to stick there until it got better. So, I've been out religiously three times a week for the last few months but running 3*5 mins, or 2*8 or even 2*10 with an occasional loooong downhill run thrown in for fun. And I've been enjoying that, particularly with my own music.
But now I'm back with the programme and lined up for W6R1 tomorrow.
Thanks so much for all the replies. It really is a lovely group here
J
Long downhills are my favourite. I'm trying not to do too many as they're apparently not great for knees, but keep finding myself 'accidentally' on the mile long switchbacky descent through the woods. It's a joy
Negativity never helped anyone and your mums comments (no matter what she's facing) could have set you back so easily, but they didn't. You take as long as you need to in order to complete your journey. It took me over two years to do c25k, I stopped and started so many times, and every restart began with week 1! But I got there and so far this year I've done the Westminster mile and race for life 5k. Two weeks ago I ran 11k! But as I'm sure everyone else on here will agree with I still remember that 20 minute run, we are all worried before we do it and all elated when we accomplish it. Well done😀😀😀, look what you are capable of, look how far you've come. It's irrelevant how long it's taken you what matters is you keep going and I know you will. Welcome to the world of running, it becomes quite addictive and that's a good thing. Keep going and take pride in all your achievements no matter how big or small.
Come on here after everyone and you will get all the support you need and the praise you deserve and have earned. Well done for sticking at it. It doesn't matter how long it takes - you will get there.
WTF !!! don't let one downbeat put you down. You are right it is huge achievement and one to be so rightly chuffed about . Go you D
Ah see that's totally something my elderly (and rather ignorant about anything other than corrie) mother would say too.
However, you still need to puff out your chest and be bloomin proud. Irrespective of how long it's taken you to achieve - it's still some achievement!
Well done on your w5r3, it's certainly a toughy!
W5R3 has been a memorable run for so many of us, regardless of subsequent achievements. So enjoy the buzz-you've earned it. Onwards!
20 minutes is huge. People just don't understand. That run is momentous, and dare I say life-changing. I squeezed a couple tears out at the end. The folks on the forum know what that run means. Well done. Seriously good stuff.
A 20 minute run is 125x more than an idle get like Usain Bolt manages.
What??? How evil. Ignore. Its a fantastic achievement. Be very proud!
I've had similar responses from some more experienced runners but so many more have been supportive, encouraging and impressed with what I've achieved. Don't let the few get you down, it's a massive achievement. Everyone going through or having been through this programme understands just what a big deal it is. Keep it up x
Grrr - stupid people - I was exactly the same as you - it is an amazing achievement! Don't let anyone tell you any different! Very well done.
I ran for 20 minutes!!
I ran for 20 minutes!
20 minutes!! 20 minutes!! 
W5R3 20 minutes - yesss! ❤️😀💪🏻🏃♀️
The dreaded 20 minutes tomorrow...
