This afternoon I completed the run that I think most of us dread - the 20 min W5R3 (Widow Maker).
Actually, I'm now a believer that this 'bogeyman run' is not much harder than the previous runs. It is, very much, a psychological battle.
It was always going to be a Milestone run for me because it fell on my birthday 🎂. Therefore, come hell or high-water, I had to do it today. I was anxious not least because of the trouble I've been having with my knee. However, I strapped up (with a wee rub of Ibuleve gel) and set off...
Demons faced and defeated! 20 mins continuous running 🏃
Time to start believing folks. We can do this!
May we all run on for the longest time x 🏃 😊 🎉
Written by
nikonphotobro
Graduate
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It really isn't... and a few of us are wondering where it got the reputation and the name from! It is not really what Newbies want to think they have to look forward to!
I think it was probably put out out there in a scaremongering post..( by someone who had probably disappeared from here now)..
Each run prepares you for the next and as long as you go slowly and steadily and follow the plan you will be fine
Yeah, totally agree with you there, Floss! Who gave it that name?! For me it still is my favourite run so far, for so many reasons!
Well done Nikonphotobro! Good work. 👏👏👏 And a very happy birthday to you too! Hope you celebrate both your birthday and your running achievement in style!
Thx so much. Yep, I was expecting perhaps a jump from 8 mins to 12mins. Then I saw 20mins and thought - no way must be a mistake... ☺ It is so so doable x
I also completed W5R3 today 😊- it seemed impossible I definitely overthought it the past few days but when it came to it like everyone says it's just putting 1 foot in front of the other
This is also the 1st week that I've felt confident in going on to the next week - hope I'm not 'getting too big for my boots' - or trainers!!
Congrats on getting through W5R3, it's not a widow-maker, the only thing this run does is teach you two things:
1. You can run for 20 minutes non-stop
2. The only thing stopping you running for 20 minutes non-stop, was you.
From here on in, the runs may still be challenging but just repeat after me:
If I can run for 20 minutes, I can run for 25,
If I can run for 25 minutes, I can run for 28,
If I can run for 28 minutes, I can run for 30.
This and Oldfloss advice of slow and steady got me through to graduation.
I found it easy to control my breathing (most of the time), now when I finish a 30 minute run I am tired but I'm not gasping for air, normally not even panting if I'm honest, just breathing normally.
I also completed W5R3 today (for the second time, but that's another story) and I had no idea of its reputation. Now I feel invincible - if people think that was hard, it'll be coasting all the way home now!
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W5R3 is looming! Can I do it?!
It can be done!
W5r3? Completed it mate 
It can be done!
W5R3: I actually did it. If anyone is scared, don’t be! 
