I've not experienced the fear more that ten minutes before a run before but looking at my schedule (ignore the dates, I'm a little behind) I am scared for tomorrow's run (w5r2) and don't even mention Friday *shrill horror movie scream*
How do I get over this dread?! More to the point how will I cope with this hooooooooge leap from 5 to 8?!
I love your chart! How good does it feel to tick off each run when it's done?!
I'm approaching week 5 like this - the first run is five minute runs which you can already do. The second run is basically the same amount of time running just in different blocks and the third is only an extra four minutes - considering you've already stepped up from running 9 minutes in week 3 to 16 minutes in week 4, it should be easy!
I'm sure we can do it!!
This is what I've been telling myself anyway. I'll let you know if I'm still feeling the same if I make it to the end of week 5!!
I just finished week 5 run 2 tonight - really, really didn't want to do the second run but thought "I've not given up yet - I'm not giving up now" - strangely enough (half an hour and shower after my run) I feel great.
I'm not looking forward to Thursday's 20 min run though
As Melly says, it's just small increments- you're halfway through the program. Don't overthink it, just get out there and enjoy it. I betcha that you'll all find wk5 easier than wk 1. You CAN do it. 
Just think back to week 1 when running for 1 minute at a time was the impossible, then same with the 1.5 minute runs in week 2 then ... You get the idea. Don't worry about it just believe in the programme and more importantly yourself. Just take it one run at a time and to think that you've only been doing this for 6 weeks or so.
Week 5 does look big doesn't it! It's W5R3 which I was scared of- but I managed it, and you will too, and I can tell you it feels great!
At this stage you really have to trust in the programme and in your self belief. Allow yourself to do the runs- you can do it! Keep listening to the podcasts and looking around you to take your mind off things; slow down slower than a snail with a limp, if it helps; think about your running form and your breathing - keep your arms moving backwards and forwards and make sure you're breathing in and out ... you can do this!
I remember w5r3 well. I was on holiday in Yorkshire running in fields of sheep, couldn't believe I did it. That was the day I put all my faith in the programme. It does work graduated last week.
I remember looking forward and thinking I would never achieve a solid 20 minute run! But I tried to approach it with slow thoughts in my head and reminding myself that I'm in control and if I'm breaking up that badly I could walk some of it.
When the day came my adrenalin was pumping and I started out nervously. Was tired at 3 minutes (usual for me), felt in my stride at 8 minutes (those short runs you've done when you felt you could carry on!), aches at 15 minutes (panic!), and pure elation at 20 minutes. Me! Running for 20 minutes!
It's a great feeling, you'll enjoy it at the end, even if you doubt yourself like I did at many points through it.
My next run is W7R2, so I'm proof that this system really can work miracles!
Good luck, x
Hey guy did w5r2 last night and omg so much easier than expected!! You are all so right 👌🏼Might help I was pacing to 150bpm music for the first time though..
W5R3 - the fear became real
W4R1 in the bag!
Week 5 fear
facing the fear
