Help please

[wannabe-runner]

Can anyone help me please?  Started C25k with a group last Sept & got to week 8. Had to give up due to other commitments. Picked it up again recently using the podcasts but i can't seem to crack run 3 of week 5 (20 mins).  Has anyone any suggestions how I can progress?

[Irishprincess Graduate]

This sounds like a mental challenge. W5R3 is notorious for making us nervous as hell and losing any confidence we might have built up in the previous runs.

We've all been there and felt the same fear but somehow managed to get through it. Trust the programme. It has prepared you for this one. You've managed every run up to now (really well done btw) and you are ready for it. Some people find breaking the run into five minute chunks helps, others find a mental image of finishing spurs them on. We are all there with you cheering you along. Just remember to run very, very slowly. You can and will do this and then revel in how epic you are going to feel afterwards!

[mfamilias Graduate]

Whatever you do, don't give up (...'cos you have friends.... Mfam sings Kate Bush and waves pompoms). Now the singing intro is done... Well done for getting back into C25K - you're more than half-way there! 

I recommend splitting the run into shorter challenges - it's generally the image of that big fat number that throws us off guard. So run until the end of this song, then up to that tree, then  past that granny beating up her hubby with her handbag.. it'll be done in no time. Slow down (we always run faster than we think) and try to think about something else - my favourites include what I'd say to my awful neighbour if I listened to my instinct, and thinking about the beautiful places I saw on my holiday to Peru. Good luck, and make sure you report back!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you've got to Week 8 before, Week 5 is something you can do now. Mfamilias' suggestion is a great one. Slow right right down if you need to.

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Hi wannabe-runner  , well done on getting back to the program , that shows you have determination and as you done it before you know what to expect along the way.

There others have already given some great advise about breaking it mentally into smaller sections.

Bottom line is now you have to bite the bullet and go out and just run it, you have done it before, you can do it now.

Have faith in yourself and the program, run it slow and steady and you will crack it no problem, good luck 😊

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Can you try a new route?  The old one can trick you when you recognize places you usually stop for walk breaks.  Also giving Laura a pass for a run and having your own tunes might help give you the oomph to get over the hump. 

[wannabe-runner]

Thank you all so much for all your encouragement, I'll take all your advice on board and keep plodding on!