I am at the stage where I am doubting myself - how can I do a 25 min run! Scared in case I fail and knock my confidence. It has taken a lot to get me to do this. I am a mum of 4 teenage boys (19 17 and two 15) and one has severe autism adhd and severe learning difficulties. I am running to help my stress and depression. I really hope I can do it on Friday.
W6r3 worried!: I am at the stage where I am... - Couch to 5K
W6r3 worried!
![Poppyjj46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/27fbbead1f291333f83bad1f31359fe3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Poppyjj46 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/27fbbead1f291333f83bad1f31359fe3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I bet that you felt exactly the same when you started with 1, I know I did, but here you are almost at the END OF week 6!! You go girl, you've got this ☺
![Millsie-J profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/c4f7f25ecd36bd6ce5be19fbfc08168a_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You can do this Poppy!
Your six weeks of training have got you ready for this next run! Have faith in yourself and what you have already achieved, and remember back to week one...... you have already come so far.
Remember to start slow and stay slow. Hydrate well the day before, and then just go out there and enjoy! We will be with you in thought, and we know you can do it.
Do not doubt yourself.
Gremlins/ doubts do not like running. Oldfloss says, so it must be true.Just leave them behind.
You have ran the 20 mins.
It is not a big jump to 25 mins.
For me I have a little circuit in the
local park. One lap round is 5 mins approx. So 20 mins is 4 laps.25 mins is 5 laps and 30 mins is 6 laps.This was just to illustrate not much further.
Once you get through the first lap,you are away..
They say Relax,start positive and stay positive and enjoy.You will.
Hope this helps ,you can do this ,you have done the training.
If I can help you with any preparation pointers I will.
If you are happy with bringing your A game preparation that you now have practised, then that is great.
Your on a high ridge and the summit is right before you. The hard part is behind you.
Hope this helps.
![OlderThanDirt profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/dfac21345befc7bb289c9e5489e760cd_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
For me, I forget the minutes by exchanging them for songs...20 mins is roughly 4 or 5 songs..(depending on playtime ofcourse) so I look at the times of my favourite tunes, load them into a playlist and then think “run for four/five songs”...that works for me anyway
You can honestly do this! The time will go past quite quickly once you get going. Take it slow and steady ,remember to control your breathing,relax your body into the run and don’t forget to hydrate,take some jelly beans with you for a quick energy boost. But most of all just enjoy it. Remember this is your own special time for you to just forget for a little while and give yourself some you time.
That extra time will soon go..... you watch.
Let us know how you get on and
Happy running😀😀
PS We have all got to this stage and wondered exactly the same as you.
Just remember ....your doing it! 🏃♀️🏃♀️
![GoGo_JoJo profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/6d924777dbd1d7fb3d6688af8e0c9130_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You did w5, and that was a bigger jump. Have a little faith in yourself and a lot in the programme...
Also you're a mum of 4 teenage boys... you've already done much more than you ever thought you could in your life, this is small compared to what you have dealt with isn't it really?
You've got this; pull up your big girl pants and Bring It!! 👍😁
![IannodaTruffe profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3f4bb9be0d77359f644e07c022a99698_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Why have doubts? The plan has brought you this far.
Be proud, look how far you have come.
I wrote this for doubters healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Self belief is crucial for any runner.
I was trying to catch up on your own personal posts as well as all the incredible information posts .
Most inspiring.
I enjoy observing you making new contributions to a wealth of replies without repeating previous contributions, in case it is needed to further clarify of course.Similarly with your colleagues.
It is a skill and needs extra work on your behalves🤔 when it is opened to the forum.It is amazing inclusitivity.
You all never tire of giving the support needed.
Thank you.
![mrrun profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/d1b0b566cffbb994d985bfdbe5b89092_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
At times doubts can be good, make you think, make you push yourself, build self-esteem, help you 'sleep better'.
My first run was diabolical, dishevelled, out of breath, coordination and sense but now I'm confidently strolling towards the half marathon. And so can you.
I do understand your stress, as do some of the other runners, and l think l know how much it would mean to you to achieve this goal. Don't be scared of 'failure' because there is no such thing here. You will get to wherever you would like to go in your own time and under no 'running' pressure. Go simple, go slow, get there.
All the best wishes to you and your boy!
mrrun
Don’t worry - if you don’t do it on Friday so what! You will do it another day and Friday will be great preparation 👊
![Nictwit profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/afd74804df7aadca4caf16aa7b640a8c_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You're going to smash it. Five mins is easy now and you already know that you can do 20 mins. Add them together and hey presto!
![seaspaniel profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/1602957e926db06fb5b7bf176751a340_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I also have 4 boys although they are much older now. Youngest now 23. So I doff my chapeau to you for starting the programme, persisting with the programme, and no doubt in 3 weeks graduating. Take it easy and slow, there's no rush. Physically you are ready for this, the programme works.
So go on , surprise yourself and do what I did which was to finish my first long run with arms aloft, not realising I had an audience! I got the rolled eyes treatment for that.
![MrskittyC profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/e9cf85d802f9f135af47ea4147f534b5_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I’m about to do this run too and dreading it but we just have to trust the programme I suppose!
Exercise really does help with depression, it’s just picking yourself up enough in the first place to get out there so you’ve done great!
You can definitely do it - and even if you don’t this time, you just try again until you do. 😊