Week 5 20 mins OMG!!! Gobsmacked.

[appollonia]

Well guys I am very proud to say I ran week 5 run 3 today.

I ran for 20 mins without stopping!!

I have been dreading this for 2 weeks, but I knew Laura would get me through. I am afraid to say that I cried! In fact for the last 5 mins I had a big beaming grin on my face and when she said I had 2 mins left I started crying and actually speeded up. When she said we were finished I cried a little more. Fortunately the park was quiet! I nearly died, but I did it.

To all you new starters out there just keep going, follow the plan and you will get there. 5 weeks ago I couldn't run for 60 seconds, but look at me now. I am the wrong side of 40, gave up fags 7 weeks ago, 2 stone overweight and never done exercise in my adult life. I am astonished. Race for life in 6 weeks and I think I will get there. We have raised £250 so far and I can't wait.

Bring it on!!!!

[pitzpalu Graduate]

Well done Appollonia.

I`ve just done W4 R2 and am terrified of the 20min run.

Your post is a big help to me.

Give yourself a big pat on the back, (or a wee glass of wine )

Thanks for posting.

[appollonia Graduate in reply to pitzpalu]

Just go for it

[Katsmeat Graduate]

Ah, well done you.

I cried after week 1 run 1- I think it was shock that I'd actually got out and done some exercise and hadn't given up half way through!

Good luck for week 6.

[sfb350 Graduate]

Very well done ! Hold on to that feeling and remember it when/if you feel you're struggling in later runs - you WILL feel that elation again. And again ! It's worth working for !

[icandothis Graduate]

well done, its a great feeling to complete the 20 minutes

[mrslazy Graduate]

Congratulations, it's a big hurdle. It's my next run so am interested how people are coping. I was going to repeat run 2 but so many people are coping maybe I should just give it a go. Your so brave it's impressive.

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to mrslazy]

Don't worry about it - just make sure you start off at a comfortable pace,you can always speed up later if you feel able. The important thing is to find a pace that is sustainable for 20 minutes, it doesn't matter how slow or fast it feels. Relax and enjoy it !

[Deryn61 Graduate in reply to mrslazy]

If this 50 year old obese shortie can do it . . .

[appollonia Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

I bow to you oh graduate!!

[Deryn61 Graduate]

Well done you, it is such a great feeling of achievement! I wept too when I got there, then texted my big sis (7 time marathoner, blah blah blah!) and told everyone who was still in the gym (I used to go late in the evening when very few people were still around!)

[sfb350 Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

I didn't have enough people to tell - just as well this place is here for us

[appollonia Graduate in reply to Deryn61]

Ha ha - I nearly told a starnger walking down the street when I was on my way home!! LOL.

[appollonia Graduate in reply to appollonia]

stranger even. DOH!

[Barney019 Graduate]

Wow thats brilliant - as someone who has just finished week 1, I cannot imagine running that long - you've done fab! x

[ezmee]

Thats amazing! Well done - Ive just done week one run one, and like Barney019 says - i cannot imagine running for 20 mins! But your post is inspiring. You've done amazing!

[appollonia Graduate]

Thanks guys, mrslazy just give it a try. I too was tempted to repeat but I just thought let's give it a go, and I did it so- can you!

Believe me I never dreamed I could do 20 mins, so for all you just starting, have faith and just do as she says. I'm not quite sure how it works, but it does.

I'm going tobe brave now and have a look what I have to do in week 6. I may eat my words!! ha ha LOL.

Kep going xxxxx

[icandothistoo Graduate]

Well done, I also completed week 5 run 3 yesterday and know how you're feeling. A great achievement.

[appollonia Graduate]

well done you, it feels great doesn't it?

[champers02]

Well done you !!.. I did it today too and like you 5 weeks ago puffed my way through the 60 second runs .. Im 6 stone overweight and literally am running my backside off !!

Heres to week 6

[appollonia Graduate]

hear hear, due to go out in a minute - just had a look at this week, gentle one today with 5mins and 8's but have you seen run 3???? OMG!!!

[Cinders99 Graduate]

Well done! I have w5r3 coming up (tomorrow .. If I don't put it off)... But feeling inspired that just maybe I can do it after your post.