Couch to 5k - any graduates

The program does work I had the same thoughts in my head about putting back the walking in after nailing the 20min run, but it helps to build distance. Once I completed C25k and built upto 10k I regularly add in a 1min walk at the 25min mark and sometimes 45min mark as it allows me to go further. Keep going you can do it, some days are just easier than others.

Getting through that first 25 minute stretch is a massive psychological boost.

I knocked two minutes off my previous 10k on Sunday: I'm closing in on something respectable...

Running 25k??? I can't imagine.

I did 20 mins non stop on Sunday. It was okay. I didn't enjoy it. V hard.

Today it goes back to 8 mins running, 3 mins walk, 5 mins running, 3 mins walk, 8 mins running, 5 cool down.

Why?

Then next run is 25 mins non stop.

What is the rationale for this because it seems like a big old jump to me. And then back to smaller interval runs.

I'm so tired today. First day of period. Bad idea to run if I feel absolutely cream crackered?

Keep going Pennina and repeat a session if you need to. I run down a cycle track on a bypass and the first week I struggled to make it from 1 lampost to the next This morning I ran all the way down that section (Wk4 Day1) - you will do it if you keep trying and I have found it surprising how quickly the fitness builds up. Still can't imagine running for 30 mins+ though

Good luck with the 10K, Everyone!

I've got my first official one tomorrow. If I get round in under 1h20 I'll be happy but if it's longer than that I'm still going to be pleased with myself.

Just chipping in as a c25k graduate running my third 10k later today. I only took up running in January 2016 and while I'm utterly shit at it, I enjoy it, and I do it!!!!

The apps must be really different I'm starting wk 6 and still have walking breaks ? I don't do the non stop 20 minutes till wk 7

It's hot today. I wonder if running 20 mins in the heat is going to kill me!

Well done Grannycake - I'm in my 2nd week of trying to complete week 1. I still can't manage all the 60 sec runs. I'm 53 and overweight (but on a diet so hoping the exercise helps). I'm physically strong as I have a horse and i'm used to lifting up heavy sacks of things and pushing heavy wheelbarrows about, however I'm obviously using completely different muscles as I'm finding it very very difficult. Great that you are on week 3. I can't imagine getting to week 2!

By the time you run 20 minutes you have already run 16 but with a walking break then you go back on day one of the next week to walking gaps again and it's actually horrible. You realise how much easier it is to just keep running.

I do wonder if the 20 minutes is meant to be a bit of a challenge to show how far you've come.

Everyone worries about it. I worried about it. But God, the feeling when you get to the end...!

That does sound bonkers. I though next week was bad when I have to run for 3 minutes!

I know!

I am doing week 5 - day 1 tomorrow but I'm dreading the next 2 sessions

Why in week 5 does it jump from running 8 minutes on day 1 to running 20 on week 5 day 3?

Isn't that a bonkers leap?

I did my first 25 minute run today - not too bad - 3 more next week but I have to take 3 days off and start again on Tuesday. We are away somewhere flat which will make a nice change.

Thanks username.

I'm 44 too and always thought I couldn't exercise outside because of my asthma but I've surprised myself by never needing my inhaler once.

Give it a go wheres race for life has everyone of all abilities some people walk the whole way some run and some do a mixture.
One of our group did it last Sunday and she was at 25 minute runs so decided she'd run for 25 minutes and just see how she got on. She is probably one of the ones that struggled most at the beginning but she ended up running the whole 5k in 38 minutes.
The atmosphere at rave for life is pretty buzzing and people are very supportive you'll probably surprise yourself. I wish I had signed up but at the time I was worried about not being ready but realise that was daft.

i started this in January and utterly failed. Gave up after 2 weeks. But reading through this thread has given me hope that I can do this even though I an 60+ Just finished Wk3 and am starting to enjoy it - just a little bit

So a friend is running the 5k race for life next Sunday.

I will be doing week 5 of C25k - do you think I should give it a try?

Sleeping I know exactly how you feel - I could never run when I was younger and arguably fitter, but at the grand old age of 44 I started and managed a minute at a time. I've just turned 45 and have managed 28 mins, only 8 weeks on. You CAN do it

Looksbetterwithafilter I have a running buddy so I think that's definitely helping too. The encouragement of others certainly helps.

Good to hear. Well done you.

I felt the same Sleeping every single week I dreaded the next because it seemed impossible. The sense of achievement I feel every week when I do manage is genuinely awesome. I am also glad I am doing it with a group because I think I might have repeated a week or two but the reality is pushing myself on and the encouragement of the group meant I kept going and I have managed it all even if some weeks have been tough.
With the group we are 28 minutes this week did the first last night and 3 30 minute runs next week then the 5k the following week and I actually feel ready now. I think I could run a 5k albeit very very slowly. I never believed I could run for 5 minutes 8 weeks ago.

I'm a newbie on Week 2, Run 2.

I find it hard to see past what I'm doing this week, so I can't even imagine running for longer than 90 seconds, but your stories are very encouraging.

Ran to work today! Utterly shattered.

Strangely enough 5 minute runs aren't too bad if you go slow and steady. I need to update my music on my phone though..