Help wk5 r3

[Runninja]

Hi all, I have week 5 run 3 tomorrow and I don't mind admitting I'm terrified! I was so pleased with myself for running 8 mins but it seems a bit of a leap to 20! Is it possible?

[Talulah1984 Graduate]

You sound like me just over a week ago, I found thinking about it in chunks of 5 helped as in don't think about each one until it comes. The best advice I got from here was have faith in the programme, it has needed designed to prepare you for this so if you have completed all the runs so far then you are ready my dear!

[Talulah1984 Graduate in reply to Talulah1984]

Having retread my comment I also think not thinking about it at all would be ideal!

[mfamilias Graduate]

Ahem. If anyone had suggested to you six months ago that you would be able to run for 8 minutes without stopping, would you have believed them? Of course you've got this. Of course it's possible. It's the best experience of the whole programme, bar graduating.

Stop being scared and use the energy to be excited about it instead. Tomorrow just take it slow and steady, and split it into short sections (to that tree, then to that house...), congratulating yourself when you get to each one. Before you know it, you've done your 20 minutes - 4X5 minutes feels much more attainable than 20. Now off you go to gag those gremlins!

[Runninja]

Thank you for the reassurance. I have kept faith so far and been so surprised that having not run since school some 25 years ago that I have been able to keep up. I like the idea of five minute chunks so will go for it and hope Laura has some motivating words in my ear!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Listen to our lovely friend mfamilias ! Check the linked posts out about this... yes it is possible!

" It always seems impossible, until it is done "!

[Runninja]

I'll let you know how it goes, assuming my legs don't solidify leaving me stranded in the middle of the park and ridiculed by small children!

[90ldfinch Graduate]

I'm only reiterating the sound advice already given. You ran for 16 minutes last time.

It's just another 4 x 60 seconds tagged on. Go nice and slowly. Don't overthink it

[jt24 Graduate]

It's the run that scares pretty much everyone, yet here all us graduates are- we did it! So will you

Get your mind set that you WILL do it, don't go out feeling defeated to start with. Remember slow and steady and if the minutes aren't ticking by quick enough just slow down a little more. Just remember to keep taking deep breaths and keep turning your legs over.

Go and smash it, the feeling after is amazing

[jt24 Graduate]

I'm intrigued by your name... Have you joined Running Ninja's on Facebook yet? Fantastic online support forum full of everyone from c25k beginners through to ultra-marathon hardcore.

[Feelingsilly]

I only did it yesterday... If you read my last few posts I never thought it was possible... It is! Think positive, you can do this!

[Monkey25 Graduate]

I felt the same when this run came round. I ran slow,slow and then slower, snail pace, so excited when I finished was on a high. Sure you'll feel the same.

[Runninja]

Thank you one and all for the supportive comments.....I WILL do it. I've come this far and your kind words will keep me at it!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

I echo all the replies above. But rather cheekily, I add one thing - a question.

You end your post by asking "is it possible?".

My question to you is:

- do YOU think it's possible?