W4 R1- proud of how far I have come

[MamaHogg]

I completed this run today. I ran all but around 15-20 seconds in the middle of the last run. I had to change directions after finding my route was too short (somehow ran a fair bit further in this run) and lost my momentum... but I am really proud of myself that I picked it back up again and so quickly when i was absolutely exhausted.

I was amazed I even got through the first 5 minute run when, just last week, 3 minutes seemed to be very close to my limit!

Everyone says regularly on this forum to trust the program and I really am a testament to that... i go out at the beginning of a new week with low expectations of what I will achieve ( although feeling positive about the difference even a 'poor' run will make to my future and a determination to continue regardless, trusting that it is possible) yet every week, I am amazed by how far this program has taken me and how much I am actually able to achieve.

I never believed it possible and am finding it totally life altering already! This may just be one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself! So i'm feeling pretty proud today... so proud that even 15 seconds of down time in the last run can't dampen my spirits!

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It’s magic!

[Mrskelly2011]

Well done!! I have just finished week 1 and not sure how I will cope with week 2!

[MamaHogg in reply to Mrskelly2011]

You'll do it! It will feel hard but it really is achievable. Keep going! Xx

[Kar43]

Well done.

I agree 5 minutes does seem long to me too. I start my w4 r1 tomorrow and I keep thinking 5 minutes can I actually do that yet? 🤔But the excitement of getting out and trying is too much 😁 I just can't wait 😊

[MamaHogg in reply to Kar43]

You'll probably find that 5 minutes challenges you the same way that 90s did in week 2. It will feel hard but achievable and it really does give you such a buzz!

I was amazed by how different 3 minutes felt this week compared to last.

I really focussed on my pace (slowed right down again and i feel it's steadily increasing), my breathing and my music this week and those things helped me to get through it. It was hard but it didn't feel harder than the first rum of any other week xx

[Kar43 in reply to MamaHogg]

Well if your right I will have this in the bag 😉 great tip too thank you.

[Dawnie16 Graduate]

I agree 100% I have just done week4r1 and was dreading the 5 min run, the 3 mins last week I struggled with. Can't believe how much easier the 3 min runs were today and actually did the 5 mins as well...it really does work !

[MamaHogg in reply to Dawnie16]

Well done! Xx

[RobW73 Graduate]

We'll done all of you.

You are helping me believe that I can do it.

I take note of your point about the distance. I will plan a slightly longer route as well, if we're covering more ground this time.

Still nervous, though.

[MamaHogg in reply to RobW73]

You'll ace it! Xx

[Aimsey]

I've done run 3 of week 3 today and the prospect of stepping up a gear to 5 whole minutes of running seems daunting. Reading your post has inspired me though MamaHogg - thank you! I'm still a bit nervous but feeling like maybe I will be able to do it 😊

[MamaHogg in reply to Aimsey]

You definitely will! It only feels like too much in your mind, your body is capable. Try to distract yourself by focussing on your breathing, your surroundings, your pace and your music... don't think about when the next walk section will come and you'll be surprised when it comes along. You can do this! Xx

[Bobthedog]

We are on the same run, I feel the same. Thanks for the post.