Week 5 run 2 done ✅

[Dawnc25k]

Completed wk5 run 2 tonight, found this the hardest run so far. I’m quite overweight and I’m really worried about run 3 this week. I’m getting very out of breath after the 8 min run. Any words of wisdom? Thanks

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Go slower!

You’re doing great... that weight won’t hold your fitness back, unless your head tells it to. If you can do two 8s, you can do a 20. Relax, trust, believe.

[Dawnc25k in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you, that’s really encouraging

[GM32 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

When I first saw the 20 I thought it was a typo😁 but concentrate on a slow steady pace nice deep breaths and when you do the 20 OMG feel that buzz.....you can do it. Good luck

[Dawnc25k in reply to GM32]

Thank you, I’ll keep your words in my head during the run.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Well done - you've got to wk 5 and honestly run3 is not that scary. Its just the same runs with no walking bits - the 20 min plays on your mind but you will do it - just take it really slow and steady - get some good music or a podcast on and you won't focus so much on the time.

Best of luck - but you can do this 😊

[Dawnc25k in reply to Bandit14]

Thank you! 👍

[Clarefromclare Graduate]

I was really worried about this run too, listen to the advice slow slow slow it’s the only way!!

Good luck xx

[Dawnc25k in reply to Clarefromclare]

Thanks Clare, it’ll be a huge achievement for me. I think it’s definitely a mind over matter run. 👍

[Clarefromclare Graduate in reply to Dawnc25k]

It definitely is, I failed my

First attempt at this run, that was when I first posted on here I think, I listened to the advice and smashed it second time!

I’ve just competed W9R2, I have no doubt without the encouragement and advice on here I would have given up!

Keep posting, keep running, slow and steady! 🐌🐌 x

[WeeGee Graduate]

Firstly ... I'll take you at your word that you are quite overweight.

Getting to week 5 carrying weight ... ALL you should be feeling is immense pride, and also optimism for where your health is heading! Huge respect and admiration Dawn

As for W5R3 ... EVERYONE worries about it, we've all been there. I didn't even look at what the weeks held before I ran them, I just let Laura tell me what was in store at the beginning of every 30 min session. When she said 20 mins at the start W5R3 I could have cheerfully punched her lights out. But she reassures you that SHE panicked when she learned she had to do it ... that it was just psychological and that you ARE ready for it ... ... ... ... ... ... and she was right. I could have cheerfully hugged her afterwards.

I'm betting you’re going to be fine and smash it ... and if not, if you do a straight 15 mins, 13 mins ... 9 mins. What the hell! ... you are moving in the right direction. The 20 mins will happen when it happens. I'm betting the 20 mins will be well within your range though. If breath becomes an issue, slow it down

Let me know ... it's exciting!!!

[trapeze in reply to WeeGee]

brilliant advice, I havent got there yet, but it was a great reply for Dawn

[Dawnc25k in reply to WeeGee]

Thank you for your advice, very encouraging and I’ll keep it in my head on Friday for the run. 👍

[trapeze]

best of luck Dawn, it can be difficult I know !!!

[Dawnc25k in reply to trapeze]

Thank you.

[Languid_Lil Graduate]

Trust the programme, take it nice and slow and you will do it! I just looked up what my healthy weight would be and I am 5 stone (over 30 kg) overweight and I am on W7R2 next, and really enjoying it!

[Dawnc25k in reply to Languid_Lil]

That’s brilliant, well done you! Fingers crossed I’ll get there too. 👍

[MaxinFrome]

This is about distance and stamina not speed as the App says. So you should go at a pace that doesn't exhaust you, no matter how slow that is!! I was 20stone, now I'm 16. But I didn't start running until I had lost 3 stone because a) I was worried about the impact on my joints and hence injuries, and b) exercise alone is not great for weight loss; yesterday I ran 6.5k and burnt 491calories, equivalent to 1 slice of pizza! So for me it's been a combination of a healthier diet and exercise. To some extent its mind over matter but you also need to take it slow and listen to your body and not put yourself in danger. Good luck!

[Dawnc25k in reply to MaxinFrome]

Thank you, that’s great advice

[Jell6 Graduate]

Slowly, and more slowly if needed!

Have some good distraction music if you like to run to music, and don't think too far ahead.

I am trying to run "in the moment". It seems less daunting.

However you do it be proud and enjoy it.🤩

[Dawnc25k in reply to Jell6]

Thank you x

[Pete1w Graduate]

Slow and steady. Try not to think too much about how long you've been running. Keep a nice even pace and you'll be fine. You can do it.....

[Dawnc25k in reply to Pete1w]

Thank you

[Agi74]

Dawn I'm running my W5R3 today (maybe hitting the gym last night wasn't the best idea) and I'm in the same boat regards the anticipation of it but you know what... WE'RE GONNA DO IT!

Yes there's a physical element but most is psychological, I'm actually going to tell myself I'm running 22mins so that when I hit 20 it's not the brick wall we sometimes imagine it to be.

KEEP ON RUNNING! 😀😀

[Dawnc25k in reply to Agi74]

That’s a really good idea to think it’s 22 not 20, I’ll definitely do that.

Good luck with your run 3 and ‘we can do this!’

Thanks!

[Agi74 in reply to Dawnc25k]

Run3 done. Physically OK, just needed to keep my mind occupied as I found doing laps of the same place a bit tedious but least I knew how far I was running, each lap is approx 1km!

Feeling it in my legs just need to stretch and foam roll them!

[Dawnc25k in reply to Agi74]

I’m running on a forest trail for my runs. It’s a bit undulating but at least it’s a full 5k round. Stops me giving in which I know I would if I was doing laps. Well done you for completing it. Mine is tomorrow night....😬😬

[Agi74 in reply to Dawnc25k]

Well that makes your runs harder cuff you have to deal with uneven ground. Don't be hard on yourself you're doing great!

[Dawnc25k in reply to Agi74]

Thanks 👍

[Matilda2903 Graduate]

Believe in yourself, you absolutely CAN do it! As everyone else said, take it slow (I walk faster than I run!) and if you find it too hard then slow down some more. Try and relax if you can and just enjoy it, especially when you nail it, you will feel great! Good luck and keep us posted 😀

[Dawnc25k in reply to Matilda2903]

Thanks! I think you’re right, I need to relax more into the run. 👍

[EmmaA-F Graduate]

I have started following as I can’t wait to hear how you get on tomorrow Dawn, the feeling you get when your coach tells you it’s done is amazing! We will all be with you in spirit helping you slay those gremlins... you got this 💪🏻🏃🏼‍♀️