Ah week 5 run 3...we meet again...

[Cazabees]

Started week 5 on Saturday and so far it been alright. Well, w5r1 was a disaster as I realised running with a hangover is a really bad idea - but I still finished it - just!

Did w5r2 last night and that was okay the 8 minutes were manageable, however I face my nemises tomorrow that being run 3. This is where I fell off the wagon last time and I really don't want a repeat :S The worst thing is that I don't really know why I stopped running last time I just did :S I'm trying not to pre-empt it too much but it's still a bit nerve wracking!!! eeek!

Any advice greatly appreciated!

[Caz9 Graduate]

Were you running too fast last time? Try running a little slower and when you start to flag, look for markers along the way - the next tree, the next lamp post, the next road junction, and tell yourself that you WILL run to that point, then pick another marker, and so on. Don't stop, just keep moving, even if it feels like you're going at a snails pace! With Laura's encouragement, I'm sure you will manage it this time. Good luck.

[bethisrunning]

Caz - you can do it, trust the plan, it really works. i was really unsure about running for 20mins but at 8mins you realise that it's not that daunting then suddenly your at 12mins, then 19. Focus on your breathing, don't think about 20 mins think about your route.

Can't wait to hear that you've concquered it!

[Hidden]

One way to look at it is that if you can't quite do it yet, you may need to repeat the previous two runs to be ready. That wouldn't be a disaster, or mean you have to drop out. So you may as well give it your best shot, and see how far you get - anything more than 8 mins continuous running, or more than 16 mins in total is still progress.

The other way to think about it is that the only difference from the middle run of the week is that you don't get a walk in the middle. Nothing says you can't drop your pace around the middle of the run if you're breathless, so long as you don't actually walk.

I bet you do it though

[AliB1 Graduate]

This run is more of a mental than physical challenge....YOU CAN DO IT...now repeat that until you believe. My top tip is plan your route so you know what's coming...you don't want to be suprised by a hill (or one longer than you thought) towards the end of the run.

Come back tomorrow and let us know that you've done it

[Cazabees]

OH MY DAYS! I actually did it! I took on everyone's advice and took it slow and paced myself, planned my route, kept my focus and I actually finished week 5 run 3! Don't get me wrong, I was so nervous even during the 5 minute warm up - when Laura started saying 'okay ready?' I wanted to shout 'No! I'm not ready! another 5 minutes please!" but I took a deep breath and did it - and I'm super proud that I did!

I definately didn't run as fast as I have done with previous runs, but I was very aware that I had a long run ahead of me so wanted to really pace myself. I did feel as though I could've gone quicker but I just thought to myself that this was more for my mental agility as opposed to my distance run, the distance running will come along in the later podcasts - well I hope so anyway!

I'm very pleased with myself, and really looking forward to week 6 run 1 now!

Thanks for all your help and advice! greatly appreciated!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Congratulations on the big 20!!!