The dreaded 20 minutes tomorrow...

[izzybee]

.....and I'm convincing myself I won't be able to do it. So just ate a mars bar. Doh!!

How, just how can I run for 20minutes, TWENTY minutes when 8 was a struggle. And in this heat too. My only opportunity will be between 9.30 and 2.30 when my wee boy will be at nursery.

Not that I won't try as the plan has proved it works so far but any tips from all you that have already completed it would be gratefully received. I'm hoping Laura does her usual and make positive comments just at the right moment.

But. 20 minutes? Gulp.

[plodon Graduate]

I faced this last week and like you was very daunted by the prospect of running 20 minutes without stopping, something I havent been able to do in over 20 years. But like Laura says "trust the plan". Keep your pace steady and dont go too fast, especially for the first 10 minutes. It was at the 10 minute mark that I started to believe I could actually finish. I found the last 2 minutes tough, but just grit your teeth, keep going and think of the elation, and maybe another mars bar :-), at the end. If I could do it, you can do it. Best of luck.

[icandothis Graduate]

Take it easy, and tell yourself you can do it, remember it does not matter how far you go its all about the time.

Laura does encourage you, but towards the end instead of thinking how long i had run for i thought i've only got to run the time left, it helped me.

I ran this last Saturday, and will confess was shattered all weekend afterwards, so as it will be warmer, slow your pace, drink your water and enjoy the great feeling you have when you finish

Good luck

[sfb350 Graduate]

You'll be fine. Start off at a gentle, sustainable pace - probably slower than you have been doing on the 8 minute runs. If you find you have excess energy left near the end you can finish with a quicker "sprint". Remember that stamina is more important than speed at this stage, try and find a comfortable pace and rhythm that allows you to actually ENJOY what you are doing. If you start to doubt you can run for twenty minutes, don't be afraid to slow down.

Good luck !

[izzybee]

Thank you all for your encouraging words and helpful tips. I shall take some deep breaths and go for it. Try to get out as soon as I'm back from the nursery drop to beat the heat.

[Hidden]

Izzy - I did this today. Take water with you and take it easy. My speed was down but the important thing is doing the time. It's a psychological barrier which I think we have to go through to do weeks seven to nine. Good luck and let us know how it went please.

[izzybee in reply to Hidden]

Well done you! That's great. You run and hold a water bottle at the same time? Doubly impressed.... I struggle with where to keep my ipod!

[handstand Graduate]

Just Do It! This will be just one more thing that you will check off your list of "Things I was sure I couldn't do, but did." It might take you a try or two, but look how many people have done it before you. The plan works, just set your mind to it.

[izzybee in reply to handstand]

I did it handstand. The plan really does work. Actually looking forward to Monday and Week 6.

[handstand Graduate]

Cooooongratulations!! Ain't no stopping you now!

[Grannygoesrunning Graduate]

Well done! I felt the same way about it, but managed it - to my surprise. Have now managed one 25 minute run. However week 7, again 25 mins, defeated me in this heat. I managed 22! Never mind, I'm running further than I ever thought possible and tomorrow is another day!

[izzybee in reply to Grannygoesrunning]

This plan really works. 22 minutes is amazing!! Go us. Enjoy the weekend. I know I will. We deserve it.

[plodon Graduate]

Good stuff, well done!

[Grannygoesrunning Graduate]

Just done 25 mins. Shattered! My son has bought me a small water bottle which I used today for the first time. Haven't managed to perfect the art of drinking while running, but seem to be quite good at throwing water over my head! Quite refreshing actually! Now propose to lie in the sun.

[izzybee in reply to Grannygoesrunning]

Well done!! That's great. And yes, I'm with you on that. Hard enough keeping my iPod fixed in my knickers (really must invest in a proper holder!) without worrying about carrying a water bottle. You see. You really are a runner! enjoy the sun.