Hi all, I’ve put it off over the lovely bank holiday with all the excuses I could think off (too hot to run, too sore after gardening, ate too much at lunch, etc, etc) but tonight I’m determined to get back out there & complete week 5.
So my question is - how on earth do I do it???? 8 minutes felt too much & while I managed it, it was very much a case of just about managing/any further & I’ll drop down in the middle of the road. 20 minutes seems too crazy to contemplate, but I’ve got this far by trusting the programme & all the good advice on the forums - what do I need to do to make it through???
Thanks!
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I suppose distraction is a key part, find a good podcast to listen to. Remember why you are doing this, for me it’s the sense of achievement and the post-baby tummy. Maybe you could do it before dinner and think about a lovely meal you’ll soon be having? Or plan a treat for after?
You can do this, I did it and I’m out of shape, overweight and not a runner or exercise type of gal. Good luck and come back and update us after (another reason to do it!)
You've done the groundwork. You're ready, you really are. Doesn't matter if you don't believe it yet, you are.
Have faith in the programme. We all doubted it... And we cried and laughed and jumped with joy when we did it. Don't rob yourself of that moment by worrying too much. 👍😉
Slow and steady and you'll be fine. Don't start off too fast, if you go slow you'll make it. Try not to let any negative thoughts creep into your head, keeping a positive mental attitude will help get you through it, I often repeat "you can do this, mind over matter" in my head. You will feel fantastic when you've done it. You will get a real sense of achievement. Just think, you couldn't run for 8 minutes not that long ago but you did it - GO YOU!!
So keep trusting the program. We all panicked about this run but, weirdly, you’ve had all the training you need to get through it. Remember to slow down and slow down again. We’ll expect an update on completion tonight! 💪🏽
Go as slowly as possible, resist any temptation to run faster. Can you run slower than a toddler crawling backwards in the sand? Try and I guarantee you that you'll do your 20 minutes. All graduates did, and so can you.
By the time you read this you will hopefully have smashed it but think of it this way ...If I remember right, the previous run is 2 x 8 min runs with a 5 min walk in between? So you did 16 mins running on that run. You are only replacing that brisk 5 min walk with 4 mins of running. Take it as slow as you like but you can do it - promise!!🙂
I'm about to hit Week 5 run 3 tonight after a busy day on my feet at work, am just as worried as the rest of you. But just got to crack on and give it a go. Best of luck.
It was ok for the first 10 mins, the next 5 were a plod, the last 5 I got through by looking ahead at the next park bench and saying to myself...don’t give up now! Feel good now it’s done. Then went on to my usual Bootcamp class. Completely pooped but feeling pretty pleased with myself. It really is a mind thing, getting over your brain telling you to give up is the hardest bit. Thanks for asking 😉
As all previous replies have pointed out you are ready for this otherwise you would of not made this far.Your body is ready, but you must also be mentally ready.Do not think or worry about running for 20 mins, perhaps someone can tell me how worrying about the run helps!! I like you was a worrier for some runs but in the end with help from forum decided just to do the run,if I completed the run,hooray,if not no big deal and do it again. We have believe me have all been there at some time.
One thing not mentioned as yet and I think we all experience is the toxic 10 ,or in some members cases 15 or 20.Have you found that as you say did week say 3 or 4 the first 3 or 5 min run was murder?? Breathing ragged,legs hurting and you felt you just could not complete the 3 or 5 min run?? Yet you come to the last 3 or 5 min run and providing you have been running SLOWLY your breathing is more settled,calves do not hurt ? in fact you felt like you could go on for another minute?
You will have to read up on exactly what causes the toxic 10 or a member could explain it much better than me. Basically it takes your body approx 10 ins to adjust to the extra need for oxygen to your muscles,your body needs time to realize you need more oxygen. It is not your lungs that need more oxygen (although it feels like it) but your muscles and your heart is trying to do this.
Anyway enough of the Einstein talk. What does this mean for you? You managed 2 x 8 mins runs,yes they were hard but you completed them. When you come to the 20 min & future runs as you will just make sure the 1st 10 mins is very slow,cannot go any slower!! I bet you can.
You will then suddenly realize your breathing although will still be hard is in a rhythm,your running is getting into a rhythm and your legs will not hurt although they may feel tired.
Once you have mentally & physically conquered the toxic 10 then you can go on to run for 20 mins,same with he remaining weeks.
It is funny but I am running with my neighbor who is also on W5 R2 tomorrow (Wednesday) 8-5-8 min run. Encouraging & helping him along but even I am huffing & puffing along with him for the 1st 10 mins,just like the old days.
By the time you have read this post I expect you will feel sleepy as it is so long but we all know you can & will beat W5 R3 just believe and of course go SLOW
I read about the toxic 10 last week and it really helped me to get through these longer runs now. Now I know the first 10 minutes will be tough, and then I really enjoy settling into a comfortable running rhythm and, yes, feel I could in fact run for longer 😀
You can do more than you think you can, that's what I tell myself on each run. I'm one run behind you, doing the 8-5-8 in the next couple of days. I bet you didn't think you could do that - but you did it. Take your time, its only 20 minutes out of your whole life - you can do it!
Thank you everyone for your positive words, it really did help a lot - and the thought of letting down all you lovely internet people meant I absolutely had to go out, no excuses!
It really is (although I’m not 100% if I can walk upstairs just yet)! I seriously can’t believe I just ran for 20 minutes, I don’t think I’ve ever run that much in one go before 🎊
How did you get on? I just did it. It was a long way, but to be honest it was no harder than run2. The big issue was finding something to occupy the mind from thinking about how far was left. You legs can do it, it's your mind that has issues.
Yep, agree with posts above. I was SO dubious last night (wk5 R3 ) 20 MINUTES?!? when Jo said I'd done 5 mins, I could've stopped there and then.... but somehow carried on (with the help of The Proclaimers!) and did it, even enjoyed it (for a few seconds! towards the end). well done
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20 minutes!!!
Just ran 20 minutes!!!!!!!!
Gulp! 20 minutes?!
Out for another 20 minutes 
20 minutes, WOW!
