When does C25K get easier?

This is making me want to do the c25k again.

Completed it 5 years ago and I still remember the absolute euphoria of completing W5R3.

I've just got my 5K PB to under 40 minutes if I include the horrible hill in my route, under 38 minutes if I bypass the hill

i've been doing it for about 2 years and still can't run more than 5 mins

have just accepted I am not a runner! Not everyone is!

There you go! You're probably loads faster and fitter than you realise.

Really? I thought I was super slow 😱

That's a really great time for a novice!

I definitely wouldn't class myself as fast and im certainly not experienced but my last run was 4.9KM in 28 minutes according to the health app on my IPhone.

It does depend on your speed. It's just not likely to be 5K unless you're already a fast runner. Or really tall with long legs and a big stride - which means even a slower pace gives you a longer distance.

Maybe you are and that's fantastic. Most people in the running clubs I've been to finish C25K running around 3.5-4.5K, doing 5K in 35-45 minutes.

A sub 30 minute 5K is an awesome pace for an experienced runber, so good for ypu if youre there already. I only mentioned it so that you didn't feel disappointed if you're not running 5k on C25K graduation. Most people aren't and that's the norm. The aim of the program is to run continuously for 30 minutes, that's the celebration.

Have you tried tracking your distance?

Why would it not be 5K?

Surely depends on your speed?

Well, the aim is to run for 30 minutes non-stop. That's not likely to be 5K. Have you tracked your runs to see the distance you cover?

I'm in week 7 too, seriously excited that next week I can say I can run 5K!

I'm in week 7 (Carli Fierce C25k) doing 25 min runs and I can honestly say I am kind of enjoying it, and I NEVER thought I would say that!

I had never got past about week 5 and tried to skip sessions before but this time I have plodded through sloooowly and it's made all the difference. I think part of it is getting your body used to 'time on your feet' but also building up the cardiovascular fitness. I don't get breathless in the same way anymore, it's amazing!

I read somewhere that your mind gives up way before your body and I try to remind myself for that when I want to walk or stop - doesn't always work mind!

I managed 15 minutes, was happy with that! Will aim for 18 on Thursday and hopefully manage 20 on Friday

Everyone doubts their ability to do the 20 minute run. Then they do it... and feel awesome! It's why that run is do pivotal.

You're not alone in thinking you won't do it. But you will. Slow your pace right down from the outset. You will do it!

Managed 2x8 minutes runs today okay but definitely doubting my ability to do 20 minutes.

So I started week 5 today and managed my 3 x 5 minute runs okay. However I see next run I'm supposed to do 8 minutes then the next run 20 minutes?? That's a massive jump!! Did everyone manage this okay?

X-posted with Valderal. Congratulations. Such a sense of achievement when you start to see how you are improving :)

YYYY to repeating weeks. I repeated week 7 about 5 times. I also had to drop back a couple of times and start from a lower week because I'd missed it.

Once I fnished, I started Parkrun and never looked back. Have run a marathon. Have made amazing friends through running. Keep going, it is 100% worth it!

On trainers. Some people naturally have a good even running style and can run in £20 trainers without injury. I started running in the wrong trainers and had a lot of problems until I went and got my gait analysed. Have run pain and injury free (touch wood) since then.

You don't need £££ trainers for C25K but they're not just a scam. If you're going to keep on running you might need them. You can nearly always buy older models in the sale or lightly used second hand once you know what you need. My last couple of pairs have been from Facebook selling sites for £20 each.

Feeling really good about myself.
Have just completed Week 2 this morning.

It's not until I moved onto the next week that I realised the progress I had made in the first week.

Having the weekend off and starting Week 3 on Monday. (Sore shins)

I am so happy I am doing this, I'm not perfect and still struggle but the small difference in my overall fitness is noticeable.

It doesn't really get easier if you're always upping what you do! Essentially you have to go through the next level (of distance or speed) before you will find the previous level easier iyswim.

Valderal, you could try moving on and dropping back to week 3 if necessary. Every run helps. There are good runs and bad runs no matter the experience of the runner.

It is around week 5 where it begins to click. I agree that stop/ start is hard. I find my first 3-4k hardest these days.

Trainers... £££ isn't so important in the early days, but badly fitting worn out trainers may not do people favours. Unfortunately I have fussy, high volume feet and need good support in all footwear or I get arch pain. Sadly £20 from Decathlon doesn't even fit on my feet. Bloody brilliant for my DCs though

I'm repeating Week 1 at the moment I'm afraid, this morning I was out at 6.30am. Did it in 30 mins and 3.5k

I am not moving onto week 2 until I can run all the 60 seconds (x8) without stopping short. Managed to do x3 60 secs then maybe 45-50 seconds for the other 5 (if that makes sense)

Took a while to realise that I'm not looking for speed, just a gentle jog and trying to ensure my lungs can cope.

What would other do in my situation - would you move on to Week 2 despite not being able to complete all of the 8 x 60 secs?

I'm on week 3 too! I've repeated it as I can do 3 minutes but no way would I make 5. However I've been amending it slightly and today I ran for 3 minutes walked for 90 secs 4 times which I was so chuffed about! So will do that for a few days and see how I go.

Glad to hear your knees are getting better!