These 6 Women Reflect On Week 3 Of Their Short 5K Training Plan

And just like that, week three of the #BadassLadyGang5K training is over! Time flies when you’re having fun! For our first time 5-kilometer plan and our strongest 5K plan, this week was anything but easy. From running 1.5 miles without stopping for the first time to those intense progression runs, the third week of training was no joke!

Let’s check in with the three different #BadassLadyGang5K teams to see how week three of training went!

Crystal and Sarah

Name: Crystal

Location: Vancouver, BC

Beginner 5K Training Plan

Goal: To run without stopping.

How did Week 3 of training go? This week went pretty well. We’re back from vacation and somehow it’s actually been easier to find time to run.

What surprised you about Week 3? 5 kilometers is far! In the beginning I didn’t really think about it, but now I’m really surprised by the distance. And how out of shape I really am!

Are you having fun? I’m really starting to look forward to my runs. Maybe I should have said that’s what surprised me the most. I definitely thought I’d remain a member of the “I Hate Running Club.”

Did you experience any setbacks or speed bumps this week? How did you push through them? Does the dog stealing my running shoe count? I got up at 6 a.m. (on vacation!!), got ready for my run and couldn’t find my shoe anywhere. We searched everywhere. I decided it was meant to be and enjoyed a quiet morning on the deck.

Any thoughts, questions or reflections about Week 3? I find myself wishing that this challenge had been last month, or next month. This really isn’t an ideal time to be starting something new like this. We’ve been really busy, and away a lot. But really, there will be no perfect time, and I’ll always have excuses. So it’s best to just get off my butt and do the best I can.

Only one more week of training! How are you feeling about race day? I’ve spent more time than I should admit deciding on my outfit. But really I’m nervous. I know a 5K doesn’t seem like much to most runners, but it’s a lot for me, and I’m scared that I won’t be able to do it.

What is your goal for Week 4? To do better than I did last week. It took me 45 minutes to run and walk 5 kilometers, and I know I can do better.

Name: Sarah Santos

Location: Aurora, Colo.

Strongest 5K Training Plan

Goal: 30 minutes.

How did Week 3 of training go? In running, there’s the good, the bad and the ugly. This week was ugly. It was a rough week for me, physically and mentally. I struggled to get out for my runs, and when I did, I struggled with completing them. I also had trouble with my run tracking app, which didn’t help! Not knowing for sure what my actual pace or distance was really threw me off.

What surprised you about Week 3? What a difficult time I had. I’m hoping that I just had to get through that and now I’m going to turn a corner and just take off!

Are you having fun? I wouldn’t say that this week was very fun for me, but I am still looking forward to the last week of training and the 5K!

Did you experience any setbacks or speed bumps this week? How did you push through them? Yes; as I mentioned above, I struggled physically and mentally this week. My husband Lilo is hugely supportive at times like this. He is always there to push me out the door for a run, take care of the kids while I’m out and listen when I need to talk through a bad run. I really could not do this without his support!

Any thoughts, questions or reflections about Week 3? I’m going to be positive and say that the rough times make us stronger. Next week has to be better!

Only one more week of training! How are you feeling about race day? Really nervous. I’m worried that I bit off more than I can chew as far as my goal pace. My original goal was to finish in 30 minutes, but I’ll be really happy if I can beat my PR for a 5K, which is 34:09.00!

What is your goal for Week 4? To finish strong! I’m a badass mother runner and I’m not going to let a bad week get me down!

Mattie & Lyndsay

Name: Mattie

Location: Phoenix, Ariz.

Beginner 5K Training Plan

Goal: 32 minutes.

How did Week 3 of training go? Not well. Sickness set in, so I wasn’t able to get out until Saturday. I’m repeating Week 3 this week.

What surprised you about Week 3? Each time I look at what’s on the schedule, I’m a little frightened and unsure I can do it. But then I go out for each run and somehow, it’s not as bad (until the last five minutes!)

