I did it!! Completed Wk 5 R3 and in this heat!!

[Nikki1975]

So I completed run 3 of week 5 this evening and feel a real huge sense of achievement. Thank you to those of you who left comments of encouragement after my previous blog - It really motivated me!

I went out at 6pm this evening. Probably not the wisest move as it was still pretty tropical outside but I was determined to have week 5 finished by the end of what has been a very busy weekend.

Great feeling when I finished - Can't quite believe it was me running!

Good luck to anyone who is about to leap from 8 to 20 minutes - It can be done! Def mind over matter!!

[TheActualSarah Graduate]

OMG I got up at 7 this morning to do wk5 r2. Was just thinking oh no...Tuesday morning is the day :/...will take your advice, its mind over matter. Congratulations on completing it in this heat, hope you have fun with wk6

[Hidden in reply to TheActualSarah]

We did W5R2 at 6am this morning... very scared about the Big One, will be Weds morning for us I think. Let me know how you get on, wishing you loads of luck!! x

[Nikki1975 Graduate]

Good luck for Tues. Let us know how you get on!

[Barney019 Graduate]

Oh well done! Having just moved up to my 3 minute runs I simply cant imagine running for 8 let alone 20 mins but I will plod on and try! You've done brill, especially in this weather! x

[Hidden in reply to Barney019]

I think everyone feels like that, but you will be surprised at how quickly you improve - you can do it!!

[Hidden]

Well done!! I did W5R2 this morning and am dreading the Big One! How did you find it? Any tips? Congratulations, I think that means you've done the hardest part!! x

[Nikki1975 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Right at the start of the podcast Laura says we are now physically fit enough to run for 20 minutes, it's just a case of convincing your mind of this fact! This gets you in the right mindset.

I got to 10 minutes and felt great I had done half and then at 15 I thought not sure if I can complete this, but then I've run this far.With 2 minutes left I thought how disappointed I would be if I came home to my partner and told him I didn't quite manage it.

So biggest tip - Think how you'd feel if you stopped running before the 20 minutes are up. And how amazing you'll feel once you've completed it!

Huge amounts of good luck to you. Weather's supposed to cool a bit so that will help I think.

[Hidden]

Very well done Nikki - the heat yesterday makes your 20 minutes all the more praiseworthy - I did W6R1 at 4pm and really regretted my choice of time. Given that the psychological hurdle that W5R3 represents you can afford to feel very proud of yourself.