W3R3 Done. Repeat, or W4?

I did all 3 runs with Laura in charge all the way. But I'm so slow! And a bit daunted by the next week programme. BUUUT I've read so many posts here that say the biggest challenge is your head not your legs or your lungs. So I'll give it a go. Reading stuff here is such a motivator!!!

[Irish-John Graduate]

Slow is nothing to be ashamed of.Every Runner has a top speed. Ours is different than Usain Bolts, but just as hard won. Enjoy YOUR run, ok? 🙂

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Well, I dunno about our top speed being *just* as hard won as Usain Bolt's. Many of us have partners and children and jobs and don't do this full time... Usain Bolt has put some of the pretty basic things people tend to want in their lives on hold in pursuit of his top speed.

Slow is absolutely fine (or maybe I wouldn't still be running 4 years after graduating). We're looking for sustainability!

[Hidden]

Thanks, will do!

[Jojocoops]

My head is still by toughest battle but I'm getting there, I love the feeling of achievement when I've completed my run, good luck & enjoy 🤓

[debze Graduate]

Go for it! I honestly am so slow but it's not about how fast you are it's about the "running action" and keeping it up til the end. I didn't think I could do 5 minutes either but I managed it and if I can, you can!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You are spot on... the pesky gremlins in your head, are what you have to beat. They try everything, to put you off, or stop you.

They have a go at your speed, distance, breathing, aching legs..the list goes on... but... they hate being ignored... Push them out of your head.... and if that fails, imagine squishing those little pests... every step you take...

Focus on now....not next.. and, as you will hear from most of us, ,most of the time... slow and steady. As slow as you like... the slowest that suits you... It is your journey and it must be done in your way.

You can do this, so well done.. you are on the way and we are right there with you

[Beelady Graduate]

If you've completed week 3 runs then crack on with week 4! I think every week I thought " can't believe I've done that but will never manage next weeks" but I did! Just finished week 9 last week so just trust in the programme and keep using the forum for support and guidance and you'll be there too. I'm slow too but as everyone has said, it's not about speed but stamina and slowly increasing the time. Enjoy!

[Von99 Graduate]

Yes do go for week 4, slow is fine. Every week I've felt daunted by the week ahead, but hey presto, I'm on week 9 now - and yes, still slow, but still going!

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Slow is not just fine, slow is good! You will find a the runs increase in length, you may need to go even slower. Please don't worry - speed can come later. Keeping going for the allotted time - that's all that counts. You're doing great.

[Suzieblue1]

Keep going I am on Wk 4 run 2 today, I felt the same but, I was so glad I kept going, so long as you do it the time/speed doesn't matter 😀 👍🏃

[Sofargoner Graduate]

I'm yet another one (if you look back) who's said exactly the same as you. I'm overweight so I'm slow. But I'm doing it bit by bit. I'm amazed at what this programme can do. I may plod the pace someone walks but I'm running, my heart rate is raised so I'm exercising and my stamina is increasing. I thought the jump to 3X 5 mins was impossible and now I'm doing 8mins twice with relative ease . I feel the same as you do now about the next increase but I'm going to trust the programme. All the best, I'm only a week further ahead as each week takes me 1.5 weeks to complete but I'm cheering you on!!

[Lee337 Graduate]

As others have said, going really slow is not a bad thing and it's 100% better than still sitting on that couch!!

I also had doubts about stepping up to week 4 but was very surprised when I managed to keep going and completed the first session of week 4. It is true when people tell you that the programme is designed to slowly build up your stamina so you're then ready for the next week. So you can do it.

I plan to try each week and only if I can't manage to complete it successfully will I then repeat it. I am due to start week 5 today and the 3rd and final run of the week includes a 20 minute non-stop run! This is the first time I think I will need to repeat the week because I really don't know if I am up to it...but I might surprise myself yet again, so we will see.

Anyway, good luck with your week 4.

[Hidden]

I'm with all the others - go for it and do Week 4! I have just completed my first week 4 run this morning. I too was a bit daunted by the step up to 5 minutes running, but I just completed it fine, at my own pace, and feel elated at having done so. Definitely the head is the bigger challenge.

[Mazzspud]

Slow is great. Shuffle is great. I am on week 5 and decided to turn off my Run tracker. I didn't want to know how slow I was going...The challenge was just one foot in front of the other and Yes, week 4 is fine. You can do it, no matter how slow you are. It only takes 30 minutes in the end, don't worry about the distance yet.

[Amandalawrence74 Graduate]

Start week 4 and if you physically can't do it go back to week 3. I also found it's actually my head that can't despite being so unfit on week 9 now with no repeats I really can!

[curlyann Graduate]

Go for it! Listen to Laura - she will have just the right phrase at the right time as you need it. Don't worry about being slow. Just be what you are and do what you can do, but don't be surprised if you do more than you think you can. Enjoy :-).