What is your goal for Week 4? I’m excited to not be sick and get back to running.

Name: Lyndsay Bonk

Location: Fort Mill, S.C.

Strongest 5K Training Plan

Goal: 32 minutes.

How did Week 3 of training go? Week 3 was much better! I feel like I’m gaining speed and able to run longer more comfortably.

What surprised you about Week 3? That I could run a little faster and not die. We did hill repeats last week, and it didn’t hurt as badly as I thought it would.

Are you having fun? There’s still fun in there somewhere!

Did you experience any setbacks or speed bumps this week? My body is fighting back for pushing it; I did something to a muscle in my hip area. I even went and saw a doctor because I was having a hard time walking. No damage at all. I continued to stretch, ice, stretch and ice. I didn’t have to take any time away from running so that’s good!

Any thoughts, questions or reflections about Week 3? This work is hard, but I know I’ll get the results as long as I keep pushing through and trusting in the process.

Only one more week of training! How are you feeling about race day? I’m feeling good and excited!

What is your goal for Week 4? Push a little harder!!

Mandy & Georgia

Name: Mandy Cherry

Location: Dayton, Ohio

Strongest 5K Training Plan

Goal: Break 28:30.00, which was set in my Week 2 5K.

How did Week 3 of training go? It was hard! It’s hot in Ohio and we are having crazy pop-up rain storms. I did both speed-driven runs, including the track run. I even did one of them in the rain.

What surprised you about Week 3? I am surprised I didn’t hate the track workout. It was hot and miserable, but the challenge was so different from what I’m used to.

Are you having fun? I am having so much fun. These runs are hard, but I know I’m going to do them in the future.

Did you experience any setbacks or speed bumps this week? How did you push through them? I had to give up some distance runs this week. I either had my kids, or it was thundering. It wasn’t as much mileage as the plan called for, but that happens in mom life.

Any thoughts, questions or reflections about Week 3? I’m wondering how these speed runs will feel in the fall when it is cooler.

Only one more week of training! How are you feeling about race day? Anxious for myself but excited for my mom!

What is your goal for Week 4? Finish strong!

Name: Georgia

Location: Dayton, Ohio

Beginner 5K Training Plan

Goal: To completely run a 5K without walking.

How did Week 3 of training go? Week 3 definitely had its challenges.

What surprised you about Week 3? I had my first “failure” this week. I could not finish Wednesday’s workout no matter how hard I pushed myself. Not sure if it was an off day or [if it was because of] Ohio’s crazy-humid weather.

Are you having fun? Meh…not sure running is fun. Cathartic, maybe…

Did you experience any setbacks or speed bumps this week? How did you push through them? I was really disappointed when I couldn’t complete a workout this week. I have to say I felt like giving up. I don’t know what made me finish the week other than the pure desire to accomplish my goal.

Any thoughts, questions or reflections about Week 3? I was really discouraged after my failure workout but I finished the week strong! I not only ran for 20 minute, I finished the week running 30 minutes without stopping! SUCCESS!

Only one more week of training! How are you feeling about race day? At the moment I feel confident that I can run, not walk, an entire 5K.

What is your goal for Week 4? My goal for Week 4 is to stay focused and finish strong. I will have family visiting at the end of the week and I still want to be able to work in my workouts.

Whether this is your first training plan or hundredth, it’s important to remember that not every week is going to be a great week. Life happens! If you find that you’re struggling through a chunk of your training, try focusing on what you can do. If there’s too much going on, take an extra rest day! The world isn’t going to end because you missed a run. If you’re struggling to push through a mental block, try focusing on your attitude. Whenever you find a chance to smile and feel grateful for having the opportunity to pursue your strongest self, do that. What you’re doing isn’t easy, but it is a choice. Celebrate yourself for having the courage to show up.

The final week of training is here! Don’t forget to share your journey by using the hashtag #BadassLadyGang5K!

Until next time, #RunSelfieRepeat