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Original poster

C25K Graduates. Any interest in a thread for those not ready for the ‘big’ running thread but want support/chat?

66 replies

JonHammIsMyJamm · 25/08/2020 18:55

I was on the fab c25k threads as a newbie and a graduate and wondered if there was any interest in a chat thread for graduates to chat about progress and whatnot?

I feel a bit like I’m in no man’s land on the exercise board. It can be disheartening to see people talking about running x numbers of 5ks a week when you’re blowing out of your arse on w2r3. On the flip side, whilst the main running thread is full of lovely people, I feel a bit of a fraud with my plodding 5kms Blush.

OP posts:
ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 27/08/2020 12:59

Room for one more?! I finished earlier in the year, but just can't seem to progress much further at the minute. I have to take it easy with any increases because my knees don't like it but I always forget and push myself so then have to slow back down, now I've hurt my calf doing something else but obviously that's stopping me run and I really struggled in the heat so felt like I'd hit a bit of a wall recently. No man's land is a good description! During the heat I have had to drop back down to run/walk a lot more than I was but I've decided it's better to do that and finish then tire myself out and give up. Hoping another weeks rest will cure my leg then I can get back at it!

MirandaWest · 27/08/2020 08:38

Wasn’t in the mood for running this morning but thought of this thread and went out for a 30 minute run. And felt better afterwards Smile.

At the moment I’m generally running before work (start at 7:30 but I work from home) but although it’s fine now will be a bit darker at that time before long..

Beachcomber · 27/08/2020 07:57

My next goal is similar LadyandtheTea.

It wasn't difficult to find the time to run during lockdown and my summer holiday. Next goal is to keep it up when I go back to work and then to continue when it gets cold.

I was really surprised / proud of myself that I took my trainers with me on holiday and used them!

LadyandtheTea · 26/08/2020 12:49

@JonHammIsMyJamm. My running time for 5k is also 37.30 on average (fastest has been 36.30). I don’t think there’s any shame in that! I’m aiming to run more regularly and hopefully improve my times but my main motivation is to keep going and maintain this through the autumn/winter.

PetraDelphiki · 26/08/2020 12:10

There’s also something very psychologically different between stopping to walk after 7 minutes because you’re tired and stopping because it’s planned! Same length running/walking but the first feels more like giving up and the second is achieving something!

PetraDelphiki · 26/08/2020 12:08

The app is called seconds. You can set up all sorts of things but the most useful is that you can name each section then it does text to speech so I either have it say which run number I’m on if it’s lots of the same or how long the run is if it’s variable! You could even use v short sections just for things like “halfway “ or “one minute left”.

It’s a bit of a faff to set up but it’s really useful! One really good pattern is decreasing runs (7,6...1) with a minute in between - then the runs get shorter/easier as you get more knackered!

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 26/08/2020 12:02

I like the ‘connecting to your body’ idea, @Beachcomber. I try to do the same, sort of lose myself in it. On a good day, I manage it.

OP posts:
Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 26/08/2020 12:00

Oh, it’s so nice to see more joining Smile. I’m slow, my usual 5km time is 37m 30s and it’s comfortable-ish but I still find that time pushes me, I’m by no means phoning it in!

The Galloway Method, (walk/run) is really commonly used by ‘proper’ runners, @PetraDelphiki. I really like it as a technique, it works for me. I like the sound of your app. I’ve been using w1 of the c25k for my speed intervals, just skipping back to run sections so i can do 10 rather than 6 or 8.

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PetraDelphiki · 26/08/2020 10:41

I’m in! Can’t remember when I finished but still at the around 5k 3 times a week but with walk breaks! I found a fabulous website by some American Olympic runner who trains people to go faster/further by always planning walks within the session and it does seem to work! I have an app that lets me set up different times to run/walk (sort of like custom C25K) and do that
Today was a disaster tho!

MirandaWest · 26/08/2020 10:35

I am another plodder - recently graduated from c25k and running three times a week but never going to be doing loads and loads!

Beachcomber · 26/08/2020 10:33

Hello. I'm in a similar place. I've recently graduated from C25K and I'm trying to run for 35 mins 3 times a week at the moment.
I'm really slow so won't be doing 5k - I'm not that bothered about times and distance. I just want to feel fitter and tone up.
Once the 35 mins is easier I'll go for 40 mins and that will probably do me.

I'm in my late 40s and have never been a runner but I'm really enjoying my plodding runs.

I listen to podcasts and enjoy the peace and connecting to my body.

NotquitewhatImeant · 26/08/2020 10:28

I'm so pleased you have started this thread - can i join please? I'm another plodding 5K -er but I love it. I'm about 6 weeks post C25K and still going out 3 times a week. I'm quite excited by being able to run but also a bit scared of somehow forgetting how to (!) or having a bad run and being put off because it still feels a new habit.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 26/08/2020 10:17

Hi @LadyandtheTea, please do! Have you been out battling Storm Francis? I did my speed intervals on the treadmill, so didn’t have to contend with the wind.

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LadyandtheTea · 25/08/2020 21:48

Can I join you? I’m a 5k plodder - got there a month ago and want to keep going, improve pace etc but not up to the hardcore running thread on here.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 25/08/2020 21:37

I graduated 2nd June, @OldSpeclkledHen Smile, so I’m just behind you. I hear you re running groups, like a RL version of my dilemma! I prefer running alone, so no danger of that in RL for me, at least.

I’m ‘running’ a steady, plodding 5km 3x a week on average. In the last week, I’ve tried to up the ante a bit by adding a speed intervals session in, to challenge myself and improve my fitness overall.

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OldSpeclkledHen · 25/08/2020 21:20

You're not a fraud! You're as much a runner as they are! Congratulations on graduation and keeping on going!
But! Also - I do understand!
I've just joined my local running group, the beginners group (even though I graduated end of May)
I've been out with them twice, but feel I want to run more than them - but not as much as the next group up - the Improvers! Bit of a no womans land 🙄🙄 pfft