W5R3 done ✅

I'm speechless 😶. Never ever ever have I run for 20 minutes. Kept going on about it when I got home. Much eye rolling from daughter & a well done I'm pleased for you from husband on a short fuse. He doesn't really get it though - he never does any exercise at all. Wow. Still shocked.

[trogdelight Graduate]

Everyone on here gets it though: 20 minutes is a brilliant achievement in 5 weeks. Enjoy the warm glow you'll have for the next day or two.

[DaveB46 Graduate]

Fantastic. I’ve got week 5 next week. I remember each step up being a real feeling of achievement, but that 20 minute is a massive milestone...great stuff!

[Hidden in reply to DaveB46]

You'll smash it - honestly if I can do it (53 & never run for longer than 4 mins in my life) anyone can. Good luck & let us know how u get on.

[Thriftyvickie Graduate]

I’ve just done run 1 -of week 5. Am hoping I crack it this week too. Well done you!!!

[Hidden in reply to Thriftyvickie]

You will. I never thought I would honestly. I did nearly give up when Laura said - you've been running for five minutes. I thought five minutes???!! For goodness sake - I feel like I've been running for five days.... nearly gave up then I have to say. I kept thinking about this forum though & how people on here older than me & more overweight than me have done it. It really spurred me on. I thought - I can't go back & tell them I didn't do it.

[Bobthedog]

Well done you, 20 mins is our next hurdle! You have just inspired me, well done again.

[Hidden in reply to Bobthedog]

You'll absolutely smash it. Let us know how you get on.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done! Don’t let Week 6 catch you out - take it slowly to start.

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks for the advice. I was just looking at some other posts about that. I'm going into it with no expectations & slow & steady. I know it seems to catch a lot of people out. I slowed down so much today that I actually burnt less calories than when I've run for shorter times. Still gonna have a glass of red wine or two later though. 😉. Hope your back is feeling better. I'm not going to be able to get as many runs in this week - can only manage Tues & Sunday. Every little helps tho I guess.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Back’s not great. Enjoy the wine and I figure any runs a week are better than none!

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. I've had acupuncture before - not for a bad back but a calf strain & plantar fasciitis- it really helped. My acupuncturist does sports massage as well & that helps. I've heard it's really good for backs. There's nothing worse than being in constant pain. Maybe some wine would help you??? Hope it gets better very soon.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! Alcohol will play a part in my evening 😬

[Bobthedog]

Thanks for that, .....you have youth on your side I'm 72 and my better running half is 67, will let you know if we survive!!

[Hidden in reply to Bobthedog]

Well then you put me to shame... good luck 😉

[Bridget007 Graduate]

Well done! It such a lovely feeling isn’t it! 😊😊

[Hidden in reply to Bridget007]

It really is. Gotta watch out for that tricky W6R1 though!

[CJDavies Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You’ll smash it with your can do attitude. Just done W6r2 and it was also true for me that this week was harder (but also recovering from a heavy cold) but taking it slow and steady got me there.

[Hidden in reply to CJDavies]

Def slow & steady helps (thanks Oldfloss). I slowed it down so much today that I actually burnt less Calories than when I've run for shorter times but my aim is to complete the 9 weeks & then build up my speed. I've always been more of a sprinter than a long- distance runner. Good luck with your R3. Still can't believe I've got this far.

[Tbae]

Very well done.

You are on your way to completing this gift to yourself, and you will never regret it.

I can imagine a couple of family C25k converts coming this way when you arrive on that podium.💫🏃‍♀️💫

PS Sounds like from a reply on the GA post you are due a refund.If they have advised you and given you shoes that are too small.🤔👏👏 Atb.

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Thank you! I can't ever imagine graduating but then I could never imagine getting to W6! Husband on a short fuse will never run - he h8s it but he does like cycling. My daughter is doing sports science for "A" level & she does loads of sport. Be lovely if she came running with me though. With regards to the GA - To be fair they did exchange them for Asics which i'm now wearing & seem to be OK so far. The shop in question has now gone (that says something) but I have been told about a good running shop in my area that I may try out next time.

