20 minutes, at last! (W5R3)

Today I finally completed W5 R3!

I had failed to complete this run last week (I think on Saturday) and had tried to trick myself into avoiding a big hill at about 8 minutes by running my route backwards... when I then encountered the other side of that hill at 8 minutes. I then gave up, and managed to do 8minutes, 2 minutes, 5 minutes. (with some walking between those times)

I retracked to run 2, which is the 2x 8 minutes (with trying to go for a little bit longer for each 8), and successfully managed that. I gave myself a little bit extra recovery time, leaving from Monday to Thursday mornings and heading out this morning.

I had planned on trying the 8, 8 again, and aiming for about 10, 10, but I thought, I'll try the 20 minutes, and if I only make it to the first 10 minutes, then I'll pause and do the rest after a few minutes.

But, lo! What a joyous occasion!

I reached the end, without stopping (and tackling that hill at about minute 13?), and whilst I hurt a huge amount, I managed it, and I am so proud of myself!

Not been brave enough to find out what week 6 requires of me, yet, but right now, I think I'll bask in the glory!

[Fuzzyrex Graduate]

Thats brilliant news,Ive got the 2minute run still ahead of me,hopefully on sunday & im dreading it

[Hidden in reply to Fuzzyrex]

I did find that the advice I had about having to be in the right frame of mind for it very important!

I woke up yesterday morning, meaning to go out, but having almost decided against getting up at all, I felt guilty, got out of bed, brushed my teeth and just realised my heart wasn't in it, so got back into bed.

This morning, I got up, and felt like I'd manage it. Giving myself the smaller target (or the opportunity to split it into two runs) meant that I had the choice when I got to ten minutes, and that almost spurred me on to go for the whole thing!

Best of luck for your run!