8 mins to 20?!!!

[Pink_Lemon3]

I’ve just completed week 5 run 2 and am wondering how I’m going to run for 20 mins non stop in the next run, especially as I was counting down the seconds for both 8 mins today!! Someone tell me it’s not as bad as I think it’s going to be?!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

No, it's not as bad as you think it's going to be, the program has prepared you for run 3 of week 5 which is a milestone run with C25K, take that run especially slow and steady, once you have completed it you will be very proud of yourself good luck.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Panic not.... many have felt like you, many have completed the runs with few problems.

Read this...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Just as AlMorr says take it slowly and steadily...You are ready for it. The whole programme, is so well structured that it takes you from run to run and week to week , safely.

Having completed this run, Week 6 takes you forward with intervals again. This throws folk too, or may do. Just trust the plan... and have confidences in yourself.

So much more to running, than just putting one foot in front of the other

[Huffnpuf Graduate]

You can do it, take it slow and steady, I must admit I did a double take when I looked at it, you might repeat it, so what just know that you are doing your best 👌, go get it 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Huffnpuf]

So true...slow and steady takes us to the most amazing places!

[CBDB Graduate]

You got this!

And if it starts to feel like you don’t, then run even slower … which then leads to ….

…. You got this!

And if it starts to feel …. 🔁🔁🔁

💪💪🙌🙌👏👏👏👍🏽 and 🐢🐌🦥

[Gthants]

I'm only a few weeks ahead of you and know just what you mean, but I was surprised how ready I was. It seemed like a jump, like a mountain, but it's really not. You may not yet comprehend it, but you are READY for this. You can do it! Well done for running this far and happy running next week!

[schrody444 Graduate]

Thank you for the forewarning, I'm about to start week 5 and had no idea this was coming 😅

[farsouthwest Graduate]

Oh - I remember the shock of realising that too. I'm a few weeks ahead of you now but your comment brought it all back! I've just had a look to what I wrote - I'd promised myself I would post my first comment if I got through (I did get through but my tech skills failed me and after preparing my post I promptly lost it - so this is actually from my first post which ended up being from W7)

W5 - When after R2 Sarah mentioned the next run would be 20 mins I thought I must have mis-heard - so I went ahead to check - horrified to see that I hadn't. Spent the whole of that day, and all of the rest day with a vague anxiety about it. I usually listen to the Today Show on Radio 4 during the runs but the signal is poor and often cuts out completely. I need the diversion of something else to concentrate on so I liked the small segments and interviews - but didn't want to risk being cut off on a 20 min run so I downloaded a podcast. All went well - and I determined I would post afterwards if I'd got through it- which I started but managed to lose...

I think that in retrospect, the low level anxiety was me mentally preparing myself to tackle it. Everyone who has replied to you is right - you are ready, you have been properly prepared, it's unlikely to be as bad as you think. Hopefully you have a route you know and enjoy, the right clothes, a time that isn't going to be too hot, and whatever you like to listen to ready. Yes, its the longest you will have done, but at each point there are things you won't have done before - its just some are more obviously "steps up" than others. Good luck - (and remember if it was something unachievable, then, given how successful C25K has been in getting people up and running, they would have changed it by now!)

[Violetcream Graduate]

Completed Week 5 Run 3 today and like you was feeling really daunted by running for 20 minutes solid. First 8 minutes were OK but I really struggled between 8 and 10 minutes. Once I got to 15 I felt I was on the home stretch and it was surprisingly OK. I'm just amazed I did it! In some ways it was easier than start stopping. My knees may not agree tomorrow!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Violetcream]

It’s amazing how you go through ebbs and flows on the longer runs. The more you do, the more you’ll come up with strategies for coaching yourself through. You did a great job today!

Often people find the week 6 runs 1 and 2 a little tricky after week 5 run 3 for exactly the reason you’ve talked about-the longer run sections let you get into a rhythm. Going back to intervals again can throw that off. Plus, loads of us (I’m looking at myself here!!) set off a bit quickly too after the excitement of the first continuous run of the programme. Keep it steady and you’ll have a great run. Welcome to the forum too!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

And? How did it go?

[Irish-John Graduate]

It might take a couple of go's - I think it took me three , but I had a few physical things working against me you probably don't - but you can definitely make it.Actually - longer times are easier in a way, you get past the "Toxic Ten" minutes where your body is adjusting to sustained running and getting into the groove. I would far rather, these days, run 20 minutes than less than the ten to twelve minutes my body is still complaining about "not another run!" before the "machinery" warms up and is ticking over far more nicely

Take it slow and slower still - it's about time, not distance and even at your slowest snail pace you are far better off than lounging on the couch 👍🏻

[Pink_Lemon3]

Thanks for all the messages of encouragement. I did the run this morning and surprisingly really enjoyed it! Felt so proud of myself for completing a whole 20 mins without stopping

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

How did it go Pink_Lemon3 ?

[Wannaberoadrunner Graduate]

It's a HUGE jump, but you can definitely do it. I was expecting to struggle with it, but somehow got through it. Many of us have done this on here and we've all survived it. So will you.