W5 R2

[Jalk]

2 * 8 mins! I did it and the first 8mins felt fine. Now wondering if I should repeat this as I know the next run wants 20mins from me.

For W5 runs 1 & 2 I covered the same distance, had hoped r2 would be further.

[Marko5]

Sounds crazy. Dreading these runs next week. Heard to many horror stories. Nice one on completing the first 2 runs. Good luck with 3rd one.

[Jalk in reply to Marko5]

I haven't heard horror stories, only the horror thoughts we have which are completely inaccurate

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jalk]

They are... just KNOW you are ready for this

[ArthurJG Graduate]

No, there's no need to repeat a run you have already successfully completed. Every other day someone posts on here that they are worried about the jump to 20 minutes - almost always, they attempt it, and almost always, they succeed first time. If you ever don't complete a run, yes repeat THAT one, but you do not need to repeat this one. Also: W5R3 is not that much harder - your previous runs were 21 minutes, mostly running with only a little walking. This one is actually a minute SHORTER, but with the walks left out. But that's a natural progression as the walks have been getting shorter and shorter to train you to the point where you don't need them. The trick is this: if you feel like walking, just run slower instead. It doesn't matter if you're slow, it only matters that you run. Physically you're ready. The challenge is mental, and repeating something you've done before is one of the tricks your brain tries to play on you. You can do this. Go for it

[Jalk in reply to ArthurJG]

Thank you ArthurJG, good to have someone point out the progression. I felt I ran slower in the 8mins than I had for the 5mins previously, as I wanted to get to the end. Will try that again. It really is a mental challenge, need to stop thinking 20mins is beyond me and give it a go.

[ArthurJG Graduate in reply to Jalk]

Try breaking it up. We all know the first ten minutes of a run is often the hardest. Go for five minutes - if it's hard, slow down for the next five, but don't walk and don't stop. After ten minutes remind yourself the first ten minutes are the worst so you may as well keep going to fifteen. And at 15 minutes you tell yourself I haven't come all this way just to have to repeat the whole thing so it's easier just to keep going for five minutes more - even if you have to slow down even more to get there. Never looking more than a few minutes ahead but suddenly the 20 minutes are over!

[Jalk in reply to ArthurJG]

great advice, thank you. I WILL NOT STOP, I WILL NOT STOP

[Hidden]

Nah, just go for it. Look, you have to do it eventually (you totally don't have to do anything, I'm being hyperbolic to make a point), why not just try it? Don't overthink it much, it's just the next thing on the list.

I completely support anyone in repeating a week if they truly feel like they are struggling and need it...But I don't think it's a great idea to psych yourself out. So much of this is a mental game at the stage you're at. You can do it!

Distance will come, I wouldn't worry about it overmuch yet.

[Jalk in reply to Hidden]

true, the longer you put something off the worse it is, the thought is often worse than the event, (let's hope so for this run)

[Bandit14 Graduate]

You'll be fine - it's surprising how much your body steps up to the plate for that run - and it's a great feeling at the end😊

Good luck you'll smash it x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just another run.. steady and slow and you will be fine... do not believe the horror stories...or let your inner thoughts defeat you... it really is a run you are ready for... trust the plan and believe in yourself

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Trust the programme! You are ready. Slow,and steady. Then slower if you need to ...!! Good luck!🐌🐌🐌

[Earlyrunner]

I struggled with W5R2 at the start of last week and pondered repeating it, but didn’t and went straight to the 20 mins run, which went without a hitch. You’ll smash it 👍🏻 I’m struggling again today with W6R2 but I’m not stressing because I know it’s the breaks and heavy legs on restarting the run that’s the hard part. Go for the 20 mins, you’ll be surprised!! Good Luck!! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[Jalk in reply to Earlyrunner]

i'm taking your advice, thanks

[Jalk in reply to Earlyrunner]

did it! thank you, 20mins in the bag

[Earlyrunner in reply to Jalk]

Brilliant!! Confidence for W6 in the bag 👍🏻