Terrified by the thought of week 5

[champagne76]

I've just completed week 4, and although I've completed all the runs, the idea of running 20 minutes without a break a week from today is scaring me to bits!

How did you manage it?

[RhonaL]

I can guarantee that 99% of people were also apprehensive about the 'big run' - don't be. Trust the plan. It's not easy but it is doable. Remember how difficult that first one minute was? Just take a big breath and don't think about it to much and reward yourself with a glass of champagne afterwards (guess this might be your tipple).

[CantThinkOfAUserName]

Have read this forum a few times but didn't plan on actually typing on it but feel I should now.

Anyway, I've been terrified for weeks about every run that was a step up from the last one. I've always know that I would fail at some point and definitely on wk5 run 3.

Anyway, did week 5 run 3 yesterday, full of trepidation and fear but a little determination. Guess what, it wasn't too difficult at all. Wasn't easy either but once I'd got into a bit of a rhythm there was no way in the world I wouldn't finish it, even if I was almost running backwards at one point.

All you can do is go for it and do your best. Trust yourself and trust the programme. It really works and if you've done all the other ones then you'll be ready.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[shelleymcb Graduate]

those 2 words "trust laura" are sooooo true. she will be there just when you need her to get you through this run.

I was so nervous about this one. didnt sleep the night before & was on & off the loo right up to when I jumped on the treadmill. it IS do-able. just make sure you keep it slow. you will find the extra energy to do this run.

you need to believe in yourself ~ & stop looking at whats coming up next week!!! it doesnt help knowing what is coming. advice: only download your next run & stop peeking & getting yourself in a tiz!

good luck. am sure that if you have managed up to now then the rest of the runs will fall into place X

[sfb350 Graduate]

Week5 Run3 was my favourite, I even did an extra 5 minutes. I found going back to intervals in wk6 harder. I think I was more thrilled with W5R3 than I was with actually graduating.

Don't worry, you'll find that as long as you pace yourself ok at the beginning, you'll fall into a nice rhythm after about 10 minutes and may even start to enjoy it before the finish !

Good luck !

[AliB1 Graduate in reply to sfb350]

Think I have to agree. This run is the one that makes you believe you will be a runner!

Champagne76 trust in the programme and slow your pace right down (you can speed up at the end if you have energy left). You CAN do it!!

[happierswimming Graduate]

Wk 5 is a good week so think of it as an opportunity to feel like a runner Your body is ready for it and you can spend the first couple of runs convincing your mind that it's ready too. You will get through it and wonder what you worried about. Week 6 seems like a drag but the first two interval runs of it are very important for building stamina for a 25 minute run and then the sky's the limit! I was a bit shocked to find that there were no short runs left after that, but I've got used to it now. Enter week 5 with confidence and emerge from it with pride! (And let us know when you've done it

[CaroleC Graduate]

Good luck champagne76, we have all been there and we have all done it. Slow down, slow down, slow...and if you have anything in the energy bank at the end, spend it then. It's better to finish slow than not finish fast. Believe in yourself, believe in Laura, deep breath, go!

CaroleC

[Deryn61 Graduate]

I so understand your trepidation!

I felt physically sick all day thinking about the impending run that evening.

I did weeks 1 to 7 on the treadmill in the gym as late as possible so there would be no witnesses!

I went off to the gym telling myself all I had to do was try my best. Also comforting myself with the knowledge that lots and lots of people had managed it already.

And it was fine! I was so proud of myself, I was in tears of joy!

You will be fine

[Pixel Graduate]

I remember Laura specifically saying something before I did that run, and it really does ring true. You HAVE the physical fitness by now to do the full twenty minute run, it's a matter of training your mind to keep going.

Having done the week five run a few times now, and having just done run three of week six- I know for me it's not physical any more. Once I get into the 'swing' of a run, I can just keep going as long as I keep my pace steady. You'll be fine, just go out there and tell yourself you can do it: you'll have Laura telling you to walk in no time!