Week 5 Run 3 - I can't believe I did it!!

[deancourtgirl]

Hi all,

I've been lurking here for a long time, but I have been intently reading all the advice, hints and tips given by you wonderful lot as well as enjoying all of the success stories.

My journey to week 5 has been slow, as I've really only been running twice a week and struggled in the hot summer, so did a few runs twice until I felt I'd really mastered them.

As with everyone I was absolutely dreading run 3. I found enough excuses (without any real justification) to chicken out of doing it on Tuesday as planned, but went for it last night and actually did it!! I can 100% say that I'd have never had the belief that I could without all the support on this forum. I've read so many posts from people who had no faith in themselves who couldn't believe they'd completed this run, so it made me realise that I too could write this very happy post!

Apart from netball at school, I've never done any running in any capacity. I genuinely struggled to complete the first minute on week one - I was shocking! So to get to this point and complete the seemingly impossible, I feel I too need to tell those of you who don't think you can do it that you absolutely can!

I took the advice to run slowly (I usually run like I'm stuck in tar anyway) and pace myself. Yes it was hard and I struggled on the 10-15 minute section where I felt like an elephant had sat on my chest but I got there. The plan works 100%.

I still have a long way to go, but graduation is getting closer every day and now I absolutely know that I will now complete this course.

Thank you to each and every contributor on here, who without realising it has given me the confidence to keep going on which led to me doing a Rocky style punch-the-air celebration last night when I'd finished. Thankfully, I'm still trying to hide from the public, so was on a quiet side street when this happened, so no-one reported the mad woman dancing in the street!

I need to now get some confidence to run in different settings as I live in a lovely area near both beaches and countryside and I'm missing out on some lovely scenery while running as I still insist on hiding away so people don't take the mickey out of my jiggly bits. I'm sure that will come in time along with hopefully a little more speed in the future.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm very happy today and feel I can conquer the world! Keep at it you lovely lot and you might make a runner out of an overweight middle aged woman yet!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Yes you can. Yes you did. Yes you got this. Now you can believe in yourself... you just did something that was totally impossible when you first decided to do this. My best advice for getting out in public would be to go to parkrun... they have all shapes and sizes every week... you’ll see that you’re not unusual. Yes, you’ll see quite a few gazelle like super fast lean mean running machines... but just ignore them, they’ll be gone as soon as the run starts 😂

So you have the fitness, belief and determination... add some self confidence and you’ll be unstoppable.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

The plan trains your body to cope physically, but this forum gives you the belief. Mental strength is so important in long distance running.

[Matilda2903 Graduate]

Congratulations it's such a huge achievement isn't it! Personally I wouldn't worry about running in public, I used to be mega paranoid, but I have to say I've never been shouted at etc while I've been running and I'm at the stage now where I'd just give them a two finger salute and carry on! I just love the running!

Good luck with the rest of the program and keep us posted 😀

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Absolutely fantastic news! Sooooo well done! What seems impossible whilst doing the programme generally ends up being totally possible. Your running mind learns how to overrule your couch mind - and it’s contagious!

Keep it up. The euphoria only gets better! And explore your wonderful running scenery with pride. Runners will think good for you, and non runners will be thinking it should be them! Go on, we’re right here behind you cheering you on!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀😀👏👏👏

[deancourtgirl]

Thank you all - everyone knows how great this one feels!

I have looked at parkrun and would love to have a go. I've registered and received my barcode, but I help run a kids football training session on a Saturday morning, so my options are limited for being able to get there, but in the event the football isn't on, then I will definitely go.

I have had a bunch of lads shout "run fatty run" out of their car window when I was on my second week, which didn't destroy me as much I expected. I just thought about every other person who has smiled nicely at me along the way and those other runners who politely wave as they approach or pass by. I will get there and will soon be out with everyone else, the difference from week one in my confidence is already amazing, so I know it will happen. Feeling like I can conquer the world means I might just go to the local park for my next run!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to deancourtgirl]

Ignore them..or you could yell back... maybe,but you are the ones who need the car

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate]

It feels fantastic, doesn’t it? I did W5R3 this morning and can’t believe it. Graduating can’t feel this good ... 20 minutes jogging from 1 minute of gasping only a few weeks ago is just amazing. 👍🏻

[deancourtgirl in reply to Ex-NonRunner19]

It certainly does feel amazing! Congratulations to you too. I know you're now set up for a good day. By the way - I don't think your username is appropriate any more. Runner19 suits you now

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Many of us have whooped and yelled and air punched and danced... worry not.. you are out there and doing wonderfully..

Just keep it slow and steady and feel proud of what you are doing and what you are achieving...Let folk stare.. they are in awe... and wishing they were out there running like you

[Reverie1 Graduate]

Congratulations from a fellow lurker! I've got to admit, my W5R3 was pretty terrible and I nearly gave up since everyone else seemed to make such a breakthrough at this point...but for me it came a week later: I still can't believe I've gone from zero to doing 25 mins! - it's a great feeling, and the encouragement I've found through this forum has realy helped. Keep at it and well done; glad to hear about it : )

[Haynsie1969]

Right with you! I'm 48 nearly 15 stone and struggled to run a bath before the programme yet managed week 5 run 3 at the first attempt Thursday despite the fear and dread. Stuck ridgedly to the programme throughout. That said its week 6 run 1 tonight and I haven't really recovered well from the exertion....

[AngryFlower Graduate]

Brilliant! I’m a week behind you so it’s really great that you’ve posted your story, it’s encouraged me not to be so scared!

[sunshinefish Graduate]

I did W5 r3 last night too. I still can't believe I completed it! Everyone I have told (there's been a few) have been so amazed (in a good way). Have to say the last two minutes really got to me, running into a head wind and so hard, I felt nauseous. They seemed to last at least 10 minutes!

We can do this!!!