How did you manage the step up to continuous running ?

[Findinghappyhan]

I'm talking about week 6 run 3 onwards. I've wimped out of it today and repeated run 2 as I'm still finding that a challenge but I'm going to try on my next run to just go for it.

How did other people find not having the walking breaks anymore?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You just slow down...and then slow down some more Think snail on a go-slow.

The programme is carefully structured and designed to take you forward to each,next run. If at this stage, something continues to feel like a challenge, then you do have to try and slow it right down.

As Confucius said,

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Was that Confucius? Wise man. I was saying that to myself two days ago as I battled with Gary the Gremlin.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

I tell myself that on many occasions !

[SC1472 Graduate]

The walking breaks are part of building up your stamina, having said that, my progress slowed once I got into the longer runs. It took a few attempts to be able to run for 20 minutes, and then the 25 minute seemed to be my nemesis for a couple of weeks. Not sure how or why but it then just clicked into place - after a couple of successful 25 minute runs I moved on to week 8 yesterday and really enjoyed the 28 minutes run. It's taken a while to get my breathing sorted. Just remember that it doesn't matter how many sessions it takes your goal that you will get there in the end and, of course, even if you have a walking break it's far better for you than being on the couch.

[jt24 Graduate]

I believe it is more of a gremlin issue than a physical ability.

It can be mentally hard to get your head round the fact that you are now expected to be a runner!

The programme is great though, you have to trust it- you ARE a runner

Having said that, the run/walk (Jeff Galloway) technique is used by choice by many. Being a year odds down the line I prefer a longer, slower 'solid' run because, for me, it feels more rewarding but run/walk is a very handy tool in your running 'box' to extend distance/ overcome hills etc.

For now I would recommend working on your confidence, take your speed down a notch and complete each solid run as per the programme. For a good 2-3 months post-grad' it is great to consolidate 3x30 minute/5k runs a week and then have a re-group. Maybe the solid run won't be for you but to get that mental and physical base of 'can do it' can be beneficial x

[Linzij]

Hi, I completed week 7 run 1 yesterday.. It's definitely a mind game.. physically if you have gone this far you can do it.. it is challenging but worth it.. you will feel great after accomplishing it.. a little trick (that works for me anyway) is to not look at your run until I'm ready to rock.. that way I can't talk myself out of it.. I just get it done.. 😂

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

I'm still on the programme but slightly ahead of you. I'd agree all of the above but in addition I actually think I was slightly horrified/petrified at the thought of having to continuously run... for ever?? ! ... 25 plus minutes 2-3 times a week as no excuse (a huge gremlin) and basically my brain went on a bit of a rebellion. I've think got over that now

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You can do more than you think.

[misswobble Graduate]

True 😀

You will be fine. Just go slowly. It buys you time and conserves energy

If you have to stop then do so. It's no disaster. It's better to get your breath back than to give up on the run

have faith in yourself and the programme

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I was a bit disconcerted at relentless non-stop runs, as I quite liked the intervals. But in the end it was fine and physically perfectly doable. I found the problems came after graduation. On the programme you've got Laura telling you what to do, afterwards it's up to you to motivate yourself. The temptation to say "I'll only do 20 mins today" is huge. It took me quite a time before I was really comfortable with running 5k non-stop, basically whenever and as often as I want. Good luck!

[mfamilias Graduate]

Tie the gremlin to a chair, stick his remote control in his mouth, and go for it. This is a mind issue, not a physical one - the battle with the gremlin unfortunately never disappears, so you have to decide that you will win, and the only way to win a gremlin battle is to do the run. Run to the tree, then run to the car, then run to the end of this song... Small goals one after the other are the way to go. You can do this.

[Findinghappyhan]

Thanks everyone 😘

[Rickne Graduate]

Initially daunting but once you do it there is no looking back. All that start stopping seems more work.