Finally, cracked Week 5 Run 3

[Duddles]

After two attempts I finally made it. Having completed Couch twice before, the 20 minute run did not cause me great worries, but my first attempt this time was during a Prom (Park) Run, and I was going much quicker than usual, and could not sustain a run at that pace for 20 minutes.

The second attempt earlier this week was again too fast, and I had to abandon. So this time, keeping in mind the frequent sage advice of Slow and Steady I went much slower. And finished the run with no problems, in fact I managed a three minute extra jog in the five minute warm down.

And then a real bonus - checking my times and distances for doing the same run in 2014 and 2017 I found that I had gone further and faster than in those years.

So, to those heading toward 5(3), this 71 year old made it with no problem once he screwed on his sensible Slower and Steadier Head - and so will you. There Is Nothing To Fear.......

Just edited to add photo and to say I felt so good after the run that I knocked out a mile walk straight after.... That afterglow is powerful stuff.....

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on the milestone.

It is not the best way to train to attempt to get faster on each run. Elites athletes train for up to 80% of their running at an easy conversational pace. This pace, at which you can hold a clear ungasping conversation, is what C25KERS are advised to do all their running.

runningarea.com/2017/10/bas...

[Duddles Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks - as I have no doubt said several times before I do racewalking, in 10k races and longer and once you get in a 'race' it is impossible to behave sensibly, natural competitiveness takes over. And even in my proper Couch work, it is almost a habit to go for that PB, even though it is self defeating. Ten years of Garmin stats nag away at you to do better.......

[Ripcurlrana71]

Well done!

[Goforitmama Graduate]

71 years young! You are inspirational. Thanks!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Well done Duddles ...71? You’re nowt but a spring chicken 😉

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Lucky to be healthy - and that is the benefit of remaining active over the years and not giving up, which I hope is something which Couch to 5kers learn as they progress.

Mind you I had a very close encounter with the Giant Spaghetti Monster in the Sky at Christmas with Sepsis and was only a couple of hours away from meeting Her on Christmas Eve - which has given me inspiration to keep going. I am convinced that my innate fitness got me through that - so thanks to Couch to 5k again for perhaps making sure that I continue to spread my sweat to a grateful world.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Duddles]

You’re an inspiration to all of us Duddles 💪🏻🏃‍♂️

[Duddles Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

If I remember, you were an inspiration to me last autumn when I was struggling with runs in Weeks 4 an 5. This whole forum is about inspiring those who think they cannot do it. Finding the triumphs over adversity on here is what keeps many of us going.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Duddles]

I hope I was Duddles ...I would be honoured to think I was an inspiration to anyone...I love this forum for that...loads of inspiring folk on here...😉

[Hidden]

Well done. 71 and still going strong. Love it.

Good luck with your other runs in the future too.x

[das_vikas Graduate]

Wow Duddles, you are such an inspiration! Take a bow 🙇‍♂️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to das_vikas]

Absolutely