W5 Terrors !

[Scundered]

I've been losing sleep over this week and especially R3! I start R1 tomorrow. I've read other posts and I'd definitely agree that a big part of it is psychological since I've managed this so far but the sinking self confidence issue is here for the first time. And, I can always repeat which I haven't done yet, can't I? This is my biggest mental barrier without doubt - even greater than those around starting. Any tips or shared experiences would be greatly welcome. Peter.

[BirdersMum Graduate]

I was feeling the same as you three days ago. Felt quite nervous on Friday and put off going on the run. But it was fine - I just avoided hills and took it very slowly. You have been prepared by the programme, remember that. Good luck!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to BirdersMum]

Thanks very much. I'll keep these words with me as I set out, particularly those about having been prepared by the programme. Fingers crossed ...

[Vintage61 Graduate]

I think most people feel the same, I certainly did. But the program is a mystical beast and it really does work!!! I’ve still got a vid of me ugly crying at the end of week 5 run 3! You’ve got this, we’ll all be there at the finish line for ya!!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Vintage61]

That's very encouraging indeed, so thank you. I'll delete the vid of my ugly crying at the prospect five minutes ago, knowing there's a cracker due on Friday. I see that you're a Graduate . Many congrats and thanks for the boost.

[Vintage61 Graduate in reply to Scundered]

You’re very welcome, good luck and enjoy 😊

[melly4012 Graduate]

Trust the programme. It has prepared you. If you have completed the previous runs, you will be ready. At 10 minutes, count down to zero instead of up to 20. Start slow, stay slow and if you feel you need/want to stop, slow down some more. No matter how slow you think you're going you can always slow down so just keep moving (as long as there are no injury pains of course). Think of all of those people who have done this run before you, never thinking that they could. Just imagine that feeling when you've finished! If for some reason you can't complete it, you can always try it another day. But you CAN do it!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to melly4012]

That's a brilliant package of tips and encouragement! Many thanks indeed. Slow (er) is the way to go. Trust the programme: yes! Thanks again!

[LittleMia Graduate]

I completed this run last wednesday and I was worried too but it was great. Keep it slow and steady as it isn't a race. If you feel yourself getting tired just slow it right down but keep moving. Trust me the sense of achievement when you have done it is hard to describe. I actually felt like crying when i did mine as it was a real breakthrough. You will smash it and I look forward to seeing your "I did it!!" post in the not too distant future. You've got this far so you can definitely do this!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to LittleMia]

Ah, that's fantastic. Thanks a million!

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

The secret is to clear your mind completely and just keep going ‘Don’t quit when your tired, quit when your done’ that can be your mantra, just say that to yourself as you run, stay positive you’ve got this 👊

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Couchphoenix]

That's very useful indeed. Thanks for taking the time to offer this encouragement.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

No run, or week, is ever going to define your running. If someone does this in 27 runs, cool... if someone does it in 270 runs that’s cool too, maybe even more so.

So, there’s no need to worry... try to relax. I have a short meditation before I go out to run, which could be worth a try. Believe in yourself and trust the plan.. the voices in our heads are very good at stopping us, but they don’t know what we are actually capable of. When the voices start in the run, answer them back... I’ve told mine where to go many a time, sometimes out loud (after checking there’s nobody in earshot). Start every run deliberately slowly... ease into it and up to your happy pace. You can do week 5 (and the others) it’s a wonderful week.

[Scundered Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That's really helpful as I am in my head a lot ATM - though my W5R1 this morning went very well. For the first time I felt I was getting fitter as Lisa said, when the recovery in walking was much faster than before. Thanks a lot!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Scundered]

That recovery time is the first noticeable sign that the fitness is shooting up. Nice job on the run!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for this. Peter.

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

You got this. I kept thinking I might not make it and that’s okay but starting the running with a get out clause always got me through it. Run slow and you can get through it.

[Scundered Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Slow it is - and many thanks for this advice.

[Fatty2001]

It’s all in the head. Drink well through the day. Get some music. Relax into a slow comfortable running style and you’ll be fine. Once you’re in the groove, just stay in that groove - forget the time and focus just on breathing and a steady smooth run. Good luck!

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Fatty2001]

This is sound, I feel. I can see the sense here - relax, take it steady and smooth. Many thanks!

[liz163]

As said by others slow is deffo the key here.. I looked at Japanese slow jogging this helped! Hydrate well the day before too.. you’ll be absolutely amazed at how you can do this.. I remember setting off feeling nervous over this run. Enjoy and pace nicely 🏃🏼‍♀️😊👟

[Scundered Graduate in reply to liz163]

Thanks Liz. I must look into Japanese slow jogging which sounds made for me! Thanks for sharing that you were nervous too. I hope I can report good news on Friday. Many thanks. Peter.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you read this post? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it may allay your fears.

[Scundered Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

... garbled, gasped expletives ... gurning ... It's a really sensible take on where I'm at and a great corrective to these doubts. Very many thanks Iannoda.

[Bumblebeesweet Graduate]

I had the same fears and I sought help from the group. I tried that run a few times and failed. But the advice of taking that whole run slowly snail pace really did work. I still found it hard and couldnt wait for it to be over but I did it. Good luck

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Bumblebeesweet]

Well done. That's very encouraging. I admire your tenacity and will remind myself of this.

[Stubot Graduate]

Pacing yourself is so important for the longer runs. Just take it easy and keep going. It's the most important thing for making progress with the runs. No matter how slowly you go it just keeping going until the end. It's crucial for building your fitness so you can tackle the runs more easily as they get longer. I always noticed an improvement in my distance once I had done a longer run for the second and third time.

For me this run was a massive confidence boost when I finished it. And the point I realised I could make it to the end. (Last run today! Wahoo!) The length did initially seem daunting. Fortunately I didn't have long to think about it as I decided from the start to not read ahead. I would definitely recommend not reading ahead about the runs, trust that the program has prepared you and save yourself from stressing and worrying about something you are going to do anyway. Just put it on and go do it!

Good Luck 😁

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Stubot]

Thanks a lot Stubot. I can see exactly what you're saying and will take it on board. (I wish I'd not looked ahead either but there you are). You put your finger on it when you say that it's something we're all going to do anyway. The thought of stopping never crosses my mind. I suppose I'm like a lot of people with negative voices ready to talk - if we let them. Many thanks. Peter.

[Bonnybanks]

I remember those worries well! Check out the Japanese slow jogging video, choose a route that you feel happy with, even if you walk for 10-15 mins to get there and give it a go. I repeated week 5 a bit and at week 7, I look back with a wry smile. It really does all come together! Good luck.

[Scundered Graduate in reply to Bonnybanks]

That is really helpful! many thanks. Peter.

[Dolphin-Girl]

Hey

I ran run 3 literally dragging every step. But, I did it... and the next week was easier. Google Japanese running to see how slowly you should be running - you should be able to talk at the same time. And go out to enjoy the ride. You are ready for this. All you need to do is enjoy it...

[Scundered Graduate]

I am buoyed up by this, so thanks indeed. Peter.

[Andi68 Graduate]

Sounds like we are at the same stage- run 3 beckons on Friday. Best of luck!