Week5run3 big step up

[Sofabeardave1969]

Hi, just want to know what to expect for my first 20min run?? I'm looking forward to it but it seems a big step up from two eight minute runs?? #worried

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Elation.... And the fact that you did it.... because you were ready for it

"Nothing to fear, except Fear itself"

You can do this... and you will...slow and steady, and enjoy

[rammsteinqueen Graduate]

I think we all thought 20 minutes was a huge jump. You can do it because you're following the plan - go for it

[Pip2002]

I did mine yesterday I tried to set myself up for success by remembering to run reeaaaaalllly slowly and picking an easy flattish route. I didn't want any hills to wear me out! And to my amazement I did it! Good luck, you can do it!

[Charlottetrip Graduate]

I remember the dread I felt, but just trust in the programme and you can honestly do it!

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

I remember it well - but I did it and my C25K journey has been far from smooth!!!! I know it seems like a huge jump but it is actually entirely achievable. Acknowledge that it may well be hard but also acknowledge that this programme is amazing and it works! You can do it!

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Firstly stop making it a bigger leap in your mind than it really is. If you did W5R2 then you ran for more than 8 minutes. 8 minutes is what you ran in W1 - you just slowed to a walk in between. Since then you have been increasing you stamina and have just run a total of 16 minutes, with a 5 min walk in between, meaning you were on the go for 21 mins. All you need to do is put the two together with no breaks. Easier said than done, I know. But you have put so much in. You've got this!

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Did that run today. It is a mental test as much as physical. Take it slow and just keep putting one foot in front of another. If like me remember you didnt think you could do W1R1, the W2R1 etc. Do expect some odd looks from people when you yell out loud "Yah I did it"

[iain-strachan Graduate]

I think Whatsapp is absolutely right - W5R2 has you on the go for 21 minutes, and the walking in between is activity just like the running, but at a lower intensity. I remember when I did W5R2 on the hottest day of the year (waited till evening when the temperature was a mere 28C), that I found half way through the 5 minute walk break I felt absolutely ready to start running again.

I was also apprehensive about the 20 minutes continuous - but really it was no big deal - seriously it wasn't. The total length of the workout is 1 minute less than R2.

Keep a slow and steady pace - you will have learnt this from the previous runs. Provided you can keep going without flaking out or gasping for breath, you can surprise yourself with just how long you can keep doing it. I'm sure you'll be fine, and you'll feel fantastic when you've completed it!

[Ali_Owl]

I've just done my wk5r2 - run 3 will be on Thurs. I'm approaching it with a mix of dread and excitement at the thought I might actually be able to run for 20mins....something that would have been impossible 5 weeks ago. Good luck!

[Sofabeardave1969 Graduate in reply to Ali_Owl]

Good luck to you too👍👍