That was rubbish 😩

[Mummycav]

Just got back from W5R3....I knew I wouldn't be able to do it deep down...I feel completely demoralised...who am I kidding?? I don't even know how much of the 20 minutes I ran...I'm going to repeat this week..I refuse to go back to week 4...I couldn't get in 'the zone' at all...my tears are for a different reason today

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Mummycav..sounds like you forgot to take your positive attitude out with you today. You ran a bit, so remember to take a rest day.

This run needs a really slow start, and to be broken into five minute chunks which feels manageable. Its a dig deep one, but only a tiny bit longer than you did last run if you include the walk break...

You are gaining stamina every run and starting the week again is fine if you want to.

Believe in yourself, it sounds like you are starting to.x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I was starting to but I feel a complete failure today...I was looking forward to being able to run for 20 minutes, that would've been a great achievement for me...I don't know if I've been thinking about it too much all week...& maybe expecting too much too soon, I don't know...my next run is scheduled for Monday so I'll pretend it's week 5 again...& yes, I think I forgot my positivity 🙁....it felt like an eternity when Michael wasn't speaking...

[Tman7410 in reply to Mummycav]

Slow down it is mental but also physical! You have all the time in the world to increase speed. Start at a pace you can sustain. Put yourself in the right frame of mind before you run. Listen to a book or podcast, something to take your mind off of it. If I can do it you can, I just made the 28 minute run and I weigh 281 pounds! Believe in yourself! Believe in yourself! Believe in yourself!

[Hidden]

Keep your chin up! How far you have come and you'll beat this! Just keep it going and stay positive!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Just seen that you were intending to do the Parkrun this morning but were scuppered by your printer not working 😐.

No wonder your run was tough, your head must have been all over the place..

Never mind chalk it up...xx

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

So you didn't do it today. But you ran 2x 8 mins a couple of days ago. How good is that! What an achievement! Bet millions of people can't do that. So don't beat yourself up, you're doing great. Today was just a practice run😎

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate]

Don't beat yourself up. Your out there giving it a go. That's more than most of the population!

I always feel like a fraud giving my opinion because I don't know much but definitely think overthinking things doesn't help.

I wasn't looking forward to today's run at all. Was very tired and could t really be bothered but was so distracted I got to the end and thought, oh it's over, how did that happen!!

Keep your chin up:)!!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to reluctantrunner76]

Well done reluctant runner..😊

Your opinion is a good one and welcomed, especially delivered in such a polite way.😊x

[CookieM Graduate]

Just think of it as a practice run and try again next time. You managed 2 x 8, so you can do it. Give it another go in a couple of days and just see what happens. You can do this!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Good runs, bad runs........we all have them, but each one is training for the next one.

Why go back to the start of the week? Sure, each of those runs will strengthen you, but the challenge that you need to overcome is W5R3, so that is the one to repeat, in my opinion.

You are physically capable of doing this........now.......so believe that. This run is far more a mental challenge than anything you have tackled to date and it is simply a matter of belief and starting nice and slow.....pace yourself, as any pro would.

We believe you can do it.............it is over to you. Don't bother leaving the house if you have any doubts. Positivity rules, okay!

[icklegui Graduate]

Hi, I think you've already gained some of that positive attitude back though, as you're already determined to go for it again! I think that shows grit and tenacity, and don't forget how far you've come already. Today was a practice run (and you did admit to running some of it!). Your printer woes would have thrown me too - but then I can't imagine even signing up for parkrun, my runs are for me alone at this point, so I think you're doing awesomely.

[Hidden]

Oh hey you, big hug from Italy. Of course you can do it, things just didn't work out today that's all. Your run put more kms in your bank and stamina too. I've done the tears thing too, but wipe them off, blow your nose and go out next time with heart. And I must agree I love Mr Smooth, but there are some times when a well chosen word of encouragement wouldn't go amiss. ... so fellow smoothie, get your kit ready for next time. And kick ass...

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Hey hey - none of that. I'm rerunning the program for the second go-around, but the first time I did it W5R3 I didn't make it to the end either. Don't get hung up on that. Instead of feeling like a failure, think 'gee that was tough - it'll be amazing when I complete it'. It's a hard one so cut yourself some slack!!! I just repeated the single run until I got it. So the tricks to completing it are to slow right down. Even comically slow - particularly at the start. I find having a new route for it helps. A route that is flat instead of my own usual hilly neighborhood. And new scenery so you don't pass your usual landmarks and think - 'Oh, that's the 5 minute mark' or 'the hard bit is coming up'.

Seriously, you're doing great. You've done all the hard work building up to this, now your head just needs to know it too. If it takes a person 1 attempt to complete the run or 100, we're all running and that's a definite win. We're all rooting for you. When the going gets tough, slow down some more and picture us running alongside.

[bareliz]

We are are worst ctitics when it comes to this running malarky. It's not failure if you go out and give it a go. I'm starting week 9 next but am giving myself extra rest days as I am feeling very tired. It doesn't matter, re-doing runs, extra rest days, we're still getting there and getting fitter in the process. You will do it because you want to. Good luck.

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

You will do it next time mate, I'm looking forward to seeing your next post because I'm on week 5 run 2 on Monday, come on Mummycav inspire me. 😁

[aliboo70]

You can do it!!! its certainly a hard one needing a positive attitude but we have faith in you look forward to reading a victory post, every one has up and down days don't take it too much to heart

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

Hi Mummycav , just to say that it took loads of us several attempts to do W5R3 but in the end it really is mind over body; we all know you can do it and we're all rooting for you as well as excited for you because we all also know how great it will feel when you do do it! I repeated that run a few times and am so glad I did!

Slow right down, turn the music up, take some time to notice your surroundings, sing along to your favourite tune and suddenly you will have done it and you'll feel ace! Just enjoy Monday! Xxx

[rolysmate Graduate]

You had a bad day there and to be honest it just sounds as though your head just wasn't in the right place so don't beat yourself up over it

You've done every run to this point so you ARE ready for this so just put it behind you, shake yourself down, take your rest days and then pull those running shoes back on and get out there and nail this run.

Just slow it down, take it nice and steady and you'll be fine

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Thank you all so much, your encouragement and kind words have made me feel so much better...and stronger...it helps knowing that I'm not the only one who has struggled with this run...it definitely is mind over body because my legs would've gone further and I would've sorted my breathing but those gremlins were there...tenfold!!! I will not be defeated by this run...tomorrow I will be getting my trainers on, I'll lose myself in my thoughts & before I know it, the time will be up....I know you will all be running along with me...& it will be all of you I will hear and not those gremlins....😍