W5 R3 done? :/

[Catey1978]

So this morning I got up and got myself psyched up for the dreaded w5r3 and focused on the good feeling that would come at the end of it. Only thing is it didn't. I can't believe I've actually kept going for 20 minutes, I've never done anything like this and don't think I really believed I could, thing is I think I've actually convinced myself so much that I couldn't that it's taking my mind a while to catch up! Am I the only person that didn't have the smiley eureka moment? Maybe I'm just in shock

[Kaydenmummy Graduate]

I was the same. So happy I could do it. Feeling good at the mo

[melly4012 Graduate]

It will come Well done! Such a milestone in the programme. There's no stopping you now!!

[Donkeywhistler Graduate]

I am due to do W5r5 next Monday and already have a default plan as I am convinced that I will not be able to do it. Me and my running partner have decided to do 10 minutes running, get breath back then next 10. We'll then do a 15 + 5 then finally 20. We just do not believe that we can go from 8 minutes up to 20 minutes.

[Hidden in reply to Donkeywhistler]

I like that plan. I just struggled through Week 5 run one and found the three X five minutes a real struggle especially the last one. Am going to repeat that session again till it's more comfy as I could not cope with 8 minutes right now now. And as for twenty I am scared!! Folk say you get in a rhthym but I haven't - I am honestly shouting swearing a begging Laura to let me stop after about three minutes. The recovery walks were not long enough for me and I was still puffing and out of breath before the last run started. Trying again tonight I hope !

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Just think back to week one... remember those painful intervals? Now think of your recent run. Shocking, yes. You've earned it.

[PippiRuns]

📸🎉👍👏🏃 very well done, Catey! You are doing so well! I myself was quite chuffed after that first uninterrupted long run, and the way your brain reacts here puzzles me....

Maybe you need to start doing some positive reinforcements. Tell yourself (in front of the mirror, say it out loud) something like "I can do this! I am a runner! I love it!" Every day a couple of times. I know it sounds strange, but it works for me.

[Katie204 Graduate]

I've been waiting for that "runner's high" since March and I haven't had it yet.

However, there is such a thing as enjoying the quiet triumph of achieving the 20-minute W5R3 run - so very well done for that!

I think the fact that we are set these particular goals in C25K, and we feel daunted by some of them, can make the process a bit stressful. When I was going through the course I found that the "set" runs felt like a real slog - but on a few occasions I fitted in a few little runs afterwards - my own choice, with my own music - and I found that those were much more fun.

[LonelyWalker Graduate]

I was mightily shell shocked after W5R3, I think I had been dreading it so much that it was a bit of an anti climax to finally get through it. Don't be too hard on yourself, every achievement builds up to the greatest feeling ever at the end!

[Shopgirl54]

Brilliant! Perhaps once what you've achieved sinks in you'll feel more positive and rightly proud.

I'm on course for my w5r3 tomorrow. Hopefully I'll do as well as you😀

[Catey1978 Graduate in reply to Shopgirl54]

Thanks! I think it was just the shock of actually completing something I didn't honestly believe I could do. I was even thinking about redoing week 5 as I couldn't see how I could move on, but I've just completed w6r1 and I'm glad I decided to keep going as it went just fine. I'm certainly learning that a lot of this running process seems to be about the mental barriers we put in our own way. Good luck with your run tomorrow, not that you will need it I'm sure