False sense of security? And a question.

[OldPossum]

Well week 3 run 2 completed, I opted for the scenic sea wall and my feet seem to be coping better with the very uneven surface now. Week 3 is shorter though unless I'm doing it wrong and Laura finished a good 5 minute walk away from home but I still felt good when I got home. Is this progress or a false sense of security I wonder! My real question though, is it right that week 3 ends after the second 3 minute walk? Looking ahead I notice that later weeks end after the run so do I assume the 5 minute cool down walks stop.

[yatesco Graduate]

Hmmm, that sounds familiar, but it was a while ago since I did week 3 :-).

As for a false sense of security, yes, to be blunt. At least I found some weeks euphoric and others awful at the beginning, and it didn't seem to have anything to do with the timing or distance. Good runs and bad runs.

However, you ARE undoubtedly making progress, which is great! The reason I said yes it was a false sense of security is because running (at least for me) is as much mental growth as physical. I don't mean the blues, I mean self-doubt, the so called gremlins. A mistake a bunch of us make is associating 'does this run feel good' with 'can I run'. You CAN run, you HAVE run regardless of how it feels.

I am not sure if I am making this clear, so apologies.

Essentially I am saying: get into the habit of running despite how you feel, take encouragement and be proud, but run anyway. Don't let 'a good run' become your security blanket.

Hmmm, yeah, I am really not sure I am being clear.

Ignore me - you did great, you are doing great and yeah! for the progress (just keep moving even on the bad runs :-))!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done on the run. Just checked the chart and week 3 is a total of 9 minutes running (1.5/3/1.5/3) which is the same in total as week 2 but there is less walking, so overall it is actually a shorter outing.

The chart is a pinned post so if you have doubts, you can check it on there.

Great that it's going well!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yes, do the cool down walks... and it is right..

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

this gives you the run breakdown.

The runs... just go with them, as yatesco suggests... each one is different and as long as you go slowly and steadily you will get there. Well done

[OldPossum]

Thanks for the feedback. I think I feel better about it because my feet have stopped hurting and most of my muscles seem to have reluctantly accepted their call from slumber! Getting out of the door is still the toughest part for me but interestingly I think I might actually be able to move onto week 4 without repeating week 3 which will be a massive achievement. Will always aim to finish so I still have a walk home then. Most routes are about 5 minutes away from me. Means the neighbours don't see me run either!

Another achievement on holiday too - I haven't gained a single pound in weight - none lost either but as I can easily pick half a stone on a week away. I am feeling quite self satisfied. 😀

[Ullyrunner Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

As well you might! Well done!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

It is progress! That is part of what keeps us hooked I think, seeing how we are getting better. Enjoy that warm glow of pride and keep positive. You're well on your way now and it is starting to come together.

[OldPossum in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Just love your name ! 😀

[dddd4 Graduate]

Well done. You sound like you are definitely making progress.

[Hidden]

Hi I noticed Laura said three minutes walk at the end but I did longer as I was so far from home when I finished. Well done!! think all runs have a five minutes warm up/ down walk before and after looking at the list.