Oooo so hard!

[Pancakes]

So after the stress of running in the 30 degree heat of Italy (I only did it once!) I have now completed W8R3 I can’t believe it! I’m starting W9! That’s just amazing but seriously guys when does it get any easier?! I find it so hard! I’m no where near 5K and I’ve decided I will have to make that a 6mth goal then think about park runs (I’d be too slow and embarrassed right now!) I still haven’t told my friends in case any of them ask me to run with them as I’m so slow so it’s my secret! My friend messaged me last night to say she had just run 5K and she’s only been doing it a couple of weeks and my other friend started in January and now runs 7K twice a week and has just done the Manchester 10K! I’m still so tired the day after and I’m only doing about 3.5K in 28 mins! I don’t sleep after a run either! Having said all that I’m really proud of myself I just wish it would get a little easier so I could enjoy it 😆🏃‍♀️ Any advice or tips? (I do have fibromyalgia which doesn’t help but will not defeat me!)

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Please don’t compare your runs against other people. You are running very respectable distances - very similar to mine, but it takes me 30 mins - but you are your own benchmark, not others.

Remember that this programme is a progression so every week stretches you. When you graduate you will do the 30 min runs for a few weeks - I’m coming towards the end of it - and this is when it becomes easier. You are doing the same runs but getting fitter, rather than doing harder and harder runs.

Good luck with W9 - you are doing fantastically well and the podium is ready for you.

[Pancakes Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Awww thank you! That brought a tear to my eye! I will keep going! See you on the podium! 🏅🏃‍♀️

[sallenson Graduate]

Hey hon. You're doing a brilliant and ace job okay? Running for 28 minutes? In heat? Did you ever think you'd manage that?

This is for you. Not for anyone else. It's not a race. Not competitive. It's special. For you. Because you're special.

Who cares that you know people who can do it faster? We don't know them. We know you. And we're dead proud of you.

Now get yourself back to Blighty and let's get you on that bloody podium okay?

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

O.M.G!!! Pancakes I'm just remembering back to when we messaged each other around 2 months ago! You were worried about starting, but I could tell you were determined then ~ and you still are! You've done amazingly well ~ I know I exclaim every time you reach the next week because you blow me away, but - Week 9!!? 😱😱 Incredible! I graduated moons ago and still nearly die every time I struggle through a 30minute run, and am knackered the next day; but it's gonna take me ages to improve the condition of my body as I haven't exercised it for yeeeeeears!! Let's just keep doing this, the more you do it the better you get. Science 😊 Week 9! Go you! 🙌👊💪🏃‍♀️💫

[Pancakes Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thank you for your support! 😃🏃‍♀️👍

[RobW73 Graduate]

First of all well done on finishing the week. Graduation is within touching distance.

I did a ParkRun and saw people running, walking, jogging with dogs, taking children with them. You will be fine and can go at your own pace.

You have really come so far, I believe you do have the confidence to do it.

I had a friend run with me and adjust his pace accordingly. If you have someone you trust enough to tell, I'm sure they would support you.

Good luck.