Gutted, struggled w5 r3

[lazarah]

A www so gutted. Had to do the 20 min run without stopping and I achieved only 16 mins and had to walk. My heart rate went up to 174 and I felt light headed. Feel so gutted I didn't achieve the 20 minutes! I really thought I'd be able to do it... Do I now repeat this run or move onto w6? Any advice much appreciated ( I am tired after a 9 hour shift)

[SunnyAnnie Graduate]

I feel your pain. It took me a long time to get that one under my belt. I got there in the end by just adding a minute every time. If it makes you feel any better, it took me almost a year to finally get up to 30 minutes.

[Hidden]

No need to be gutted, 16 minutes is a good achievement. Nobody said it would be easy. Repeat I'd say till you do it. I graduated in April, I do a regular 4 mile run now, but there are still occasions I don't get round it without walking at some point for a minute.

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Do it again - and again!! You will eventually get there -- but SLOW DOWN!! If you can run 16 minutes , you can run 20 minutes -- if you slow down!!! I know that you want it to end - you want to get it over with -- but running too fast does not speed up the 20 minutes. 20 minutes is still 20 minutes - regardless of how fast you run!!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Don't beat yourself up. That was the first run I didn't complete as well. Just go out and repeat the run again with a clear head and slow right down.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

The 20 minute thing is a bit of a step up for sure, but if you've stuck with the programme, you are ready. The most likely answer is that you weren't prepared on the day. You mentioned light headedness. Was it hot when you ran? Did you take on enough water before you set out? Don't despair, try it again but this time, start taking on water a good hour before you set off. Lots of little sips is the best way. Also, why not eat a banana an hour before too? It's also a mental challenge. The night before you go, think about the route and picture yourself running the whole way. Play it through in your mind and in particular imagine crossing the finishing point with crowds cheering you on. Sounds daft? Try it.

When you set off, reduce your pace and take it easy. It's never a race.....until you want it to be. Ignore the heart rate monitor and forget about pace until you finish, keep calm and put one foot in front of the other. It's not easy, it never is, but if you prepare well and keep things under control during the run, you will do it.

[west4]

I found that one really fought too. I'd do it again but take it slower before moving on. Good luck

[lazarah Graduate]

Thank you everyone for your comments. They have put things into perspective, which is a massive help. I think you have a point Rob, I didn't probably drink enough before the run and had not eaten since lunch ( I ran straight after work at 7:15pm). So the banana is a good idea. This is a great forum

[Cuig1975]

Your well ready try it again I used to break it in to blocks and count down so get that 4 mins out of the way to warm u up and then you have your 16 mins left, I’d love you to get to that 20 mins as it’s still a run I remember with pride I threw my arms in the air when I completed it ........ I still do the same with 5 km as I find the first 2 in tough , so when I complete them I think here I go on a 3 k run easy 😉💪