Self doubts- w5r3: Managed 2 8 min runs... - Couch to 5K

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Self doubts- w5r3

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate
26 Replies

Managed 2 8 min runs yesterday, but can't imagine going straight to 20 mins tomorrow. 99% sure I can't do it 🙊

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Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666
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26 Replies
lagatachocolate profile image
lagatachocolateGraduate

Of course you can do it. Don’t let your mind tell you you can’t do it. Just go nice and slow.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to lagatachocolate

Thanks for the encouragement. Will do my best! X

ClarriePan profile image
ClarriePanGraduate

I’m 100% sure you can 😄. Be positive!! But most important of all is keep it S L O O O W.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to ClarriePan

Thank you. I will go slow and give it my best shot x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Well done Gillian, I remember feeling exactly the same before the 20 mins and was prepared to repeat 2 x 8 if I couldn’t do it. But it actually felt easier than 2 runs. You will do it!

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Dexy5

Thanks for your reply. Was also thinking of repeating 2 x 8, but will just go for it!

Wemb profile image
Wemb

I couldn't either - just double-down on going slow. Really slow. Slow as you can manage. Your legs can take it - more of a question might be can your brain? Something that I know helped me was I ran a pretty random route - roads which I knew were flat, but I had no idea where I'd finish on it - that really helped, because I had to stop thinking about 'how far to go?' since i had no idea - instead, I just concentrated on the breathing. Really worked. Had no trouble finishing in the end -have a go, you'll be fine.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Wemb

Thanks for your input. Funnily enough, I never noticed how many slopes and hills there are until I started c25k. Will deffo look for flat route!

BethMay profile image
BethMay in reply to Gilliano666

I can really relate to your slopes and hills comment!! I guess living in the Welsh Valleys doesn’t help!!

Bobthedog profile image
Bobthedog

You are well ahead of me, I feel the same with every step up, so its good to see you achieving, thanks. Keep it up.

This is where we're all here to egg you on and to try and place positive thoughts in your mind.

It's not going to be easy but you can do it. It will be more of a mental battle then anything but you can do it.

When I did that run last year, I remember my mind telling my body all sorts of reasons why I should stop. Just had to keep going and keep on telling myself that I could do it and I did. I could've cried afterwards as I was so happy.

So prepare from now. Keep hydrated, get a good nights sleep and try to think positive thoughts.

Oh.... and keep us updated.

Best of luck to you.x

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to

Aww thanks for the encouragement! Hydration is not my strong point, but will make sure i get enough water, just so I'm not lethargic. I'll let you know how it goes, and best of luck to you too, with your next step 😊

Wemb profile image
Wemb in reply to Gilliano666

Hydration's important - but last run I did, I went out immediately after drinking a big mug of coffee - all that sloshing around inside did not feel good. Next time, it'll be at least 20 mins after having a big drink before I run.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Wemb

I tend to do that on a sunday morning, as I do a run or go to gym before work, I know the feeling.

I managed my run with no problems, but did it on treadmill. It seems so much easier than running outdoors.

Have promised myself to run outdoors for remaining sessions.

Where do you run

Wemb profile image
Wemb in reply to Gilliano666

Varies - usually just round the streets in my local neighbourhood - there's some fairly flat long stretches that don't cross roads. Also a few times round the outside of the local playing fields, which is quieter, but tends to be a far bit slower as it's on grass. That's not so much fun early am and I get wet feet due to the dew so I only run there if it's not very early or night. It's also a bit up and down in places. But it's better than having to deal with pedestrians or traffic during the day. For any 'event' runs (like w5r3) I took a random route so I wouldn't start thinking about pace or distance - but again, made sure I wasn't going to end up on a gradient.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Wemb

Good idea to vary it. Problem where I live is waiting to cross some busy roads. Enjoy a drive to a park though and trying a different route, never ran on grass, would have to be like a bowling green ha ha x

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

You will be ready and able to do it Gillian😊 It's just the next run in a very well devised program that works!

You will need a positive mindset, and a nice slow start, think of it in five minute chunks, ( you can do those 😆), and just keep going...good tip to start in a different place. It's totally possible, surprise yourself and do it!😊xx

Go you...

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Good idea, think 5 minute chunks might get me through it !

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Of course you can do it. And of course it won’t be really easy. Have faith in the programme and ignore that voice before and during the run telling you that you won’t finish.

As others have said, go slow and keep going. Good luck!

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Jay66UK

Great advice. Thanks for taking the timr to reply. Love the positivity on here!

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007Graduate

You will be able to do it! Definitely! Just plod along looking at whatever there is around you 🐌 the feeling when you have completed it will be worth the effort 😃😃

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to Bridget007

Plod along will be my mantra! Would love to wizz through it, but one step at a time hey 😊x

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

If you think you can't do it then more than likely you will not be able to.

Just banish the self doubt and trust the plan and believe in yourself.

This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The next workout is a minute shorter than the one you have just done. You can do it.

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Fab! Will check out that link. Thanks for sharing x

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

I'll be doing the same run tomorrow. I've made a 20 min run playlist!! Music will get me through! Good luck! We can do it!

Gilliano666 profile image
Gilliano666Graduate

Funny you should say that, because I also updated playlist before my run. I did it yesterday, but on a treadmil so it was easier.

Best of luck to you tomorrow, I'm sure you will absolutely fine.

So many people who've done this run have given a lot of encouragement x

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