Week 5, run 3

[lummers80]

Tomorrow is the 20-minute run and I am worried about it. I found run two of this week very hard and I’m not sure I’m fit enough to do the next run. I am pretty slow anyway but don’t want to stop as I will be so disappointed in myself If I do. Any tips ahead of tomorrow’s run?

[Ginny57 Graduate]

No expert but all I can say is keep it super slow. I plodded rather than jogged and the feeling of elation when you finish is amazing. Good luck - you’ve got this nailed!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

In what way was W5R2 hard for you?

[lummers80 Graduate in reply to John_W]

I’ve had a niggle at the top of my right leg which feels like sciatic pain and then this led to my right leg feeling stiff and heavy by the end of the run. I also broke a bone in the foot on that leg 10 months ago, and then sprained the ankle of the same leg at Christmas, so it tends to swell a bit whenever I walk/run, and it felt very stiff after my last run. I think I probably need to stretch a bit more before I go out. But everything feels very tight today, and I last ran on Thursday evening.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to lummers80]

OK, so a a few physical issues that you´re aware of and need to pay attention to.

But I assume your breathing is fine - you´re not going too quickly etc? The main thing is keep the pace very gentle and easy.

As for not being fit enough ... simply not true. Were you fit enough for Week 1? Yes - because Week 1 is designed to be completed by anyone on the couch. Week 1 then prepared your for Week 2... and Week 3 was achievable by the fitness accumulated from Week 1 and 2. And so on... this is how a program like this works... the accumulation of fitness with every run you do.

Mantra 1: every run you do prepares you for the next one. Very simple but true.

Mantra 2: the body is ready but often the mind less so - witness your lack of belief re fitness.

Pay attention to your physical issues as outlined, take it very easy and you´ll be ok.

Good luck!

John

[lummers80 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Thank you so much. I know a lot of it is about positive thinking. I will take it easy.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

In respect of W5 this may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this.

Enjoy your journey.

[lummers80 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you.

[lummers80 Graduate]

Thank you for your advice the other day. I went out this morning and I did it!