W5R3 - JFDI

[PaulBrad]

I completed W5R3 this morning and couldn't be more surprised/elated/amazed. I was honestly dreading this run - how could Micheal expect me to run 20 minutes!! I did read loads of W5 posts looking for for inspiration and advice - and to all those who wrote posts - thank you so much - you all helped me nail it.

What this run made me realise is that my goals are constantly changing as I go through this program. Initially, my goals were I guess pretty much like everyone else who starts this program - I want/need to get in shape/get fit/ lose weight - all of the above. Also I'm sure I haven't had my midlife crisis yet - approaching 49 and still no tattoo or motorcycle and I'm not having an affair. So.... when it does happen I thought I better get in shape to enjoy it

However, my goals since then that changed dramatically. Before W1R1 - I was focused on the end goal - after all how hard could running 60s be? By W1R2 my goal had changed to making sure I didn't cough my lungs inside out!

W2 - my goal was making it to the next lamppost, tree, bush

W3 - the goal was to trying to get my breathing right

W4 - the goal was not to die! We had gone from counting run lengths in seconds to counting them in minutes - 5 of them to be exact. Then at the end of this week I realised something. The distances/times of my previous weeks were becoming the new normal for the following week. In 4 weeks I had gone from struggling with 60 seconds to seeing a 5min run as normal! The W5 came along

W5 - Something very strange happened - my breathing was getting better. I didn't actively try - it just sort of happened. My mindset was also changing - i caught myself thinking - well I managed 5 minutes last week so I can manage 3 sets of this. Moving up to 8 mins- only 3 mins more and everyone says just take it steady and if you struggle just slow down - so I did - bingo it worked. Now the 20 mins - the goal - survive!! I made sure I changed my route to run along main roads - if I collapsed there was more chance someone would see me. Nice and steady - Micheal was actually really helpful - gave me an update at 5, 10, 15 and 18 mins - perfect timing. I also had a moment where I 'zoned out' - running along thinking about stuff then all of a sudden realised 5 mins had gone by.

I also realised there is a god of C25K - my running playlist is a mix of Springsteen, Meatloaf, Journey, Queen, Kaiser Chiefs - you get the idea. Anyway with 2 mins to go guess what came on - Bryan Adams 'Run to you'. Then as I was cooling down thinking jeez louise that was hard - Springsteen 'Born to Run' - chuffing perfect.

Had a look at the distance - it measured the first 5 min walk and the run (plus 50s trying to stop the map app) 25min 50s - distance 3.8km I was amazed. My new goal I want that 5km in 30min - and you know what - I just might do it.

Cheers all and keep up the good work.

PS - just had a thought - perhaps C25K IS my midlife crisis - gotta say I was hoping for something a little more hedonistic

[Tinker5393 Graduate]

Great post. It like reading my own journey I even listen to queen plus Ian dury and the clash. Graduated yesterday . Beware week 6 seems to throw some people. Me included. Then 7 8 and 9 it all comes together. Good luck .

[Sooz31 Graduate]

Well done! How you described the different weeks is so how I feel too....you could have been reading my mind.....and I now will also be thinking I am getting fit for my midlife crisis to begin....can’t wait 😁

[Keepcalm-keepsmiling Graduate]

Well done. And you have a great playlist 👍🏻

[Kar43]

Great post. Well done.

See it's mental more than physical, your doing a great job 👍

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Wow Paul, brilliant post! Love the prep for mid-life crisis! Looks like we’re on the path to mid-life wonder and that’s amazing! Well done you!! ❤️

[southlundon Graduate]

Great to hear this - I've just started week 4 and I'm dreading next week! Any particular wk5 posts that helped you please?

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to southlundon]

Hi - to be honest I can't pick ones out individually. I looked through what seemed like all the W5 posts trying to pick up some titbits. One thing that came across was the fact that if you have followed the previous weeks runs - then just trust in the program. When I first read this I did think - cobblers - but honestly there is something in this. The program hasn't just been thrown together- I don't know what the 'science' behind it is - but it works. And it is definitely a mindset thing - if you think you can - you will. I found the first couple of minutes of the 20min tricky but once I got in a rhythm I managed to grind it out. I promise you - you can and will do it!!

[southlundon Graduate in reply to PaulBrad]

Thanks Paul (Brad?)! I actually enjoyed the run today as I found that with the longer times (only 3 and 5mins if you remember) I couldn't keep watching the countdown and I just had to keep going

My playlist was faster dance music to keep me going but might try your style at some point. All good bands!

[Beccy8348E]

Yay!! Great post, thank you!

C25k midlife crisis, I’m 41 so maybe this is coming up to mine also!

About to go for W5R2 - I’m actually looking forward to heading for the 8 mins!!!

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to Beccy8348E]

Just wait until you do the 20mins - the feeling of achievement is immense! I'm still buzzing about it today!

[Beccy8348E in reply to PaulBrad]

Just completed it now, the first 8 mins was great, went a bit fast on the 2nd 8 but felt great.

Weds is next run day and it feels a HUGE step up to 20mins! I know I’m to trust the system and I need to keep positive!

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to Beccy8348E]

That's fantastic - 20 mins did seem a big step up and it was! But it most definitely can be done. I'm sure you will be brilliant!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 leave the hedonistic stuff for the young... they have the energy!!

Well done on your milestone run 🥉 it really is a big deal. You're now over half way there... to here.

You're doing great. Keep it up!! 👍😁

[HiggyM Graduate]

Just what I needed to read, I have to do this run tomorrow! Maybe the secret is music so you get lost in it, think I'll need to make a play list for tomorrow. Well done on completing it, Wk 6 looks abit easier-thats what I'm telling myself anyway! 😊

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to HiggyM]

The music thing was interesting - just before the 20mins started I said to myself - its only about 5 or 6 songs (I have got Bat of Hell on there though - about 10mins long!) and that really helped. People have said that wk 6 isn't as easy as we may think - lets see what this week brings!!

[HiggyM Graduate in reply to PaulBrad]

You might get two replys as my first seems to have disappeared into cyberspace! I've seen a few people say that about wk6, the first one looks OK - that's what I'm telling myself anyway! Now I'm away to download Bat out of Hell for tomorrow!! Good luck this week. ☺

[HiggyM Graduate in reply to HiggyM]

So tonight I was aiming for about 6 or so songs for my play list tomorrow... 65 songs later..... I've got alot of running to do!! (just realised I haven't even got Bat Out of Hell on it)

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to HiggyM]

LOL I do find songs really help. At least if you play the 65 on shuffle you should never get bored. My run tonight finished on Springsteen’s ‘these are better days’ - say no more!!

[Janny5764]

Hi, I Love your post, so inspirational. I did W3R3 yesterday and struggled I had to stop a couple of times. I don’t think I push myself hard enough, I was going to repeat R3 tomorrow before I move onto W4R1 - is that what you should do, or do you just push on? I am not sure.

[PaulBrad Graduate in reply to Janny5764]

Hi Janny5764, up to now I’ve been lucky and just had the one run that I didn’t complete. I looked at what I thought I did wrong (in my case going too quick when it was too hot) and the next night went out and did it differently - ran slower when it was cooler. I don’t know officially what we are supposed to do, but I’ve taken the view that I’ll only move on once I’ve completed the week - even if it takes me longer than the week. Not sure what others would say