W5R3 dread

[MrsPenfold]

Hello! I just finished W5R2 this morning - it wasn’t as bad as I thought but I’m dreading the next run. How did others find R3? Were you pleasantly surprised or did you find it as tough as I’m thinking it will be. Need to find positive mental attitude before this one 😂

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You are dreading the run that is going to put you 2/3 of the way through the challenge with just over half the runs done? You’re not alone… but you are ready for it. Trust the plan, believe in yourself and go nice and slowly, especially in the first half. You can do this… you can do anything.

To help with any negative thoughts, what’s the worst that can happen? On any plan you ever run there will be at least one run that appears a huge challenge… one day such a run may just get the better of you (it’s happened to me) but then you get to rest, recover, and go at it again.

When you complete these runs, you get a little glimpse of the awesome runner that has always been within you. It’s often emotional… and this particular one is a big milestone on your journey.

Relax before you run, then just enjoy yourself.

[Liono Graduate]

Please don't dread it! If you think about it, what's the worst that can happen? If you have to stop running then you can just try it again next time!

It was my favourite run of the programme. Like you, I was expecting it to be tough, but I was reasonably confident I could do it as I knew the programme had prepared me (and I'm also quite stubborn/belligerent!) But I was expecting it to be a challenge. I started really slowly as I wanted to have something left in the tank towards the end, and it worked. And I had the biggest runners high when I completed it - it's the best feeling as I finally felt like a 'runner'! And I'm not alone, if you search the forum you will find lots of euphoric posts from people who have just completed it.

So don't worry about it - just make sure you keep it slow and enjoy! If you normally listen to music, why not make yourself a new playlist as a distraction? Or find an interesting podcast? Oh, and remember to post afterwards so that we can all enjoy that feeling with you 🙂

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Liono]

At this point I definitely thought I needed a podcast to listen to and it did help distract me. But then it stopped (techno gremlins) and I enjoyed the silence but really looking around. Forcing myself to take in the surroundings rather than thinking of time and me.I wish you lots of mental energy and happy running.👍🏻🤸🏻‍♀️👍

[Instructor57 Graduate]

There is nothing to "dread" about any run on the programme, It's just a run !And also a run you are ready for because you successfully completed run 2 !

Take a look at total training times and you will see that run 3 is actually 1 minute less training than run 2 !

Run 3 is a mental challenge, you are physically ready .

Trust the programme and trust yourself .

Week 5 run 3 is one of the best runs in the programme, go and embrace it 🙂

[nowster Graduate]

Break it up into little sections in your mind. It's four 5 minute runs or two 10 minute runs.

Go at a slower pace that makes it feel easier. Listen to something that will distract you from the passage of time, and it'll be all done before you realise.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read this breakdown of W5 healthunlocked.com/couchto5... adopt a positive attitude and remember, it is a training plan, not the Spanish Inquisition.

Relax and enjoy it.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

What is the very worst that can happen?

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I think we all wondered how we could keep running for 20 minutes, I remember shouting across at Willow, don’t go too fast or we won’t be able to keep going, slow and steady makes that run the best of the programme. A few years and a lot of kilometres later I love a 20 minute run, I’m still slow and steady but I smile all the way

[50-trying]

I have just this minute finished W5R3, and it was brilliant, at 5 minutes in I thought I can’t do this…. As I have thought many times before on this program but so far I’ve managed just to keep going, same this time, I’m talking to myself the whole way through and I slowed down a little too, but I did it and if I can do can you…. It’s a great feeling

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

Don't waste energy dreading this run. Trust the program. You've got this. The feeling when you complete this one is similar to W9 R3. This where you realise it's all in your head.

[TinaB-Lagos Graduate]

You'll be amazed, I certainly was. As others have said just trust the program, you will run for 20 minutes and be absolutely delighted. Good luck! 😀