W5R2 - past the half-way point (phew) - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,571 members158,669 posts

W5R2 - past the half-way point (phew)

Katie204 profile image
Katie204Graduate
18 Replies

I've just got back from the 2nd run of W5. I found the 2 x 8 minutes a real slog - but I kept going doggedly to the end of each one.

Remembering what all you good folks have said about endurance, I did a few systems checks along the way and found that:

My legs were aching - but still good to carry on

My breathing was an effort - but not impossible

My pace was slow - but still "running".

I went along my beloved canal towpath again, and then along Narrow Street - which felt like doing the marathon, especially since the barriers are still there from Sunday. I finished with a run (i.e. jog/stumble) along the riverside, which was lovely.

Now just the 20-minute monster run to go!

Written by
Katie204 profile image
Katie204
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
18 Replies
stecal profile image
stecalGraduate

Well done i was dreading the 20 min run but it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be i'm sure you will be fine doing it.

Katie204 profile image
Katie204Graduate in reply to stecal

Thanks - that's good to know!

PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns in reply to stecal

I second that!

yatesco profile image
yatescoGraduate in reply to stecal

Exactly the same experience - go steady and you will be fine. KNOW when you start that you will run the full 20 minutes - you are ready for it.

moleymoleymoley profile image
moleymoleymoleyGraduate

As stecal says, that 20 minute run isn't as bad as you might think.

You can do it!

:D

jt24 profile image
jt24Graduate

You'll slay the beast :)

Trust the programme and more importantly trust yourself :) Remember slow and steady and if needed remember s  l  o  w  e  r ;)

Good luck :)

Anaverageman profile image
AnaveragemanGraduate

you can and WILL do it.. there isn't one person  here i think who wouldn't admit to feeling exactly the same as you looking forward to the 20 minute thingy... sometimes its easier than expected, other times  as bad as you expect.. ( it was for me!!) However.. and its a massive BUT.. there isn't one person who  wouldnt agree that you CAN do it, absolutely, utterly and completely.  If you have got this far.. you ARE ready...  

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate

You have just done 2 x 8 mins  = 16 minutes of running. Another 4 minutes isn't that much extra at this stage. It's not a monster, simply the next step and not having a walk break in the middle makes it easier to keep your rhythm. Positive thinking required.

Katie204 profile image
Katie204Graduate

Thanks everyone! I will post again once I'm on the other side :-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Brilliant.. very well done...you are doing amazingly...

Now.. remember...you set out on that run.. steady and slow.. and you will leave that pesky monster right behind you...:)

LisaRose74 profile image
LisaRose74

You'll do fine, don't let the gremlins win!

Celtprof profile image
CeltprofGraduate

Well done! You have all the tools for the 20 minute run- you'll be fine. 

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Well done Katie. The programme has prepared you for the next run, so just take it very slowly and you'll be fine. The monster will be slayed!

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Well done Katie. Don't worry, rest up then you will be ready for run 3. 😊

Run 1 and 2 are banked in your legs so you will be ready for the biggie...onwards and upwards. 

Good luck.😊

Kallyfudge profile image
KallyfudgeGraduate

Well done Katie! Must be nice to have the marathon barriers up :) I bet you will feel awesome after smashing the 20minute run!

If you've seen the first Harry Potter film, there's a bit in the beginning where Hagrid says "You're a wizard Harry and I'll wager a damn fine one at that" (or something similar) well after the 20 minute run it's like that. Kind of. I hope you get the drift :o)

Katie204 profile image
Katie204Graduate in reply to

Thanks Pam! That'll make me smile as I am slogging on my weary way!

LessToLose profile image
LessToLoseGraduate

You will be amazed once you have done it, it is only the brain that can't fathom that we can run for a whole 20 minutes.  Good luck! (although you don't need luck, just determination)

You may also like...

6.1 past the half way point 😎

pretty confident now I will be able to carry on running right through with maybe a couple of delays...

W5R2 - half way there!

are now just part of the running bits and given that I walk faster than I can run at the moment, it...

Past the half way mark!

for 20 minutes and I didn't die 😀 I was even steady enough to stop and take a photo back along the...

W5R2 - what's the point?

W5R1 and found running for 5 mins was OK - so much so that I then inserted a 'special' run of my own

Half way there and loving it 👍👌

W4 run 2 ✅ half way there and looking forward to W5 and 3 x 5 minute runs, had to change times not...