W5R3 - Can’t believe I made it this far

[NearlyMan]

I seem to start every post in amazement that I’ve once again been able to run for this long... but I really am amazed at this one - 20 minutes all in one go!

It’s tough, there’s no doubt, but if it wasn’t I wouldn’t have needed 5 weeks to get here. But it is definitely achievable. This plan is life changing - I never thought I would be able to run, and if I’d have given running a go on my own I’d have given up after 30 seconds.

On to week 6 now, and I’m tempted to try and increase the pace just a little bit as I go back to two interval runs, but I can already hear the “slow and steady”, “remember the Japanese fella” posts coming 😂

Is it such a terrible idea to try and increase my pace? I’ve read it can be quite difficult to go back to the interval runs after this one.

Oh also, you may remember a few weeks back me asking whether stopping to climb over those gates was hindering my training... well definitely not! I’m finding myself having to recover after each one so making a conscious effort to try and slow down over them.

Have a good evening and enjoy your runs!

[Parky88 Graduate]

Speaking as someone who did W6R1 tonight and had exactly the same thought process.... dont do it, it's a trap!! 😂 I was struggling before I finished the first 5 min run and had to slow right down again. There's plenty of time to get faster later, for now I'm going to focus on getting round every run

[Parky88 Graduate in reply to Parky88]

Ps forgot to add... well done for finishing W5R3, great feeling isn't it

[NearlyMan Graduate in reply to Parky88]

Yes I did a proper jump and lunch the air at the end 😂

Thanks for the advice - I’ll keep slow and avoid the trap!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on completing run 3 of week 5, that 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 after the non stop 20 minutes of W5R3 which you have just ran 🏃 😊 👍

[NearlyMan Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you - it really feels like it. Yes think I need to rein myself in and stick to steady for now

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think we are all amazed at what we can achieve when we put the effort in.

So believe it , you just ran 20 minutes non stop that's brilliant . You should be so proud. Well done you 😊😊

[NearlyMan Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

It’s crazy! I am proud - thank you

[Monnie41 Graduate]

Brilliant 👌👏👏💪

[AndG Graduate]

It’s a really good sense of achievement when you complete w5r3! I dreaded it thinking it would be impossible but surprised myself by completing it. I am doing c25k again after a 9 month break from running. I have just done w6r2 and actually found it harder than w5r3, even tho same amount of running. Would leave it right at end (last few mins) and if you feel OK up pace then - but your experience may be completely different to mine so whatever feels good try it! You can always repeat it being wiser second time round.

I have heard quite a few people say week 6 is tough one and think I agree!

[NearlyMan Graduate in reply to AndG]

Thanks AndG - I did that last night, ran the last minute quite a bit quicker.

I seem to get a burst of energy when Jo Whiley tells me there’s only a minute left - suppose you’ve nothing to lose at that point!

[AndG Graduate in reply to NearlyMan]

That’s brilliant! Well done you!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

W6R1 is all about mentality... it’s about keeping the pace down and getting through a tough set of intervals which add up to a longer workout than the run you just did... pace is for after this plan, just keep running it like you have been.

Great job on the 20... I’m loving that you start the posts amazed at what you just did... keep amazing yourself, keep posting and happy running.

[NearlyMan Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks UnfitNoMore, I’ve been telling myself that pace is for after the plan all the way through, suppose I’m just getting ahead of myself after that run.

Pace can come in October!