Worried now.

[Tippyrunn]

Just looked ahead at week 5. Not sure I can run 20 mins for run 3. Taken a different strategy this time round, and regularly scheduled my runs. Always run 1 on Saturday. Previously we having 2 days between each run. I have gone out regardless of weather/darkness/children. It has been better, but I've got here much more quickly. Feeling anxious now just thinking about it. 🤔

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Read...relax...you are, like hundreds before you, ready for this..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow, steady and enjoy

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Please don’t feel anxious, we’ve all been there. Being positive is half the battle, you might surprise yourself 👍😁

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

It really is advisable not to look ahead at future runs, we all do it, I did it but the experts say that you should wait until you hear from your coach for instructions, anyway, don't worry about run 3 of week 5, the program has prepared you for it, run it slowly and you should be OK, after you complete run 3 of week 5 you will be very proud of yourself 😊 🏃🏾

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Don’t think about it , just know you will be ready when the time comes

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I hope you've read the post from Oldfloss with the link attached it will really help. You can do it 😊

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Slow down and slow down again 😊

[Vicjo Graduate]

You will be able to do it! It’s a hard week but a real milestone towards a longer run!

I thought exactly the same as you and now I easily run for 45 minutes. It’s all in the mind!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If you do a search for W5R3 on this forum you will find hundreds of posts just like yours and an equal number from amazed runners who can't believe that they just ran for twenty minutes.

This is about self belief, trust in the programme and slow and steady pacing.

Follow the link from Oldfloss and it will all be put into perspective.

You can do this.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Don't be anxious; you can't fail at running. You can't lose. You can't fall off. You can't get the lowest score. You can't not be picked for the team. If it's not your day, what is the worst that can happen? You might have to repeat a run, or even a week. You're still doing better than all the people still sitting on the couch.

Put one foot in front of the other and plod on. If you don't make it this week, you will make it next week. But you will make it.

Good luck

[Impetuous]

I was right there 5 weeks ago and it turned out I was worrying about nothing. I slowed down a bit more and actually it wasn’t bad at all. You’ll feel great when you’ve done it, it’s a massive psychological milestone and you’ll know you’re a runner afterwards.

[linda9389 Graduate]

Oh, no! Don't feel like that! This run is the BEST of the whole program - it feels so good to complete it. The program has prepared your legs, you can do this. Don't fear it - on the contrary, imagine the possibility that, having done all those previous runs, you may now be able to run for 20 minutes. Give it a go. Go as slowly as you can (no need to waste energy going fast, that's not what the program is about), but be prepared to feel ridiculously pleased with yourself when you finish it. Post back and let us know how you get on . You can do this 🙂

[Thegirlcandoit Graduate]

I did exactly the same as you, looking at what's to come, and panicked! A runner friend told me that each run would feel as hard as the first, but with each run you get fitter, stronger etc. Dont think about the time, just enjoy each run, one by one. You can do it! If I can, anyone can! As hundreds/thousands of people that have done this program know, it works, it really does! As you know, your trainer talks you through each stage, just relax and go for it. Good luck, enjoy, you'll smash it, you will! x

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

Don’t be anxious! Honestly, read those links, and be excited not worried - the programme has prepared you for this and when you’ve done it, you will feel soooo happy, you’ll be grinning all day 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 we’re all cheering you on!

[Nellie75]

I was the same . What I reminded myself was to take it very slow, find a route that’s flat as possible, and then just keep going. If needed, repeat the week as I did.

[Allymally1]

If you have completed the previous runs you are ready! It's more mind over matter just take it slow channel your inner 🐌. Good luck enjoy the 🏃🏼‍♀️

[Griffy2]

Just take it slow and you will be fine ...... I completed my first 20 min run on Wednesday and like yourself was worried I wouldn’t be able to do it but really surprised myself how well I have come on ..... the plan really does prepare you well for it so just believe in yourself, stay focused and slow it down ..... it’s a nice feeling afterwards, you start to feel like a runner now!

[Mummy23 Graduate]

YOU’VE GOT THIS! I promise you it will be great, you will be great, everyone fears this, but YOU CAN DO IT! Everything that’s gone before has prepared you for this. The feeling after is like no other. I literally stood at the side of a main road, with a huge grin and tears running down my face! Smile, go slowly and believe in yourself! Xx

[Sybilw Graduate]

Please don’t overthink it! That run scared me too (probably everyone tbf) but it’s just another run and if you go out knowing it’s an achievable run as part of the program you’ll be fine. Your head needs to be trained as well 😆. Good luck - think positive.