Week 5 underway....

[AmandaW]

I started Week 5 today - I found run 1 ok, it wasn't too bad, I had a nasty stitch and my legs hurt a bit but its was alright and I feel that my fitness is improving. I run on the treadmill (social services get so narky if you leave your kids home alone to go out ;-)) and I did all the running today at 9.5kph with the exception of the last minute of the last run which I ramped up to 10kph which pleased me.

I found though that the whole time I was running I was obsessing about what is to come - I haven't looked ahead, no idea what will be hitting me on Monday, but I do know that on Wednesday I am due to do the dreaded Run 3..... I found myself pondering what pace to run it at, wondering how the heck I'm going to manage it! I had half thought that by the time I got here I'd feel capable of it, but I still don't - the thought of just keeping going for 20 mins is worrying me, I don't feel ready - its only 4 days away.... eek!

Did those of you who are past this stage feel the same way? I'd really appreciate some calming words lol

[sfb350 Graduate]

I was worried about W5R3 - it seemed like such a big increase in running time. I ran most of it at a slightly lower speed than I had been doing the previous runs and after a few minutes I just knew I was going to finish. Towards the end of the run, I increased my speed and felt so good that I carried on running for another 5 minutes. It was brilliant !!! W5R3 has been my favourite, most memorable one so far (just did W6R3 yesterday).

I'm sure you'll be fine - Laura says you can do it and she's always been right so far. Trust the program and go for it. Start off at a gentle speed that you are confident you can sustain, then enjoy upping the speed at the end so you finish on a real high !

[schpanna]

Well it sounds like you're ready from what you did today.

I've only just done it myself and felt exactly the same as you beforehand - how can you suddenly make the jump to 20 mins with no walking inbetween?!?

You have to just prepare yourself mentally and trust that the programme HAS made you fit enough to do this one, the same as all the previous ones. Have a good week.

[AmandaW Graduate]

Thank you It seems like such a mentally insane jump doesn't it - going from 5 mins max to 20 mins in the space of a week.... I'm sure though that the developers know what they're doing - its just so daunting. I think when it comes to it I'll start at 9kph - that way I can drop at a push to 8.5 if I have to (don't like to - I always end up kicking the front plate of the treadmill and stumbling for some reason at that pace which throws you off your step) and can up it to 9.5 and 10 (and above) if I feel able further in. I have a sore throat this morning and I'm worried that it might be a cold coming - how weird that I feel so anxious and annoyed that I may not be able to run....

[Hidden]

Honestly if you've followed the plan you'll be perfectly fine. I did w5r3 last week and although I was concerned I couldn't of enjoyed it more.

I run outdoors and my pace was around 5mph if that's of any help.

Good luck.