New Runner

[LisaDaisyRose]

Hi. I am on week 4 run 1. Just finished. I didn’t find it too bad. I’m a bit worried that running for 20 plus minutes will be out of my reach though. Do you think I will continue to improve?

[Trying83 Graduate]

Absolutely. Keep going, follow the programme. I didnt think i could do 20 minutes, but I did, not saying it was easy, but it's amazing feeling once you've done it. My next run is w7r3. I Found todays run quite difficult, but I knew I could do it because I did run 1! So I pushed on through it. You really can do it.

[LisaDaisyRose in reply to Trying83]

Thank you! I definitely feel I have improved since I started. 😊

[Debston Graduate]

We all worry that running for 20 mins plus will be too much for us. It isn't.

[pete_be_healthy]

I does seem impossible but trust the programme and slow it right down. Speed is not your friend at the moment, endurance is. So my top tip would be slow it down until you don't think you can slow it down any more and then slow it down again

[Markco93 Graduate]

Have faith in the program. You have 5 more runs before you do the longer run, relax and embrace each of the runs before that and you will be ready when you get there. As others have said, slow and steady is your friend. The distances you are currently travelling on your interval runs are similar or longer than the distance you will cover in 20 minutes, so you know your legs can physically cover the ground so it’s just a case of joining the bits up 😀

[Yogaandrun Graduate]

Dont over think it and keep following the programme, slow and steady. Enjoy

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and I would recommend following the link to the post about mental approach.

Trust the plan.

[Hidden]

I remember that run. The first 20 minute run I was so scared. I tried talking myself out of it but decided to give it a try. I was able to do it and was completely amazed and proud of myself. The first run of that week I did it a little slower just to make sure I could complete it. I completed it and wasn’t winded after the run. The run after that, I was able to to do at my regular pace. You got this!!!!

[LisaDaisyRose in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! 😊

[JaoJao]

You will improve and your body is being conditioned to do the 20 minute run in W5. I did that run yesterday and I am over the moon how well it went. My advice is look forward to it because it’s a milestone and a game changer run! Xxx

[DiverIzzie Graduate]

You will improve as you go through the programme - not in doubt!! Nothing is out of our reach - that’s just our head gremlins trying to take over. Whack up the musics, listen to your coach and GO SLOWLY - and you’ll succeed - look forward to the updates

[LisaDaisyRose]

Thanks. 😊