How will I run 20 minutes?

[imnorunner]

I managed run 2 week 5 today and it was tough. First 8 mins ok but second I realy had to will myself to keep going. So as I didn't find that a doddle how on earth will I do 20? I am dreading it

[Actuim Graduate]

Don't worry everybody gets nervous when they see the 20 minutes coming up. Just trust in the program and believe you are ready for it. Week 5 run 3 seems really scary when you first come across it but once you've done it and you will you'll realise that it's mostly a mental thing rather than physical. Trust that the last few weeks have more than prepared you for it and you'll be fine.

[Pat184 Graduate]

You will be fine take it from this 74 year old . As Actuim said its mental from now on, read my blogs, believe me I struggled but I got there ,and will be out in the morning pat

[AnnieW55]

And make sure you don't go too fast. Slow is good. Speed can always come later.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on

[OldNed Graduate]

Trust the programme & that nice Aunty Laura. It is indeed mostly mental, in fact from here on it it's 50% physical, 100% mental. You'll surprise yourself and find that you can do it. Go for it!

[imnorunner Graduate]

Thanks everyone. Sunday is the day! I will update then...eeekkk!

[swanscot Graduate]

The others have told you, it's a mental thing. You've done two 8 minute runs with a wee walking break in between, haven't you? This is simply two 8 minutes runs with a running break in between!

Go run!

[boudicca Graduate]

just to reinforce what everyone has said - trust the programme, it will get you there.

[vikicats Graduate]

Go for it! Good luck - not that you'll need it!

Viki

[tubontherun]

You can do it! It is definitely more of a mental challenge. I have just finished Week 6, and found that the way I managed to get through W5R3 was actually not to think too much about the time, and tried to distract myself with my surroundings. Go slow, and know that you can do it!

[RubyR Graduate]

I felt exactly the same way, I really struggled with the second 8 minute run in W5R2 and today I successfully completed the full 20 mins first try!!

I completely agree with the previous posts it's more a mental challenge! In my head I broke it down into 5 minutes at a time, once I had completed the first 15 you feel empowered (and exhusted) but it's a great feeling thinking its only another 5 mins left! Let us know how you get on! X

[imnorunner Graduate]

I did it! I did a blog post

Such a great feeling...just slightly worried about the distance I covered....according to my running machine I ran 2...I assume K! Some people on here in week 4 cover more distance than me!!! Oh well, I did it, that's the main thing

[stega1958 Graduate]

It's time on your feet at this stage, stick to the pace you can keep going and don't fret about distance. I have no idea how far I am covering in 30 mins but I do know I am running with pleasure for that length of time and don't really want to stop!