So far so good....

[Pegix]

Finished W4 yesterday. OK so far, though 5 minutes seems a long time to run still! But I see from the programme that I'm supposed to be running 20mins non stop by the end of next week. I am going to give it a go, and I know you'll all tell me I'll do it, but it doesn't quite seem possible! Still, I'm keeping going. The 5min warm up walks are cold at the mo!

Thanks to everyone who posts such encouraging stuff, it keeps the likes of me motivated! Happy runs, everyone!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

You can do it! It looks like a big increase but you’re ready for it. Keep it steady and you’ll get there. Be ready for a massive smile at the end!

There’s a helpful post here about how week 5 isn’t the massive step up that it first appears…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Pegix Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks ever so for that link. Made me think, yes I CAN do this!!!

[LilyLemon Graduate]

I felt exactly the same about that first 20 minute run. I really didn't think I could do it. I had lots of encouragement on here and they were all right! I did it and it was fine. What I did do though was run as slow as I could and that worked for me. Good luck, you can do it 🏃‍♀️

[Pegix Graduate in reply to LilyLemon]

Thank you!! You've given me confidence! X

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

What the others say, start really slow and you might find you can speed up a bit at the end

[Pegix Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I'll try and remember that. Thank you!

[Missmeadow Graduate]

Every time there’s an increase, I’m amazed that I can do it. I think you’ll be fine. This is such a good programme and the information on here and encouragement is so helpful. Being told it’s ok to run very slowly has been a game changer for me and key to me being able to get to do Week 5 run 2 today. Keep going, you’ll surprise yourself.

[Pegix Graduate in reply to Missmeadow]

Yes, I so agree. I'm not very good at going slowly, and feel mortified when someone walking passes me! But you're right, if I do it as I should, the distances are possible. And presumably we will get faster eventually?!? Thanks for your encouragement. x

[OldManRunning Graduate]

I had the same thought patterns Pegix but it's quite surprising how the plan works. Great advice in posts above. You can do it 😁🏃🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

[Pegix Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

Thank you ever so much for your encouragement. I shall think of all these comments when I go out in the morning!

[Week7 Graduate]

Keep believing- just go really slowly. Don't think about how many more minutes you have left to run just about the next step. You can ALWAYS manage one more step so you will get there literally one step at a time!

[Pegix Graduate in reply to Week7]

Superb advice thank you!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow and steady...your running...your pace.Just try to relax...trust the plan...and believe in yourself.

Know...you can do it x