Officially a runner...who would have thought it.

[Trying9]

Completed week 6 run 3 tonight. Yeah! Had an awful run3 of week 5 and although I did complete it I felt despondent. I went out when it was hot, probably went too fast and maybe was not well hydrated. I struggled so much; couldn't breathe, my head was pounding, I thought I was going to be sick but I did manage to finish despite twisting my ankle in a rabbit hole half way round. (I was so running on adrenaline that I didn't realise it was hurting until about 15 minutes after I got home.) I learned my lesson! I decided to move to week 6 but rested my ankle for 6 days before going out again.. I took it very slowly each day and regained my confidence. Today I kept it slow and steady and managed fine. I am so pleased with myself for not giving up. I read post on this forum a lot and they gave me faith. Thank you. I wanted to post this to support all those of you who have a difficult run...don't give up. I am solid in my belief now that I will complete the programme...but recognise I may have to redo runs but I will make it to the end...so can you! People on this forum have been there and believe in you.

[Spartacus22 Graduate]

Well done on your runs 🏃‍♂️ 👏 its brilliant to hear everyone's experiences on here. And our ever changing path. Lockdown, cold ,heatwaves certainly an unusual time to be out. I feel like so much is down to our own mental challenge with ourselves. Its so nice to keeo reading stories along the lines of im not a runner never have been but look at me now. Just pushing through our own personal barriers and beliefs. And what a supportive network we have at our disposal on here

[OldSpeckledHen]

This forum is just awesome- everyone knows what you are going through!

Well done on completing week 6 and running in that heat yesterday!!

[MN4babes Graduate]

Well done! I am on my way to do W6 R3 now..... and it’s sooooo windy out 😞

[OldSpeckledHen in reply to MN4babes]

Good Luck and enjoy! You’re nearly there!

[JTS225]

Run 3 week 6 is my next one. I just can't imagine being able to run for 25 minutes. How did you manage it? I had to redo week 5 run 3 and build up to 20 by doing a 5 and 15 then a 2 and 18. Do you stick to flat ground?

[Trying9 Graduate in reply to JTS225]

I do go really, really slowly now (having gone too fast onW5R3) and it makes the breathing sooo much easier. I run round (and round) Old Sarum in Salisbury and have 2 different pathways I use. one with ups and downs, one flatish. I did the 25 mins all on the flatish route but plan to put in the ups and downs increasingly on the runs next week. Good luck on your run.

[Fionamags Graduate]

So great to hear how you conquered a difficult run, kept on and have now sailed through week 6. Its so much about mental attitude and with a positive mindset and a bit of determination - anybody can do this! The wonderful thing is how your self belief grows during this process. I can see that you really believe you can do this now. We're all cheering you on - 3 weeks till you grasp that shiny badge!!!