Week 5 - Run 3 - Completed on My Third Attempt!

[Tiptopcat]

I am over the moon and thrilled to report that I have finally smashed the 20 minute jogging session for Week 5 - Run 3. I was elated when I completed my run this morning.

Attempt No.1

I was doing ok, jogging along, listening to my music. Then I realised that I hadn't had any encouragement from my coach, Michael. I checked my phone. The app has crashed!!! I just froze, not knowing what to do. I checked the clock and saw that I had run for 16 minutes. I tried to get the app to restart. No luck. I thought I could just carry on running, I moved but my legs were like jelly and my brain said "no thanks, I ain't running nowhere." I walked home, so disappointed.

Attempt No.2

I was a bit nervous about this one. I kept checking to make sure the app was working. I was doing OK until I reached a similar spot in my running. Again, my brain was having none of it. I checked the timer. I had run 18 minutes but I couldn't push myself to continue. Aggghhh! The good news is that I was able to run 2 minutes longer that the previous attempt. Again, I walked home, dejected.

Attempt No.3

This was it. I had to get this thing done. I had improved on the first run and added 2 minutes. I just needed to do the same thing this time. Just add another 2 minutes and I would hit that 20 minute milestone. And I did it! I dug deep for the last minute and when Michael said I could stop, I punched the air, as if I had just completed the marathon. In many ways, it felt like I had completed my own mini marathon. I overcame the doubts in my brain, pushed through and made it.

I am so glad that I decided to repeat Run 3. I wanted to know that I could do it before moving on to the next challenge. My pace was super slow, but I kept on going.

Super chuffed with myself and so happy to share my happy news with you all here.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Such a nice report from you Tiptopcat, it was third time lucky for you, well done, you deserve to be chuffed with yourself. Run 3 of week 5 is a milestone run with C25K. Onwards and upwards to week 6 run 1 but be careful about that run as it catches out some people with the interval walks 🚶 and runs 🏃

[Tiptopcat in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you. so glad to get this run out of the way.

[sycamoremel]

Well done and thanks for posting. I will be doing that run on Thursday and I can't comprehend how I will get from running 8 mins to running 20 so it was great to read your post. I will give it my best shot and repeat it till I succeed. After all, running 60 seconds at the beginning was like a marathon so look how far we've come!

[Tiptopcat in reply to sycamoremel]

Thank you. I was so annoyed that I wasn't able to do it, first time round. But then I remembered - I am not in a race with anyone so it's OK. And yes, running for 60 seconds was inconceivable a few weeks ago - and look at us now. Good luck on your run

[purplewalker Graduate]

Great stuff! Perseverance pays! I’ll remember that as I progress ( just done W4R1).

[Tiptopcat in reply to purplewalker]

Thank you. The hardest part is getting out of bed and out of the house. Everything else is a bonus. Hehehe. Happy running

[Bodg Graduate]

Lovely post TTC if you don't succeed at first try, try again. Well done x

[Tiptopcat in reply to Bodg]

Thank you. I am sure there will be a lot of "try, try again-ing" on my journey. Hehehe

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Well done true grit and determination! It doesn’t matter how long we take, the important thing is to be doing it! Week 6 goes back to shorter intervals, and really helps to consolidate what you’ve just a achieved. Brilliant work, and don’t worry about slow, it really suits some of us!

[Tiptopcat in reply to DiscoRunner]

Yes! I am just happy that I am still doing this. It would have been so easy just to throw in the towel and watch some Daytime TV programmes. But, no - I'm gonna try my hardest to get to end.

[Oldjigger]

Well done. That's what it's all about. Pushing on against body and mind. Be confident now - you've done this, you can do the rest!

[Tiptopcat in reply to Oldjigger]

Thank you. I will not be defeated!!!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great , try and try again persevering will get you far 😊😊

[Tiptopcat in reply to Buddy34]

I know, right? Thank you.

[Pianism Graduate]

So you should be super-chuffed. It's a big milestone in self-belief, that run. Well done!

[Tiptopcat in reply to Pianism]

Definitely all about self-belief. Chanting "I can do this, I can do this," etc really helps. Thank you