Tired and emotional! W5R3...

[Wickwarrunner]

Hello! I'm a sometime lurker on the C25K forum and have drawn a lot of wisdom and inspiration from its members, and after this morning's experience, I finally felt moved to post something.

Like everyone else, I approached run 3 of week 5 with enormous trepidation and a large dose of cynicism and disbelief. I'd done the programme religiously and am really enjoying myself - but just couldn't believe I could actually step up from 8 to 20 minutes.

I set off early this morning and spent the first 10 minutes (which felt fine) telling myself that there was no way I could do this, but to carry on just in case... And then Laura said I'd been running for 15 mins, and a smile crept onto my face - maybe I could do it. And then I knew I could, and before I knew it - I'd finished. It felt ok, my legs had started to hurt but my breathing was under control.

I got through the door, saw my husband (a veteran runner, who is quietly amused and pleased by my recent efforts) and surprised us both by bursting into tears! I have never, ever achieved anything approaching this; I was the unfit kid always picked and finishing last. I've always hated and avoided running with a passion, but the C25K programme has been an absolute revelation. If there's anyone out there looking ahead to W5R3 and feeling as worried as I was, then take heart - you can definitely do it!

[greenlegs Graduate]

You made me feel all teary too! Well done - and a lovely blog!

I really get the 'unfit kid... finishing last' bit. (Mind you, the finishing last bit hasn't changed yet - 203rd of 203 in parkrun - but, my goodness, that felt so good! But I really believe I'll get faster, and one day, I won't be the last one!)

[imnorunner Graduate]

Well done you...I burst into tears at the end of run 3 week 5 too...which is hard to do when you can't breath!!

I want everyone I know to do C25K it is just great

[caz1_ca Graduate]

Its brilliant isn't it? I did the same thing as you didn't believe I could do it, but as soon as Laura siad I'd done 15 minutes, I thought I can do this. And when she said I'd just ran 20 minutes I did get choked up.LOL It was just such a relief, but I couldn't wipe the grin off my face for ages. Well done you and good luck with your next run.

[Khrissy Graduate]

I absolutely love reading about this run. It's such an amazing moment when it finally dawns on you that you can run. I don't think anything will ever eclipse that. Well done, graduation is now in your sights

[Wickwarrunner Graduate]

It's a big deal! Thanks for all the replies, I love hearing about people's reactions to this run, it's a 'bit of a moment' for a lot of people on the programme I reckon. Proper excited about the rest of the programme now, and hopefully the cynical demons in my head which tell me I'm ridiculous for even attempting this feat have now been well and truly banished! Hopefully no more tears though, I'm already feeling slightly silly - am hardly an Olympian *blush*

[Souki Graduate]

No I'm sorry but you will have more tears, in week 7 when Laura tells you, 'you are officially a runner,,' blubbed and blubbed and hugged my dog (running partner)

[cadno Graduate in reply to Souki]

I also gave my dog a massive hug after the 20 mins

[Hidden]

Great blog. Gives me hope for next week! :-). Well done

[Jeddahpm Graduate]

Oh wow! Really well done. I remember the feeling well

[petal51 Graduate]

Well done! I remember forcing myself through this run despite a bad headache, and nearly being sick at the end. Don't worry about the tears, I've had plenty!

[con-brio Graduate]

Lovely inspiration blog, Wickwarrunner.

Well done and welcome to this blog!

[toegloves Graduate]

Well done!

Thank you so much for posting as I feel I need all the inspiration I can get with that being my Friday run this week!

Fantastic job!

[rockchick69 Graduate]

This is great, starting W5 R1 tomorrow so on Saturday it is R3....I am worried about it but as I've read in many blogs....just keep going. Well done and good luck with the next 4 weeks. You are almost a green badge person