Week 5 R3 - Oh well.

[LeeU]

I found I was thinking a lot about the W5 R3 scheduled for tomorrow, it was all my own doing really, I've never and I mean ever shrank from a challenge but this one was different.

I actually spent some of last night awake thinking about what I'd do if I don't make it, how hard would it hit me, am I ready or fit enough for this major step up?

I've decided I'm going to alter my schedule, I'm going to take tomorrow as a rest day and then resume on Tuesday morning with a 5 minute walk, 5 minute run, 3 minute walk, 8 minute run, 3 minute walk a final 5 minute run before a brisk cool down walk.

I'm sorry if any of you feel let down but to quote an line from the movie Dirty Harry, just after Harry has said the immortal words, 'did I fire 6 shots or only 5', etc, the man who he said it to said "Please, I gotta know."

I just had to know if I could do it, here's the result, things started to go wrong, my HRM stopped working, that's a little scary for a 22 stone fat guy who's 14 minutes into a 20 minute run, feeling tired and then looking at a HRM that states 0 bpm is a little daunting for a second or two

The FULL 20 minutes, I did slow down a little, I didn't slow to a walk, so WEEK 5 R3 DONE!!!!!!!

The above run for Tuesday is actually W6 R1.

I've cancelled the ambulance, the bad in ICU and told the undertaker to stand down (for now).

What this actually means now is I can enjoy my birthday tomorrow with a nice walk, pity the wife's knee isn't up to it but I'm sure she'll join me when she can.

I know it's a long winded post and I'm sorry if people find my sense of humour strange but from the bottom of my heart, thank you all.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You little monkey!!!

Got me going there for a moment.. then I realised... !!!

YOU have done it.. and now..... the fun really begins.. so just keep that smile on your face as you head into next week!!!! You are ready for it and as the runs get longer you will begin to find your happy pace

Happy Birthday for tomorrow and happy healing to wife's knee!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Sorry, the last time I was running I did 12 minutes and I was sweating for about an hour after and I had been 'running' for a longer period and done more runs than I have since starting the C25K.

So this morning, I actually set a life record so far, even in school the longest I ever ran for was 15 minutes when we had to do the 1500m, it wasn't even the full 15 minutes as I often walked part of it.

Today, however, 20 minutes, 20 FLIPPING minutes and without walking!!!!!!

OldFloss, you are truly an inspiration and if I could, I would buy you a bottle of wine (I could buy you one but I wouldn't know were to send it, which means my 18 year old daughter would think it was a treat for here)!

If not for you, I would probably still be repeating Week 3.

I don't want to sound like I'm diminishing the support from the rest of the forum, I'm not, far from it, you are all stars and have my deepest respect and thanks.

I really need to shower now, I'm trying to delay it so I don't drown due to the grim letting too much water in.

[snack_shack Graduate]

Bloomin' well done! Week 5 is a toughie and you've done it - woo hoo! Good for you and you're now over half way through the programme too, which is a bonus Happy birthday for tomorrow - have a great day. Here's to week 6

[LeeU Graduate in reply to snack_shack]

Thank you, I'm soo looking forward to Week 6, even the long run at the end of if.

[Hidden]

Well done and happy birthday. You will be doing 30 minutes before you know it.

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I did try C25K about 4 years ago and to be honest, I thought the first few weeks were ridiculously easy (I had been 'teaching myself' on a type of HIIT training, 1 minute run at 12kph, 1 minute walk at 4.5kph), then I thought the step in week 5 as stupid, 8 minutes to 20 minutes.

I now know better and understand the way the program builds up; as in my post above, the longest I have ran/jogged in the last 30 years was a 12 minute Cooper Test as my youngest daughter was doing one at school and I managed 1.1 miles in 12 minutes, I am sorely tempted to try now to see how I compare, 5 years older and a lot heavier.

[sheps Graduate]

Really well done. And a great post - you truly had us going there. Ever thought of writing thrillers?

[LeeU Graduate in reply to sheps]

Thank you, on the writing part, I write long reports from time to time and design documents a lot of the time, so I don't think so.

I used to think that about running too but I then discovered I actually like it so, never say never.

[Msken Graduate]

Love it!! You had me going for a second. Well done, it's a great feeling isn't it? Have a lovely relaxing day.

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Msken]

Thank you, the feeling is great, the realisation that I can run for that length of time is amazing! I had no doubts I will finish the program but this is the biggest reinforcement to date.

[Kimchoc08 Graduate]

Well done Lee. I'm due to do this run tomorrow morning and this post gives me the determination, positive vibes and guts to get out there and do it!! Well done to you 👍🏼👍🏼

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Kimchoc08]

Thank you Kim, tomorrow, slow and steady, control your breathing and you will do it, if not, chalk it up to a practice and give it another go another day but I'm sure you'll be ok.

Please let us know how you get on.

[Hidden]

You little tyke....

But great pre-birthday present.

Well done you on and upwards ....

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, just like OldFloss, you are an inspiration, thank you for your support and encouragement.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Wow LeeU..you RAN for 20 mins isn't it fantastic..😊

I think that was my favourite run..its when you realise that you can actually acheive the goal and that 30 mins becomes a distinct possibility 😉😆.

Welk done fella and enjoy your birthday with the smugness of THAT run under your belt 🎂🎈x

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you. Fantastic isn't the word, I am looking forward to the 25 minute run on Saturday (W6R3)

I have not doubt I will reach the end of the program, I wasn't expecting that until mid/late November but it's looking like the beginning of October is realistically possible.

Here's a little hint, my W7 onwards runs will be on the same course as my local park run

[nikonphotobro Graduate]

Respect! I've just completed Week 1 Day 3. Tonight sees the start of Week 2. May we all run on for a long time 😁🏃

[LeeU Graduate in reply to nikonphotobro]

Week 1 believe it or not was my hardest week, well run 1 was, the actual start. Well done on completing week one, remember, slow and steady and control your breathing - these will get you through.

[nikonphotobro Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thanks LeeU, Those words of encouragement help motivate me. The breathing is definitely something I need to work on, as this is what I struggle with... ☺