[Tbae in reply to Hidden]

Well done you.Gym buddies all recommended Asics, but when I got to the shop they really looked after me and it just came down to, whether I needed support or not, and then the all important fit and advice.

It was easy really,needed support on left side no cartilage in one knee for almost 60 years.Cannot believe the difference.

Pleased about your husband and daughter that sounds great and maybe they will join you. They will have there own no charge coach also.🌟👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Sounds like they were a great shop. First time I went to Sweatshop they were great - got New Balance trainers which lasted me years. When I went back - about 18 months ago they seemed very different & disinterested in an old woman - then I discovered they'd been taken over by Sports Direct. As I said - they've gone now. Hopefully the Asics they sold me will be OK - can't justify another £100+ to husband on a short fuse! 😉

[Tbae in reply to Hidden]

Up and Running, in Chester.👍👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Bit too far away for me! There is a dedicated running shop here tho - not a chain just a one-man band. It's been recommended to me so I'll prob give that a go next time.

[Tbae in reply to Hidden]

I think they are a national.So for the future you can google them.

I am in north wales so 200 mile round trip.👍👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

Ha ha! Don't let the Welshwitch title deceive you! My dad was Welsh & my heart will always be in Wales but alas I was born & bred in England. Now living in West Kent. Visit Wales often though. When you find out what malapropism means can you let me know? I'm intrigued now....

[Tbae in reply to Hidden]

It is an incorrect word that sounds like the correct word in a given context.google it , lots of interesting info on it.

Yes I knew of your Welsh connection and location from a previous post or someones reply to you.

I am a Scot living in North Wales.😂😂🌟👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Tbae]

I will have a look. Just found out there's an "Up and Running" right near me as well! I'd not heard of them before so will bear that in mind too.

[Tbae in reply to Hidden]

They are staffed by real runners very knowledgeable and very caring.

I was given discount without even asking.

The shop manager was running in the London Marathon that weekend and knew Ron Hill, who coached him.🌟👏👏

[oldwheezer69 Graduate]

Wahoooo! Well done you! I've got this run on Thursday so when I am thinking of giving up and going home I shall think of this post, grit my teeth and carry on! 😀

[Hidden in reply to oldwheezer69]

Oh bless you - you will be fine - honestly. I kept telling myself that everything I'd done so far was leading up to this run. Good luck & keep us posted!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

So hang on to that belief and move on...........but take care on W6R1, it is trickier than it looks.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! Yes I have read the posts on here regarding that one. I've followed your advice tho & stopped worrying about what's ahead just give it a go.

[HoagyM Graduate]

Well done to a Welsh Witch from a Welsh Wizard I think the key to the next one is treat it with respect and not be over confident, I’m sure you’ll be fine! w6r2 is next up for me, tomorrow morning.

[Hidden in reply to HoagyM]

Ooh. Good advice thank you. Good luck for your run tomorrow.

[wyersmith Graduate]

Well done! It’s a great achievement and massive boost to take into w6! Good luck!

[amalthea52 Graduate]

That's so awesome. What an achievement. No wonder you are buzzing!

I've just started week 5, seems very uphill from here 😁, but this is inspiring me to push on with it. Think this forum is great cause everyone 'gets' it. My boyfriend is really supportive but we're the ones out there clocking up the runs and inching forward so I think its more exciting for us! So pleased for you. X

[Hidden in reply to amalthea52]

Thank u! Don't worry you will smash W5. I'm on such a high it's unreal. Good luck. Let us know how you get on.

[Marvo69 Graduate]

YESSSS! GO WITCHY!!!!

Well done hon! We all get it, and we know how huge that is for you!!

Bask in the glory!

So pleased for you. Another W5 legend!

[Lola333 Graduate]

Well done! Your doing great ⭐️ That’ll be my next run, not gonna lie feeling a bit nervous, but going to give it my best shot. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Lola333]

You’ll smash it - honestly. Don’t worry & don’t overthink it. Good luck & keep us posted.

[Jullaly Graduate]

You did it, fantastic ..a real defining moment that run

[Hidden in reply to Jullaly]

It really is! I was on such a high last night it was great. Hope all is going OK with you.