W5

[TheSnail]

Just about to start W5 and R3 looks really daunting. 1st 2 x runs will be a challenge but based on wks 1 - 4 fairly sure i can do them, albeit at a snails pace. Any tips to prepare for R3

[Darlo1]

Good luck, i feel the same, week 4 ended well but week 5 it’s serious! Who would think we can run 20 mins straight! So far we have matched what the program has asked. Believe in yourself and remember the mental battle is harder than the physical every time. Best of luck!

[TheSnail in reply to Darlo1]

Thank you, you're spot on about the mental bsttle. My head wont let me stop although my body sometimes wants to😊. Good luck with your continued progress.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You've already done all the preparation you need with weeks 1-4 you'll be fine good luck

[TheSnail in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you - going for it !!!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Believe in yourself and trust the plan.

This breakdown might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Slow and steady. If it hurts, slow down. If it still hurts, slow down again. You’ve got this x

[TheSnail in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you. Advice is the same from every one so I'm sure all will he good. 😁

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to TheSnail]

At least you’ve only one thing to focus on - imagine if we’d all said something different 🤪 All the best with it x

[Kez100 Graduate]

Im with you. Run 1 in bag but that was quite easy coming off of week 4. My next two with 8 minutes x 2 and 20...eeeek

[Fairywhite Graduate in reply to Kez100]

I did the 2 x 8 minutes yesterday evening and it was actually not as bad as I thought. The hardest part is the first 3-4 minutes of the first run but I was actually running faster during the final 8 minutes. You can definitely do it...positive thinking!! (Says me who’s scared stiff of the next 20 minute run on Friday)!! 20 minutes non stop!! 😧!

[Islerunner in reply to Fairywhite]

That’s exactly where I am! Did W5r2 yesterday and it wasn’t as bad as I expected. R3 tomorrow. I’m scared too!

[TheSnail in reply to Islerunner]

If you've completed your run , hope it went well. If you haven't yet GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

[TheSnail in reply to Kez100]

Good luck - I'm sure we'll do it. The thought is sometimes worse than the reality. That's what I'm hoping 😊

[SteveW1960 Graduate]

I had the same concern - but successfully completed W5R3 last Friday and it was ok

After the build up over the previous four and half weeks I had no issue with stamina, I wasn’t blowing hard at the end, my only concern was that my calves tighten up early in any run so it was just a case of slowing down and taking it really steady

Good luck

[TheSnail in reply to SteveW1960]

Thanks for the advice. Although worried I'm kind of looking forward to it now. Each time i complete something it feels such a big achievement to me - baby steps i think 😊

[SteveW1960 Graduate in reply to TheSnail]

I think that's the way to go - just keep looking back at where you were and where you are now and be amazed at how far you have come - I have W6R3 on Friday (25 minutes) and although I am wary of it I am not so concerned as I was about W5R3

I also think there is nothing wrong with taking a step back and saying "I'm not ready" for whatever reason (in my case I was worried about old knee injuries that cause discomfort, and calves that tighten up in the first couple of minutes) - if you feel the need then don't be shy about going back a week, do W4 again and build up for a scond go at W5, or do W4 a couple more times, it's better to go back a week and then have another go with renewed confidence than to lose heart

Good luck

[Bordersman]

This famous quote always resonates with me. It’s about your self-confidence. Good luck! Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”

-Henry Ford

[Runners Graduate]

Don’t rush it and it’s surprisingly better than you thought it would be

[TheSnail in reply to Runners]

Will keep my fingers crossed 😁

[Tonkabella]

Self Belief, belief in the plan and go slow, this is way more of a mental challenge than a physical one..... keep telling yourself "I got this " 🏃🏽‍♀️😊. Good luck 🍀🍀

[TheSnail in reply to Tonkabella]

When i do it, it will be all over the forum !!!!!

[Delilah123]

Just done the infamous 20 minute run this morning. It does seem like a big leap from 2x8 mins but the program is designed for it and so you do have the physical ability. The rest is got by reading this stuff I reckon! Remember if the program thinks you can do it then you probably can, even if you doubt yourself. Good luck (if I can do it anyone can 😉)

[TheSnail in reply to Delilah123]

Thanks for the advice. I keep telling myself that the plan works. And i do find the support on this gorim and other peoples experiences really helpful.

[Poppy3998]

‘Slow and steady wins the race’ I did the 20mins yesterday after putting it off for days.It was tough but just plodded along at a slow pace.It was a great feeling once completed!Good luck 😊

[TheSnail in reply to Poppy3998]

Thats my plan as well. And well done you for achieving !!!

[lattelass Graduate]

I'm just about to start W5 too and feel exactly the same, it's getting serious now! Let us know how you get on.

[TheSnail in reply to lattelass]

Will do - moral support works wonders I'm finding

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

I didn’t think I could do it when I first looked at it. I think I may have put a post up similar to yours. In fact over the weeks I posted quite a few negative ones. Once I told myself I CAN do it, my mindset changed.....and yes I did it. I can’t even catch the snails so you’re ahead of me 😂😂. If you find yourself say ‘I can’t’ during it slow down, then slow some more. YOU CAN AND WILL do it. We’ll all be there cheering you on. Think of us all as your cheerleaders!!! Good luck you’ll smash it. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[TheSnail]

Thanks for the advice. Ran again tomight as my sister haf missed a rum snf for the first time actually enjoyed the run and not just the sense of achievement. Never thought i would say that 😀😀😀😀