Wk5

[Char-]

Any tips for R3 Wk5 ??

8 mins to 20mins seems a huge leap .

[jaybro28 Graduate]

If you've completed all the runs leading up to it, your body is ready for it, your mind just doesn't yet believe it. My suggestion would be to not let your mind get in the way. Forget about the time/distance, just zone out to forget your doubt, and run. You got this.

[Char- in reply to jaybro28]

Thank you ... you are right , it's my mind that doesn't believe it . I will try to just run & not think too much about it .

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Firstly, stop thinking you are jumping from 8 minutes to 20. You are creating your own mental block. In R2 you ran for 16 minutes and slowed down to a walk for 5 minutes in between so went 21 minutes in all.

Take it on with the same level of respect and determination you have for all other runs. This one is no different. Forget the time, just enjoy getting into a rhythm. keep it nice and slow and steady. And enjoy that feeling !!

[MarkyD Graduate]

You ran W5r2 successfully, and that's 8:5:8.

The purpose of the 5 minute walk in that session is to allow your heart-rate to recover / drop back a bit. When you started the final 8-minute run, your heart-rate will have quickly climbed back up, but it would have been pumping away at 'running pace' for about 18 minutes (depends upon how long it took to recover when you were walking). So the 'effort' in W5r2 is about 18 minutes.

W5r3 is 20 minutes, and has 20 minutes' heart-rate effort. Just a little longer than W5r2 effort.

So I'm sure that you can do this. Just start off a little slower than usual to leave 'something in reserve' for later. And use the counting or 'landmark spotting' strategies discussed in these forums to distract yourself if you start to get tired.

[Vonnie63 Graduate]

Hi I felt the same as you but completed this run this morning and you can do it. As others have said slow and steady and zone out, enjoy the run and don't think of the time.

[InYorkshire]

I did this run a few days ago - I remember thinking the same! But you can do it! You've already done the hard work! Distract yourself with the scenery and thinking of other things, or break it into smaller parts. Good luck!

[Char-]

Thanks all ... all advice gratefully received. : )

[iain-strachan Graduate]

I'm in the same boat! W5R3 tonight! I have a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and a certain amount of trepidation. It has been very useful to read all the comments on the thread from people who have been there before. Thanks!

I found, for some reason W5R1 was a bit of a struggle - perhaps didn't pace it properly - but R2 by contrast was an absolute breeze.

I'll be sure to be posting about my experiences!

[Char- in reply to iain-strachan]

Doing mine tomorrow morning . Let me know how you get on

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Char-]

Did it!! Was a bit of a struggle as I wasn't on top form, but I managed the 20 mins without stopping. Well ... actually I did stop once for a few seconds, not because I was tired, but because I got lost and couldn't find the exit from a road onto the path across a field! Honest!! Best of luck to you tomorrow morning!

[Char- in reply to iain-strachan]

Well done ! Hope you are feeling very proud of yourself .

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to Char-]

Let me know how you get on.