New to this

[Cjcairns]

Hello everyone.. I've only just discovered Health Unlocked, it seems great and very motivational. I've just completed week 5 run 2 and I am absolutely dreading run 3, I really don't think I'll be able to run for 20 minutes without stopping. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Hi, you will be amazed at how you can do 20 minutes, slow and steady, if you have come this far you'll get there. Good luck and keep posting as you progress, we are very nosy on here and like to see how are you doing.

[runner56 Graduate]

Slow it down. Then slow it down some more!!! Do not worry about pace. That can be tackled later. Believe in yourself and have faith in the programme.

You will do this. You have completed all the preparation work and are ready for this. The only issue is your mind.

Let us know how you get on 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yes... you will, be able to do it There you go!

Seriously.. welcome to the friendly forum... If you are following the programme and taking it really slowly and steadily, then you are ready for the run.

Your rest days with exercise, and every single run you do are making you stronger; and your stamina and core strength, essential for the running legs to perform well, are building slowly!

So... warm up well... start slowly and then slow down Let those newly-found legs begin to take you forward gently.. try to breathe normally and just relax. Look around and enjoy the journey.

Keep posting too please? Well done!

[Cornish-girl Graduate]

You can do it if you have been following the program. Trust me I really did start from the couch and have just done my first run of week 9, . I ran for 30 minutes and you will do your 20 and more in the weeks to come

[MsFickle in reply to Cornish-girl]

Oooh well done Cornishgirl I am a run behind I have Week 9 Run 1 tomorrow - is it difficult ?cannot believe we have come this far 😀🍷

[Cornish-girl Graduate in reply to MsFickle]

I found the first 10mins the hardest then the breathing settled and I felt comfortable. This program is amazing, I always said I couldn't run

[MsFickle in reply to Cornish-girl]

Yes me too I couldn't and didn't even like exercise, I find the first 10 minutes the hardest after that it's ok I still can't say I love running but I love the feeling after I have done it . You only have 2 more runs left 😀😀😀

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Do a search around the forum for W5R3 and you will find many posts like yours as well as those from people who completed it.

This is a big jump psychologically, so you need to believe you can do it, otherwise you may as well stay in the house. Look how far the plan has brought you. Trust it to carry you onward.

The very worst that can happen is that you do not complete the run, in which case you have found the level that you need to work on with a repeat.

Running is about self belief.........how else would people run 100 mile races..........you can do this.

[Cjcairns]

Thank you everyone for your words of support and advice I really appreciate it, I think I'm really going to love this website! It definitely does seem like mind over matter, I rememebr dreading week 2 and now that seems so long ago, 20 minutes just seems like a big jump.

I'll let you all know how I get on. Thanks

[Hidden in reply to Cjcairns]

You will be fine, and we are all looking forward to the 'did it' post...

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Hi. You will be able to because the programme is well designed - it really works. You have done the work you need to to be able to do it. The run this time is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Take it slow and steady and believe in yourself. There is a vast number of people on this forum who have posted "I don't think I can run for 20mins" Their next post is " I cant believe I did it!" - You have posted the first - go for it then post that second one

[Whatsapp Graduate]

You will be able to do it. It is just another run on the programme, and whilst you need to give it respect, do not allow it to become too big in your mind. At this point your body has been conditioned to be able to do it, it is your mind that now needs to catch-up.

My advice is to avoid any clock watching or thinking about time. Run somewhere nice and interesting, listen to music, etc. If it gets tough slow down a bit. If it gets really tough, just promise yourself you will run to that next post box, and when you get there, well you might as well run to the next junction, and so on.

These runs now are as much about the mental conditioning as the physical challenge. But I am sure you have got this!