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Hey Everyone!

I am on Week 5 Run 1 and am VERY VERY nervous about the fact that Friday is a 20 minute run. I did the 3, 5 minute runs today and didn't have to walk at all during them, but 20 minutes seems like a TON. What if I can't get through the 20 minute run and have to walk some? Should I pause the program during it, walk a little and then press play and keep going? Should I repeat Week 5 Run 2 a few times until I have that down really well and then try the 20 minute run?

I guess I'm also wondering their reasoning for not working up to the 20 minute run over a longer period of time as it goes backwards a bit on Week 6. Any advice or input would be helpful.

Just a note: This is the first time I have EVER run before and I am shocked that I can run as much as I can already. I am still about 30lbs overweight and this program has really helped get closer to my goals regarding weight loss.

W5R1 has you running for 15 minutes total. W5R2 is 16 minutes. W5R3 is only four minutes longer than that. Just four extra minutes: you can do it!

I was nervous about the 20 min run too so today I repeated
Run two and now feel more ready for the 20 min. You are right, it is just four
Minutes more!

But there is no rest! If I don't get through it, should I repeat it?

I would repeat it until completed and comfortable to move on. I am scheduled to run my first 20 min today and it's raining! I will go out and do the best I can. Don't worry, your body will be able to do it if not the first time, then try again! I'll report back to you when I finish! By the way, I signed up for my first 5k next month, so I have in my mind that I will do this and have to do this!

I did it! Ran for 20 min straight and in the rain! It felt good to complete that dreaded run! I just made a new music playlist and went out to conquer it and totally surprised myself. I know now it is a head game so just think positive and you can do it too!

Katiefairey wrote:But there is no rest! If I don't get through it, should I repeat it?

I think you should, just because finally completing a full twenty minute run does SO MUCH for your state of mind. It's a huge hurdle, mentally and physically, and getting past it feels incredibly empowering.

I did it! On Friday I went to a track I don't normally go to in order to give myself a change of scenery for the big day. It worked like a charm. Lots of people around felt like they were motivating me to keep going. It was amazing to run W6R1 today too, knowing I had already run 20 minutes- 18 was no big deal!

I always tried to pay it back. If I had to stop to walk for a minute, then I just ran for an additional minute at the end and then repeated the run the following night until I had mastered it.

You will amaze yourself, when you complete this run though, its a massive moment when you really feel like you have turned a corner.