Mind over matter...

[runcanada]

I struggle today to know what the topic of this post should be..

To say W5R3 was more mentally challenging than physically is an understatement. I even mentally prepared myself today by reading as a distraction prior to tackling my nemisis...

As I was approaching the run I could hear my inner voice telling me I wasn't going to finish it... I tried brushing her aside but she reared her ugly head at the 4 minute mark of the 20 minute run... BUT.. happy to say I conquered it. I did slow down my pace but neverltheless I was pep talking myself.. along with Laura just at the right times...

I was visualizing a finish line when I had a couple of seconds left and could only imagine how wonderful it actually must feel crossing a real one... (soon I tell myself)

Very happy to take on Week 6... I have been dreading the W5R3 for so long that it is wonderful to put it behind me...

[Barney019 Graduate]

Well done you - it is definitely a mental challenge as much as a physical one but doesnt it feel amazing when you finish! You brushed the bad gremlin aside and did it, good luck for week 6!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to Barney019]

Yes, it did feel amazing... to be honest I felt like crying... to think I have to lose about 60-70 lbs or 5 stone and 5 weeks ago I struggled to run 60 seconds is absolutely amazing... hard to put in words but I am sure you can relate...

[29_and_counting Graduate]

I know! So hard... but such a nice feeling when it's done. I slowed right down too and it really helped. Mind over matter indeed.

[runcanada Graduate in reply to 29_and_counting]

as I said above in my reply I felt like crying...lol. I really tried to keep a slow pace so that I could finish rather than give up... but boy did I want to give up!!

[ifnotnow Graduate]

Well done! I too had problems at four/five minutes. It is such a hard thing to do, but you did it - I hope you are proud

[runcanada Graduate in reply to ifnotnow]

Not sure why the 4/5 minute mark...interesting... but Laura came on and cheered me on... boy did I need her at that time.

Proud is an understatement..congrats to you too!!

[MrsMoose Graduate]

It's crazy the battles you have with your head isn't it?!!! I've found repeating little 'mantras' to myself useful, like 'super confident' and 'you-can-do-it' or even just counting my way through the hard moments can be helpful.

[runcanada Graduate in reply to MrsMoose]

LOL... how many things did I tell myself as I was going... I have never had to talk myself through so much before in my life... but I was not going to quit no matter how badly I wanted to.. my mind was playing such tricks on me... the biggest battle I had was my brian telling me I don't like this non-stop running.... it was hard but I knew it was just my mind playing tricks on me... I did try to think of things to istract the brain...

[jryeaman Graduate]

Thanks runcanada,

Your post inspired me to just go and do W5R3. I was also dreading it and was meant to complete it on Thursday but the excuses were busy day at work too tired, same excuses on Friday. Torrential rain yesterday so no go. I read your post today put on my trainers and did it. Not easy especially the last 5 but as you say great to complete it. Good lick with week 6. JY

[runcanada Graduate in reply to jryeaman]

Well I am glad I inspired you... I think this is the turning point... once we know we can do it there's no going back... Congrats!! Wk 6 here we come...

[jryeaman Graduate]

Or even good luck with week 6. I can run for 20 minutes but not type apparently.

[runcanada Graduate in reply to jryeaman]

lol, I didn't notice until you pointed it out

[OZGirl]

Thanks for your post. I was meant to do this run today but was out all day with the family and by the time I got home I was shattered. I am off to bed now to get some much needed sleep and I will be doing this one tomorrow afternoon after work.

[mair99 Graduate in reply to OZGirl]

Good luck for your run... from one aussie girl to another! You can do it!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to OZGirl]

Well good luck!! This is not one run that should be done when feeling so exhausted... You'll have to update!

[mair99 Graduate]

Well done runcanada! What a huge achievement!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to mair99]

Thanks... as I am sure you can relate!!

[pingle Graduate]

Fantastic! Well done! You have overcome pretty much the biggest hurdle apart from just getting off the couch in the first place! I still find the first 5 minutes really hard, think I can't carry on etc. I now realise it is a matter of not listening to the inner voice and then eventually I find my pace and know I can finish. As you say the challenge is just as much mental as physical!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to pingle]

Thanks! It's also refreshing to know I am not alone in the mind games!! I am sure it is what will get me through the tough times knowing that others feel the same

[nestasmom Graduate]

@runcanada, I will be attempting W5R3 for the third time tomorrow (I tried twice yesterday and could only make it to the 10 minute mark both times).

I like you have had that voice in my head all week. I tried slowing the pace the second time but it didn't work. I also changed it from Laura's music to my own. Still no go.

If I slow the pace any more, it will be barely more than my 'brisk' walk. But, I will perserve and try again tomorrow.

Wish me luck ...

[runcanada Graduate in reply to nestasmom]

Well just think of us all cheering you on... and lots of rest before hand. To be honest I soooo wanted to stop... kept telling myself to get to the next minute, and then the next. I personally needed Laura and don't think I would have made it without her. I tried to envision her right there and giving me the encouragement. As she was saying I could slow down if I was tired I did...believe me that I was going slow... and the main objective is to get there, not the pace at which I was taking... I know I'll improve that.

I really believe it is more of an inner battle, although I honestly was tired... could barely see through the sweat beads on my eyelashes... I think I sweat from everywhere possible...as I said above I wanted to cry as I was nearing the last few minutes it was so emotional and in such a turmoil.. not sure words can describe it enough. I know you can do it... maybe this post will be the little inspriration you need. I hope you let us know... at the very end of the podcast Laura says if you can't make it to the end to try the week again... although I really think this is the week that is the one that mentally we need to get past... it was by far the biggest battle I have faced in a long time.. Good luck!!

[nestasmom Graduate in reply to runcanada]

Thank you runcanada. I will tie up those laces and give it another shot. Will let you know if I survived!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to nestasmom]

I am cheering you on!!! Hope you can hear me

[nestasmom Graduate in reply to runcanada]

Coming through loud and clear from Bermy !!

[Hidden]

Thanks for the inspiration Runcanada - I'm on week 4, one run left and already anxious about next week, your post has really helped!

Well done you!

[runcanada Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I certainly understand about the anxiety... I certainly was there too... Good luck with next week, keep mentally strong

[bloodofareptile Graduate]

Well done! I finished that run today too - the last five minutes was a killer! I just kept saying to myself "you can run for five minutes. You can do it in your sleep. Keep going!". I've never been happier to see a timer tick over...

[runcanada Graduate in reply to bloodofareptile]

Congrats to you too... I think this is the one I needed to get through the most and now it's behind me Good luck with W6! I am downloading the podcasts now... Getting excited as I start it tomorrow!!

[AliB1 Graduate]

Well done all those that have just completed w5r3 and good luck to those that will be tackling it soon. I can honestly say it is more of a mental challenge and I'm glad runcanada that you didn't let the inner voice win! For me the first 5 - 10 mins are always the hardest of each run (however long /short the run is).

Happy running!!!!!