W5R3 (encore) Did I do it? Well...

[Tractorman]

...Laura said so this time so it must be true! YAY!!!

But whether it was because there weren't any distractions or perhaps it was the cold, the effort expended today seemed to be far greater than my first attempt last Wednesday.

The first couple of minutes were a disaster. The cold air going down my nose and lungs felt like ice needles, I couldn't get any rhythm going and my mind was saying that the pace was all wrong... Too slow, no, too fast now, oh I don't know!? Mind games - and I was losing.

To those of you yet to do this run, believe me, as long as you have done the lead-up sessions and you don't have any physical problems other than general fitness (but I know a lot of you have though) this IS all down to mental training. My body didn't feel any more tired at the end than it did fifteen minutes into the run. I could even have done a bit more but there's a reason the timings are as they are and I don't intend to push my luck BUT as for the mental effort of convincing myself it was possible - JEEZ that was TOUGH. Sitting down typing this though I'm beginning to feel all of my 62 years. Getting out of bed tomorrow may be interesting!

I'd again like to thank everyone who's posted replies to my posts as I did think of them and the support you gave and it helped get me through the dark bits of the run. I may have cause to ask more of you in the next four weeks or so!

Anyway, now I can enjoy the day and feel a little smug. Finding out about W6+ will no doubt wipe any of that away though!

Bye for now.

[McFitty Graduate]

Oh well done! It is more mental than physical for sure! Take it easy through week 6 and then you're on the home stretch. You have overcome the giant! Go you! 😊😊😊

[RainbowC Graduate]

Well done! You're absolutely right in the mental challenge of this run. It's hard on the legs, but so much tougher on the mind. But you did it! Emjoy week 6...

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done - that one's a real milestone! It's when you start to believe that completing the programme might even be possible.

Watch out for week six - a tricky one! You need to keep your speed nice and slow.

Also, try using a buff over your mouth in really cold weather - warms the breath a bit before it comes as a shock to the lungs.

[Tractorman Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Nice & slow I specialise at As for the buff, great idea but I'n already running with my hoodie up. I'll be good for joining the dodgy geezer set if I pull a buff up over my nose as well!

[Sarah1703]

WELL DONE. I read your post with great interest. I completed W5R2 this morning and have R3 lined up for Monday!! You've given me hope and inspiration.

[Tractorman Graduate in reply to Sarah1703]

Good luck on Monday and let us know how it goes. I'm sure you'll feel fine - I'm not too achey at all today much to my surprise. Perhaps I shouldn't have celebrated so much last night though!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

You certainly did well! Twice! You'll be graduating before you know it.

[melly4012 Graduate]

Amazing, you did it! You are so right, it's so much more mental than physical. Week 6 can be a bump back down to Earth after the euphoria of Wk5R3 so take it slow and steady and you'll be fine. Well on your way now!!