Did W4 R1 and it didn't kill me!

[M5Buff5]

I was truly dreading going out this morning - the thought of running for 5 minutes, twice, was scary and I honestly thought there was a good chance I wouldn't manage it and would have to repeat W3 (probably forever!). I got out there early so that not too many people would see me and it wasn't nearly as bad as I had thought. The first 5 minute run coincided with the one hill on my route, too!

One thing though - I run really, really slowly trying not to bounce (as the mentor advises) and I feel like a fake when 'real' runners pass me with legs moving like a gazelle. Not sure I will ever be able to do that?

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Fast r slow ur still a runner 🏃‍♀️ speed and distance will come in time 😊. Stick with it ur doing great wk 4 is urs for the taking x

[M5Buff5 in reply to Shelby1973]

Thanks for those words - they help! I've only just discovered this forum - lots of motivation here

[Shelby1973 Graduate in reply to M5Buff5]

It’s a great site . I completed c25k in nov and found the support brilliant. I’m still running and have even signed up for a half marathon next April ! The mentors r great and it does get easier x

[M5Buff5 in reply to Shelby1973]

Oh wow! Go you!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to M5Buff5]

Check this post out even though you are on the way..it could help..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[M5Buff5 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks - that was worth the read!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Well done for completing the run.

Running is a battle with yourself. Every other runner has unknown age, fitness, history, talent, motivation, distance already run. Don’t get sucked into comparing yourself with them at this stage. If you keep running you will go further, faster than you can now.

If you start running competitively you will find your position amongst other runners and seek to improve. Think of yourself right at the foothills of that journey. Let them pass. Learn from their running style. Be proud that you are out there, sharing their path. This isn’t the day to be competing with them.

[M5Buff5 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thanks - that's sound advice, I'll focus more on my achievements. I'm proud of myself just being out there - I've been a seated sloth for 10 years since a career change and this is a very big step for me.

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to M5Buff5]

Hold on to that pride - you have the same right to run with a head held high as that bloke in micro shorts and a vest over his six pack who thunders past you. He's running a different race, and you are winning yours.

[Sofabunny]

Slow pace is the only way I'm getting through it...I constantly think "am I really running"if I am not going any faster than my normal fast walking pace...but running is a different way of moving engaging different muscles and I wouldn't be having to get my breath back after half an hour walking..so I must be getting a proper workout..this is what I tell myself !

[M5Buff5 in reply to Sofabunny]

Exactly! I had the same thoughts!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Do not wish to run like gazelles... gazelles get eaten by lions.... snails on the other hand do not... They can move slowly and can hide

You did really well... so next time..instead of thinking that there is a good chance you won't do the run...just head out thinking, there is a really good chance that you will do the run

Because... you will

[BlondeAmbition72 Graduate]

Well done M5Buff5! It feels like a real acheivement running for 5 mins, doesn’t it? I did the same yesterday and I’m really looking forward to run 2 tomorrow. Good luck with the plan. We can do this!

[M5Buff5 in reply to BlondeAmbition72]

you too and yes, we can!

[BeccaTh Graduate]

I ‘run’ ever so slightly quicker than my walking speed. I often think that too but then remind myself of why I’m doing this and it makes me realise that it doesn’t matter how fast everyone else is running. Find your own pace, and try not let the gazelles get you down.