Four more paces... and relax! [W5R2]

[AnyUser]

I ran for eight minutes! Twice!

Kept a steady pace, didn’t run out of puff, didn’t run out of legs.

I was a bit daunted by the hike from 5 to 8 minutes, but I tell myself that I can always manage 4 more paces. Then when I’ve done them, I’ll manage 4 more. And when I’ve done them... So I focused on the doing the four more not the thousands in front of me, which helped. I’m telling myself the same for W5R3 on Sunday - don’t think about 20 mins, think about always being able to do 4 more. Let’s see if I’m this sanguine on Sunday morning!

I found that my pace was slower for the second 8 mins, and it didn’t feel so comfortable to run. I realised that I was quite tensed up so I told myself to RELAX and was amazed at how much tension flowed away - I guess there’s no point using energy like that when I could be saving it up for running. And my posture felt much better too - I just need to remember...

Thanks everyone for the wisdom and encouragement - it all really helps.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Really well done. You are doing absolutely great.

I think you'll enjoy the next run. Just set off slower than normal and if you have some spare energy at the end, kick it up a bit then.

You'll be surprised at how nice it is to run without stopping

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

👍👏😆

[LeeU Graduate]

Well done on getting week 5 run 2 out of the way, I did that one again yesterday.

When I was on the longer runs before I graduated, I still do it sometimes now, I keep saying to myself, one more minute, that's all, one more minute.

Just take your next run the same as any other one, your body knows nothing about time, it's only your head that does. just relax, breathe and take it slow and steady.

[Debston Graduate]

Well done, AnyUser, you're doing great! A couple of tips I read for not tensing up, I feel a bit silly doing them but they really seem to work. 1. As you run, imagine a balloon is attached to your head, pulling it up. Your posture will improve as you hold your head high and relax the shoulders. 2. Don't let your hands bunch into fists. Imagine that you are carefully holding a potato crisp between each thumb and forefinger and you don't want to crush it! 🤣 Sounds daft but it really works, when I remember to do it! Good luck for Sunday, not that you need luck, you're ready for it. ☺ 👟 🎉

[AnyUser Graduate in reply to Debston]

Thanks, I’ll give your tips a go. I am smiling at the potato crisp image

[Debston Graduate in reply to AnyUser]

😂

[Morningsunshine in reply to Debston]

Thank you. Will definitelytry those tips tomorrow. I try to be consious of my posture so will defiantly looking after that potatoe crisp.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

There really is a lot of talking to ourselves when we are out running but it's good and if it works it's great.

All the running you've done up until now has prepared you for your next run.

Well done you 🤗🤗