My last week 3 run tomorrow, I cannot believe it.

[Lizzie_NewStart]

I know there is still a long way to go but I am amazed at how I am progressing.

I was a bit apprehensive when I started my first week 3 run. the thought of running for three minutes, double what I had done before sounded impossible. I finished the first run and the following walk and then started the three minute run. I have managed to break my headphones so have to listen from my phones speaker and don't always catch what is said. I was sure I reached the half way point as I had started to struggle a bit but kept going. there was then another announcement from my phone which sounded like the run had finished. I fished my phone from my pocket to look at the display (all while still trying to run) and sure enough the three minutes was up. I was still not convinced that I had run for three minutes (and a few seconds into my three minute walk time!!). The three minute walk went very quickly and while doing the next 90 second run, I was sure I had missed the announcement that it was over. Again, fished out my phone just as the 90 seconds was up.

I decided to hold my phone in my hand for the last 3 minute run so I had a better chance of hearing it. I am not sure if the progress announcements help or hinder but was glad when the run was over.

Even though it was quite hard, it was no where as bad as I had anticipated so when I started the second run on Wednesday I felt more confident.

I held the phone in my hand for the whole run so was sure to hear it. The first 90 second run seemed easy but the first three minute run seemed to be going on forever and was very glad when it finished. When the next 90 second run started, I did not think i was ready for it but surprisingly it went OK. Until I actually started the last three minute run, I was convinced my legs would just refuse to move. They did move and seemed to have a new lease of life. When it was announced the run was over, I was even able to run for a couple of seconds longer rather than stop dead on the time. I think being able to run for maybe 5 seconds longer than I had to seemed amazing to me.

My last week 3 run tomorrow. I am beginning to really enjoy this!!!

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

This is so awesome to read! Well done and congratulations to you! 👏👏💜🤗🙏

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

How is Oscar doing? What kind of dog is he? 🥰

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

He is doing well thanks. He was described as probably a Poodle Collie cross! He and his brothers and sisters we dumped at a dog rescue charity.

[ToothPickJafah Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

Aww the wee soul! You’re also a great soul for taking him, he’ll be well loved by you. Wishing you both a long and happy life together full of adventures and great stories 🤗

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

When my neighbors (his first mum and dad) brought him home, he was so cute, I cannot see how anyone could have dumped them. He is still cute, just bigger!! (And now MINE!! 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍 )

[ToothPickJafah Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

Some people can be very cruel and heartless when it comes to animals. I’m so glad you are his mummy now 🥰 could I request a photo with your next post? So I can look at his wee beautiful face 🤗💜🐕🐾🐾🐾 dogs have the most kind and expressive eyes, I love them so much! You are an awesome person 💜🙏💜

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Wow you are doing great; don't you have ear buds or headphones? I only ask because I dropped my phone on a run and smashed the screen so ever since it stays firmly in my pocket

[Lizzie_NewStart Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I did have some earphones but managed to break them. I like the idea of these bone conducting ones as I always have trouble keeping normal one in my ears and someone said they were good for running as you can hear traffic better. I have been undecided whether to go for cheap ones or not. I think I may take the plunge and get some as breaking my phone would be more costly. Thanks.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lizzie_NewStart]

The bone conductors are fab... and if you are able get a good pair and they will pay for themselves ten times over . I have had loads of trouble with ear buds etc and now I would not be without mine x

Well done to you... on you go!

[Bhavin1120 Graduate]

Amazing well done. Keep going. You can do it. Just don't give up.

[CreativeJane]

I love this!! 💕👌 so nice to hear you’re enjoying it Lizzie!! Keep smiling and enjoy your time looking after yourself! Do you feel better after finishing a run even if it felt hard? X

[John_W Graduate]

Well done!

Like I said the other week, you have some pleasant surprises waiting for you 😎

"... the thought of running for 3 minutes, double what I had done before sounded impossible. "

Be in no doubt that your brain is trying to trick you. C25K is a MENTAL challenge, NOT a physical one - it's designed to be physically do-able if you go about it the right way.

Your brain will continue to generate messages like "... there's no way I can do that!"

Your challenge is to ignore these messages/thoughts and to trust the program.

While 3 mins seemed 'impossible' compared to 90 seconds, what made it POSSIBLE, was the fact that you had already done:

- three Week 1 runs (each one consisting of 8 minutes of running, so 24 minutes in total across the week)

- three Week 2 runs (each one consisting of 9 minutes of running, so 27 mins in total)

All that running means your legs and heart/lungs were MORE than ready to complete 3x 3 mins of Week 3 runs. (But maybe your brain wasn't! )

So that's another 27 minutes of running done this week 😎

So as you into enter Week 4, keep in mind that it is the TOTAL amount of running you do that builds your fitness (it accumulates with every session) and that allows you to do the run in front of you, despite what your brain might be telling you.

MANTRA #1 - every run you do prepares you for the next one.

Crack on! You're doing great 😎

[Giveitagogirl]

so lovely to hear your story! I am at the start of my journey and it’s great to hear from someone like you, overcoming these seemingly small challenges (broken headphones) and still cracking on and even enjoying it! Very positive and hope I can be a joyful when I get to week 3 no matter what the obstacles……