😳 W5 R2

[Bridget007]

Well that was a bit tougher than I thought it was going to be! When Sanjeev said you have done 4 minutes now you are halfway I was shocked I thought I’d done much longer! Then when he piped up again I thought he was going to say I’d done 8 minutes and it was time to walk so was very surprised when he said just 60 more seconds! I did manage the next 8 minutes tho which weirdly was a bit easier than the first! The next one is twenty minutes 😬

[Chairmanoftheboards Graduate]

Well done , i think the key to the 20 min run is to start much slower than you have been doing

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Chairmanoftheboards]

Ok thank you 😊 I’m not exactly speedy now though 😂

[Anthie Graduate]

Ah those 60 seconds interruptions when you think you're done are so unnerving! Especially the first times... Then you get used to it and sometimes even expect them so that you can try and quicken your pace. You're reaching a turning point in the programme with the longer runs. So well done!! But keep going slow and get rid of Sanjeev if you feel you don't want to be reminded of the time left

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

Thank you 😊 I would feel a bit wrong getting rid of him but it is a bit 😳 now I expect them maybe it won’t be so bad 😀

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

I found the 8 minute runs really difficult, but I smashed the 20 minutes. Trust the programme, and well done for getting this far!

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Thank you for this I was getting a bit worried 😬

[Hidden]

Honestly, I found the 20 minute run the easiest in week 5. Just relax into it x

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I will definitely give it my best 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

... and you are ready for it...just take it steady and slow. That is all you need to do.

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you 😊 I be so chuffed when I have done it 😀

[Lindarunner]

W5 R2 is my run tomorrow. Yikes!

Thanks, at least I’ll know when to expect the count-downs!

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Lindarunner]

You will do it! If I can you can 😀

[Hidden in reply to Lindarunner]

I did that self same yikesing, but am now running for 25 minutes at a time with fuel still in the tank. it took me having to run round my house for 25 minutes when snowbound to realise that relaxing is the key. I knew that intellectually, but emotionally and instinctively it took time for the penny to drop. I even had pain in my shoulders from tensing up before a run.

[Lindarunner in reply to Hidden]

It just goes to show how our thoughts and beliefs are barriers to what our body is capable of.

At this very moment I’m struggling. I’m having real problems sleeping due to the menopause and this morning so tired and emotional, need to sob but it’s stuck. Having said that, I know I’ll feel better with my run under my belt today. Going to try the treadmill at the gym for the first time as the heavy rain is apparently here for the day. Sorry, Flick, feel I’ve just dumped on you. Happy Sunday 🙂x

[Hidden in reply to Lindarunner]

Dont be daft 😊 thats what the forum is all about, being able to express how you feel and being supported. Going without sleep is horrid and debilitating. I had a year of it after surgery for cancer last year, and there was no way I could have run three times a week while battling insomnia, so kudos to you that you are still getting out there. Let us know how you get on with the treadmill. And big hugs and hope you get some sleep. Hopefully the run will zonk you out 😊 xx

[Lindarunner in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much. When I’m low (I also struggle with depression) motivation is hard to come by yet amazingly with couch25k I find it! Just done some pilates in readiness Flick! Despite really just wanting a good cry.

And hats off to you too to get where you are. How have you been since your surgery? How are your reviews going? xx

[Hidden in reply to Lindarunner]

Im lucky and never get depressed, but I believe exercise is supposed to help. Hopefully the endorphins from running will lift you. You are very brave keeping going when you feel so low.

Im good now, but it took months to get my energy back, even though I didnt have chemo. All clear still. It was a slow moving cancer and only stage 1, but major surgery, which is why it took so long to get my strength back.

You take care of you and let us know how the run goes xx

[Lindarunner in reply to Hidden]

Hi Flick, strange on the treadmill, hard to get the speed right. On the second 8 mins, I increased a bit. When I started to feel it in my buttocks (as I have the last week or so outside) knew it was somewhere near right!!

Everyone else seems to know what they’re doing, or so we believe and despite being a gym buddy many times before, still felt such a newbie. I checked those around me and a couple had their phones resting on the ledge in front of them - attached to their headphones. Thought I’d try that rather than bring attention to myself fiddling with my new arm holder thingy. Only problem was, after a few minutes, managed to pull the headphones out and my phone ended up on the floor! Consequently, had to stop the treadmill, couldn’t seem to pause. Managed to regroup, added an extra min running cos I don’t think I paused Jo in time!!

Eventful, but least I didn’t get soaked to the skin. Definitely a learning curve on many levels!

Plan to do a post about first experience of using the gym and treadmill so others can hopefully learn from it. So apologies in advance if you’re reading much of the same thing.

So good to hear you’re all clear. I work in a cancer hospital and have some insight into how a cancer diagnosis impacts on your life and those around you. Right back at you, I think you’re doing amazing! As far as me right now - just an overwhelming feeling of over- tiredness, yet mood much improved 🙂 I love this programme, it feels like my saviour already! xx

[Hidden in reply to Lindarunner]

Ooh, a post on using a treadmill would be excellent. Mine is just a little fold up motorised one. Ive only been on one three times, having my gait tested and then yesterday. Not a wonderful experience, but better than not running. I found it really difficult to get the speed right too. I had to take smaller steps because the belt on mine is quite narrow.

Haha, that would be me dropping my phone and having to stop.

Ah, yes, recovering, Im obviously tougher than I thought. I was incredibly optimistic and positive through the whole experience. Now, looking back, I dont know how I got theough it. Worst time in my life (and thats saying something), but every experience changes us and makes us more than we were.

You are doing great. Keep it up xx

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Thank you 😊 I will be so made up when I’ve done it 😀

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

This reply was meant for oldfloss this is why I don’t do Facebook I’d get everyone confused 🤣🤣

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Well done and honestly don’t worry about the 20 mins Ull do it . Good luck and keep us posted x

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Shelby1973]

Thank you 😊 I will definitely give it everything! I will collapse before I stop of my own accord 😂

[Shelby1973 Graduate in reply to Bridget007]

That’s the spirit lol 😂 x

[Sparky1960 Graduate]

I did not quite complete this run. Did 7 minutes of the second 8 minutes. I decided to push on and attempt the 20 minutes and did it 'relatively' easily. Just slow right right down to make sure you get through and I've found (I'm on week 7r3) you naturally speed up just a tad on subsequent runs when you know you can do it. Good luck!

[Bridget007 Graduate in reply to Sparky1960]

Thank you for this 😊 I will give if my best; in a way I can’t wait to do it just to see what it’s like! And well done you W7R3 😀