20 minutes???

[Lozzz31]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum and today i completed wk4. I've just had a look ahead to week 5 and I'm finding the 20 min run very scary. It seems like a huge step up from what I've done so far. Did others worry? And how did you find it? Thanks for your input!

[Kymmi123]

I was exactly the same and you know what that was my most enjoyable run! Seriously its so much easier to just run and not stop compared to intervals, im glad now im at week 7 its all longer runs, you just melt into the run and forget about the time until your music is interrupted. You can do it!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Lozzz31 ...welcome to the forum!! And well done for getting to week 5....no going back now!!! 😉....oh, the dreaded W5R3!!! It’s mentioned that much that it’s on my predictive text!!!! Most people think exactly the same as you...o know I did...& it took me more than one attempt...and that’s fine, just because it’s a 9 week programme doesn’t mean it has to take you 9 weeks. You have to face it head on..you have got this far in the programme and your body is ready for a bit more now. Don’t over think it, get some good music in your ears, choose a good route & you’ll be fine. Start slow & steady & when you find your comfortable pace, stay there. Read back on some graduate posts, they make for good reading...keep posting now you’ve found us, we like to see how everyone’s doing...good luck

[Ripcurlrana71]

It’s the dreaded run by many! More dread than it deserves though as it’s completely doable. You’ve worked up to this. Keep you pace slow and conversational and you’ll be fine. As soon as you start to breath heavily slow it down more. Seriously you can do this! 💪🏼

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Just know that, by the end of W5,and provided you haven’t completely scared yourself away, you will be able to run 20 minutes. The programme works.

Early March I hadn’t run a step and done no exercise for well over 20 years. I was terrified of this run completely unnecessarily. You can do it.

[lets-go Graduate]

I did it this morning!! I hardly slept kept waking up thinking about it ... but it’s true it’s easier than you think. I took it slow and steady and just focused on my music and the route. If someone had told me I would be able to run for 20mins after my Wk 1 Run 1 I would never have believed them. It’s taken me a lot longer than most as I’ve done some runs twice and had a few weeks off with hip pain but I’m in no rush. I wanted to shout out loud “I’ve just run for 20mins” the feeling was exhilarating. Even my three sons are impressed that their little round Mum ran for 20 mins. Look forward to hearing how it goes for you - best of luck you can do it

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to lets-go]

Well done!

[lets-go Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you 😉

[Lozzz31 in reply to lets-go]

Fantastic achievement lets_go! Sorry for late reply, I've been away. Due to run my 20 mins on Sunday. Fingers crossed!!

[telford_mike Graduate]

Well done! I remember a similar feeling just 3 weeks ago when I did it. Now you have some real self-belief, you'll smash the rest of the programme!

[Lozzz31]

Wow - so much brilliant support - thanks all! I'll report back at the end of the week!!

[David_G]

Hi Lozzz, as others have said this is doable. You’ve run for that time already, even though you might have walked in the middle. Just take your time and trust the programme - it works! 😀👍 You’ll feel brilliant afterwards too! Good luck 🤞

[Mashedpotato]

Hey lozzz31. I’m in the same boat, only got one more run for week 4 left and don’t know how I’m going to do week 5.

But I’m staying positive and putting my trust in this app - I never thought it would even get me this far. Think positive and it will be fine 😊

[Lozzz31 in reply to Mashedpotato]

Good luck Mashedpotato! Hopefully we'll both rock it! 😀

[JacquiAM Graduate in reply to Mashedpotato]

Me too! Did W4R2 today ... am not looking forward to W5 after reading all the posts! I’ve deliberately not looked ahead but probably should do to know what I’m in for! 🙈

[Hidden]

I felt the same but honestly it was fine! Make sure you're hydrated and don't go off too fast - just take your time. I'm 63 and haven't run since I was a kid and I did it which proves that the programme knows what it is doing. Good luck and let us know how you get on

[Tartiflette Graduate]

You'll be well ready to run it when it comes along. & you'll feel am-aze-ing when you complete it 👍🏼

[mikasa]

I just did Wk5 R3 this evening in a slow but easy 7.15m/km pace. I think its a mental thing like people say but i also think its about learning to slow down when you need to and find a natural easy pace you can maintain for longer periods. I think its also about getting used to running longer stretches having build up your fitness over the preceding weeks. I think if you are finding it hard when doing the 20mins you are probably going too fast but remembering its alright to slow down. Well done for getting this far!

[ccarter100]

When I first started, and I am now on week six, I thought “You want me to run for 60 seconds straight?!? Are you crazy?” A little while later, I thought, “You want me to run for five minutes straight?!? Are you crazy?” And then I got my runs mixed up, accidentally skipped week five, run two, and unexpectedly did the straight 20 minutes. Wonder of wonders! It was no problem at all. The program truly works, just as Jay said. So get those little gremlins out of your head and go for it!

[bonny_lass Graduate]

I know what you feel as I just completed my Week 5 run 1 and is anxious about run2 too. Today went well and I hope you will also feel the same but I am not sure about run 2 as I think it is all to do with the way I think on how hard it can be. Hopefully few who have done it will help us with this. Good luck.

[Lozzz31 in reply to bonny_lass]

Good luck to you too Bonny Lass! Unfortunately my plan to run today has been scuppered by a horrid cold but I'm not giving up. Hopefully tomorrow!

[bonny_lass Graduate in reply to Lozzz31]

Thank you so much Lozzz31. Hope you feel better soon. Maybe lot of Vitamin C. I am hoping to do my 3rd run on Sunday 😁. Take care.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

I’m at the same place as you. I completed W4 today too and I’m sooo excited about next Friday when (*touch wood*) I’ll have run 20 minutes.

I actually can’t wait! I’ve been looking at what running kit to buy. I can’t believe I feel like a runner!

We can do this! 👍🏻🏃‍♀️😀

[Lozzz31 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Yay! Way to go cheekychipmunks! Me too - I love checking out the new running gear!