W4 run 3 finished- the dreaded 20 minutes is getting close ...

[PootlePower]

After hurting my ankle in week 3 and having to take a fortnight off, I have finally been able to get back on the plan and finished week 4 run 3 today. I really enjoyed this week although todays run was tougher than the first two.

I just can't stop thinking about next week when (hopefully!) I will get to the 20 minute run. I am so worried that I won't make it and will feel like a failure. I honestly don't think that I have EVER in my whole life run for 20 minutes - even at school. And I can't imagine making the leap from a 5 minute run to four times that in the space of 3 runs?!

But another bit of me is excited too ... what if I actually make it!??

[gypsydepp Graduate]

We all feel like that about week 5 run 3.

Just remember to start very very slowly...its more important to do the minutes than gallop off at a fast pace and then get knackered 5 minutes in !

Listen to Laura and trust in the program...you can do it !!!!

Really good luck and let us know how it goes

[glendam52 Graduate]

I definately felt like that but in the end I took it slow and just went yes your legs will feel sore by 5 minutes but they dont get any worse so just listen to Laura and she will get you through.

[tantrumbean Graduate]

Just don't mention the 20 minutes - I'm having nightmares about them already and I've still got one run left in week 4!!!

[keepntabs Graduate]

Of course, you'll be able to run 20 minutes. How else are you going to achieve your goal of running 30 minutes? You have already shown that you have the determination to re-condition your body after an injury so that you can continue to improve. I believe you are quite ready for next week's sessions.

I am running Wk 5 R1 on Saturday. So, you and I can compare notes after we've finished.

[Peter48 Graduate]

Everyone feels the same as you but trust the programme - it reall;y works - you WILL achieve it. I am 64 years old and never ever ran before but I started couch25k in January. I am now running for 50 mins non-stop. If I can do it anyone can. Good luck.

[newyorker570 Graduate in reply to Peter48]

What inspiration! doing WK5 Run 3 tomorrow, will remember your words as I pound the pavement at a snails pace tomorrow.

[Peter48 Graduate in reply to newyorker570]

Hope it went OK - I'm pretty sure it will have. Good luck for the rest of the plan.

[newyorker570 Graduate in reply to Peter48]

Yes your word inspired me on that run to keep running and I made the 20 mins was so chuffed. Have now completed the next run of week 6. Thanks for your words of encouragement.

[Nevertoolate Graduate]

I'll be doing week 5 run 3 next Friday if all goes to plan. I'm trying not to think about it too much and concentrating on getting through the runs beforehand! Week 5 run 1 and 2 sound reasonable (!) because of the breaks, but I think they'll get us well into practise for running longer times. As usual I can't even imagine running 8 minutes, let alone 20, but so far Laura has been right!

Good luck to all of us in week 5.

[klw13 Graduate in reply to Nevertoolate]

That's my plan as well, should be out in am doing W5R1 and by Friday be on R3. I keep getting butterflies thinking about 20 mins!!

Good luck all

[easterunner]

you can do it!!! -just go very slowly to start with! . most of us felt the same

[Elizadolots Graduate]

I'll say the same as all the others.. It is really not that bad. You should be ready for it, the program works brilliantly. I left myself no space in my head for giving up, it is one foot in front of the other! Good luck!

[happierswimming Graduate]

I think we should have a whole site to ourselves, those of us who are nearing wk 5 and fear it! I've got one more 4 run tomorrow and then 5 starts on Wednesday so on Tuesday night I'll be reading all the wk 5 comments I can find. So tag your posts for me!