w5r1 looking ahead

[a_in_gsr]

Today I completed w5r1

I had found w4 the hardest week so far, so I was a bit intimidated for w5 but actually todays run I found so much better than last week!! I'm kinda scared for the end of the week (at 20 minutes running with no break) but I'm trying to turn fear into excitement at the fact I will be running 20 minutes without stopping! When I began in w1 the one minute intervals felt like they were killing me so I'm super excited to be able to run a full 20 minutes

[BowlingT Graduate]

That’s such a great attitude! You will

Certainly nail it with that positive thought process!

Trust in the program it is so well thought out and before you know you will be astounded at that graduation 30 minute run when you think back to that first week 🥳

[a_in_gsr Graduate in reply to BowlingT]

thank you so much!! Yes honestly I still can't quite believe that I'll be running for 30 minutes in just a few weeks but then I suppose no-one does in these middle weeks

[BowlingT Graduate in reply to a_in_gsr]

It always seems slightly impossible until you do it but the program builds you up in such a way it’s always feeling a bit of a challenge but an achievable one. Enjoy!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.......there is nothing to fear.

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 breakdown may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Relax and enjoy your journey.

[nowster Graduate]

W5R1 is my next (probably tomorrow morning). Thanks for your inspiring words.

[a_in_gsr Graduate in reply to nowster]

ahhh good luck!! for sure it'll go well

[Julio-Monkey Graduate]

Hi, I completed W5R3 on Sunday........ I am a complete beginner to running and the first week was the absolute worst..... I couldn’t even run for the full 60 seconds, and here I am, at the end of week 5!

I was having nightmares about what could go wrong about this run......... I dreamt that it was pouring down and I had gone for my run in wellies, and slipped everywhere!!!!

Thankfully, Sunday morning wasn’t like my nightmare at all. It was daunting, but I just kept telling myself that every step I took was one nearer to finishing.......... and I did it!!! 20 minutes without stopping!!!

It was such a great feeling! I’m actually thinking now that the next long runs are doable! They are a few minutes longer, but they don’t seem as scary as the first long run!

Just trust the program, run slowly and you WILL do it!

Good luck!

[a_in_gsr Graduate in reply to Julio-Monkey]

aww this is so inspiring! Your attitude is so great and also congrats on making the first 'long' runs! Yes I too struggled lots on w1... the 60 seconds killed me every time for sure, but definitely seeing the progress we're making is amazing and keeping me going