If I can do this you can too - slow and steady

[Iwilldothis01]

Today I ran / jogged week 5 run 3.. slow & steady, it felt okay so I continued to run through the 5 minute warm down.. I did a whole 25 minutes - when I started this process the 90 second runs felt impossible and I often found myself exhausted and stopping before time but my last two runs have felt much more achievable. My point is this: I never thought I could run, I thought it would be a fad and I’d get so far and then give up (nearly did - twice) having to repeat weeks on a few occasions. The advice and support on here is like gold - I am running, sometime slower than my warm up walk but I’m doing it and feeling the benefit. Keep at it - you can do it - if I can you definitely can

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on the milestone run.

Please stick to the plan and continue nice and slow for trick W6R1.......it catches many out.

[Iwilldothis01 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’ve read that in a few other posts - it’s scheduled for tomorrow and I have actually been more apprehensive about this w6r1 than I was about w5r3 - I’m guessing there is a method to the order and lots of study behind that.. thank you & even though I did okay I won’t be overdoing anything

[Eibh]

That is powerful encouragement for a tired week 3 individual. Mega thanks

[Iwilldothis01 Graduate in reply to Eibh]

I genuinely never thought I would get past some weeks but here I am. You can definitely do it, just go slow. Good luck

[Oldishrunner Graduate]

Don't be tempted again. Sounds like you got away with it this time but an injury through overdoing it could set you back weeks. It ain't worth the risk. Well done for doing the 20 minute run. Listen to Laura.

[Iwilldothis01 Graduate in reply to Oldishrunner]

Thanks everyone has so much good advice. I’m not going off the plan as I am enjoying the virtual support and need all the help I can get, at what point would you say someone would be ready to attempt a park run (I know I am not ready yet for this but I’d like to think it’s within sight)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Iwilldothis01]

Many people do parkrun while on the plan, so we suggest that you just stick to your programmed workout so that you are not tempted to try to run the whole thing.

[Runny60 Graduate]

This is so encouraging. I decided to start running after my 60th birthday this year and I am loving the app. But tomorrow it’s the first 20 minute run and to be honest I’m feeling nervous which is ridiculous. So thanks for your post!

[SummaMamaT Graduate in reply to Runny60]

I am 62 and was motivated to start this so I could attempt a 5K in late January before I turn 63 in February! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one!! I tried the 20 min run today and didn't make it. I will try it again on Wednesday. I am determined.

[Iwilldothis01 Graduate in reply to Runny60]

Well done - how did the 20 min run go? I have days when I really struggle but also days where I could keep going - the fact that we are up and out in the cold is a pretty good start I’d say.. hope you are enjoying it. I have to admit I am not a natural runner but I’m starting to enjoy it more now

[Runny60 Graduate in reply to Iwilldothis01]

I find this app so extraordinary! The 20 minute run was absolutely fine, and thank you for asking! ...I think the resistance or anxiety is totally in my head now that I've built up some fitness so easily and slowly. I agree totally with you about the fact I'm up and out and I'm loving these crisp early mornings watching the sun come up over the park. In fact, yesterday was even more amazing for me because I was doing W6R2 and I wasn't concentrating on my instructions so I just started running without really knowing how long I was meant to be running for. So when Sanjeev told me to start walking I assumed it must have been just a 5 minute run (you can tell I don't follow the same route round the park otherwise I'd have known!), and then there was a 10 minute run which was ok, but I assumed there must be another run but that was it. I couldn't believe it! I'd almost, can't believe I"m saying this, found it easy. Like you, I'm not a natural runner and I do worry about my arthritic hip but so far I haven't had a single twinge...onwards and upwards!! Hope you continue to enjoy your runs. Good luck!!