Week 5 Run 3: 20 mins!!

[Aspasia]

I was absolutely convinced I wouldn’t be able to do this and thought I was getting up to repeat Run 2, but it was early and I didn’t have time to analyse it so I thought I’d give it a go. For a while all I could think was ‘20 mins is a looooong time’ but then I realised that my legs were ok and my breath was ok, and I started to wonder what it was that made me think I couldn’t do it. I WAS doing it! It was tough and I do go very slow (I have joint hypermobility which means I need the muscle but I have to be v careful and do a lot of Pilates), but I’m a little bit shocked at how good I feel! Yah!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Congratulations!That's a great run to complete.

Youl be smiling all day now 😬

Just continue to trust the program.

Take your time with week 6 runs 1 and 2 as going back to intervals can catch people out!

[Aspasia Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you!! 🥳

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Such a brilliant post! I’ve caught myself a lot thinking “I can’t do it” when I’m literally doing it right then, or “I don’t want to run today” when I’ve got all dressed up, warmed up and started running! Those gremlins can just get lost!!

Really good luck for the end of the programme. Sometimes people go a bit fast for week 6 run 2 after the high of week 5 run 3. Just be super aware of keeping it slow and steady and you’ll nail it.

[Aspasia Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you - that is so me! It's bonkers, isn't it, that we tell ourselves we can't do something while we're actually doing it (not just running in my case). It occurred to me today that maybe a runner is simply someone who runs, and not necessarily someone who hits a lot of goals. As Jo says, I just need to keep running. 🥰

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress and triumph over W5R3.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[Aspasia Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much - that's brilliant. 🥰

[Liono Graduate]

Well done! Enjoy the high - and don't forget to tell everyone who will listen 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done to you!!!