Phew! Week 5 Run 3 complete - first 20 minute run!

[iain-strachan]

Actually in the picture I'm just posing wiping my brow! But I did work up a pretty good sweat - my wife sent me straight to the shower!

Like many people here, at the start of the course I would never have believed I could run 20 minutes without stopping. It's been good to see all the posts from others who have done it, and who say to trust the course.

In a sense I feel that the jump from 8 minutes to 20 minutes seems like a big psychological hurdle and having done that, 20 -> 25 -> 28 -> 30 doesn't seem like such a dramatic increase, so I feel more confident that I can carry it through to the end.

Actually, I did stop, just for a couple of seconds, not because I was tired or gasping for breath. It was because I got lost!! Trying to find the exit between two houses that led to a path across a green, I chose the wrong two houses! D'oh!

[iain-strachan Graduate]

Unexpected bonus. Jo was my trainer for this evening's run. Then I get to see her live on TV as one of the presenters at the Radiohead gig at Glastonbury! She must have good taste - though I don't think Radiohead is the best music for running to!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done... you don't look too hot!

Just trust the programme...it isn't just about running...it is about different disciplines within the running; pace and stamina and strength are all part of it. I am probably telling you everything you know, but just keep it slow and steady and you will overcome every little blip.

Keep the pesky mind gremlins guessing..they get confused very easily!!!

PS

I got lost on a long run ...just on the edge of my village where I have lived for a looooooong time Embarrassing isn't it ?)

[belonger Graduate]

Brilliant achievment, well done! I managed that run last week and like you I would never have thought I could do it. What a great programme - keep up the great work!

[McFitty Graduate]

When you get that w5r3 under your belt, it's like a whole new vista opening up isn't it. Suddenly, from the week 3 thoughts of "oh-my-life-I-have-to-run-for-five-minutes-next-week", there comes the "do-you-know-I-think-I-may-actually-be-able-to-do-this!". As Floss says, slow and steady does it. You'll be amazed by your ever increasing ability. Have fun in week 6...😊

[iain-strachan Graduate in reply to McFitty]

100% agree! I'm definitely at the "do-you-know-I-think-I-may-actually-be-able-to-do-this!" stage...

Am tempted to wonder if they designed the course this way to get you over the psychological barrier. It's the one point where there seems to be a BIG jump.

A lady I know who does running as well told me that once you get to 20 mins you realise it's not a problem to go further.

[McFitty Graduate in reply to iain-strachan]

I think my light bulb moment when I just 'knew' I was going to be able to finish the programme was the second run of week 7. I was scared of jinxing myself by saying it out loud before then😃

[Lastlight Graduate]

Well done ... I am coming up to that run this week - it does feel like a big step up.

[Likac66 Graduate]

Really well done!! 20 mins is such a mile stone.

[Satsu]

Well done! I believe we are in the same boat. Just completed my Wk 5 Run 3 as well and wrote a short post this morning. Couldn't believe even while I started running that I will be able to do it. Now i am in the 'you-know-what-i-might-actually-be-able-to-do-this' category!