Completed my third run of week 3 yesterday and am starting week 4 on Monday, it seems like such a big jump though! I'm already nearly keeling over after the 3 minute runs so think the 5 min ones are going to kill me!
Did anyone find it really difficult or were you able to just focus and push yourself to carry on?
Don't worry, we're going to be fine. I put my trust in Laura and the programme. I'm sure she won't ask us to do the impossible. I did my last run of week 3 this morning having struggled hard in the final three minutes beforehand. It was grim wasn't it?! This time I was struggling again when she said we had a minute left. I thought I'd have to stop. I set my mind firmly on not failing, regardless of the gasping for breath and lead legs. All of a sudden I felt fine and not only finished but carried on for an extra minute.
All this to say that we may have bad runs - lots of them - but if we keep going I'm certain we'll make it. I'm starting week 4 Monday, dreading it of course but also very excited. Come on, we can do this!!
Honestly just put your trust in Laura and your body and you will get through. Week 3 nearly finished me off but I also sorted out my breathing and pace so by week 4 felt more in control.
You will suprise yourself let us know how you did.
I did Week 4 Run 1 yesterday, and it is a progression from Week 3. You've already proven that you can run 3 minutes. So, the 5 minute runs are not a great leap in duration. I find that concentrating on my running technique helps me when I start thinking about how much time is left. I used to be in the Air Force a loooonng time ago, but I just start playing a cadence in my head "left, left, left, right, left". During this time I am thinking about making sure that I actually lift my feet and not shuffle, which part of my foot touches the ground first, my posture, making sure to swing my arms, and breathing properly. When you truly focus on those things, your mind isn't focused on how much more time you have to run, because you focusing on trying to run the best way you can.
I am not going to say Week 4 will not challenge you, but when you look back on what you've achieved during the past 3 weeks you should get confidence to know that this is just one more step that you have to take to reach your running goal! There is not doubt in my mind that you will be able to do it.
My friend told me that she has a breathing pattern too. I feel myself counting to 4 breathing in and counting to 5 breathing out. I kind of like your military countin
Hey, thanks for the replies.
Nevertoolate, I know what you mean that last 3 minute one is depressing! Well done for carrying on past it aswell, good luck for week 4 =)
glendam52, yeah i think that's what I need to work on more, I don't think i'm pacing myself well enough yet but when I know I'm in for a 5 min run Im sure i'll be trying to save as much energy as possible!
keepntabs that sounds like a good technique will definitely try it out. Yeah my confidence is increasing having managed the 3 min runs so just have to believe that I can do this next sets of runs!
you'll be fine - I'm doing it with the sluggish OH who likes to remind me how difficult it is every other minute, and even he has managed to do it without actually dying, much to his surprise. We went straight from W3 to W4 and yes its a bit harder, but you're a bit stronger and fitter than you were at the end of W2 - you can do it.
Good luck, but you'll be fine!
How did you manage the jump from week 5 run 2 to 3?
Jumped to week 4.
Big jump from 5 minutes 
Why such a big jump in week 5
Jump from Wk 4 to Wk5
