c25k - I did it, and not giving myself credit, anyone willing to encourage me?

This is such a great thread. That is wonderful OP, I'm smiling reading this. Well done. You should feel very very proud. You did it!!

Yayyy. Go you!

I think C25k is a catchy name but it can confuse. Being able to run for 30 mins ticks the NHS cardio box I guess - and 45 even better! You will get faster as you run more, but I have found if I try to run faster too soon it just puts me off going out. I'm getting stuck back in after winter, covid, colds etc, and just going to run slowly until that feels easy then think about building pace a bit.

WELL DONE!! 👋

My parkrun pb when I was much fitter than now was a few seconds over 30 minutes.
I'm currently doing parkrun in 43-45 minutes and although I feel slow at times I'm grateful that I can actually still run.

If you feel nervous about starting parkrun I recommend volunteering first. You'll see the huge range of runners of all shapes, sizes, speeds and the look of accomplishment from
Every runner as they cross that finish line.

That's bloody amazing! I'm fairly slim,no health issues,the same age as you and I couldn't run for more than 30 seconds without going scarlet and wheezing like a steam train. I hate all forms of exercise and always have, especially running,but you have made me consider giving it a go.
A huge well done from me!

I dunno if this helps but I'll offer it and well done - I have a code for 2 free months of the peloton app (cancel before 60 days)
There's running and run walk programmes on there with instructors and music if you wanted to try it I can give you the code
Treadmill programmes and also outdoors with audio

Amazing! I did c25k two years ago and I have never actually run 5k. I still run 2-3 times a week but only ever do 4k in the time I have available. Sometimes it’s really hard and I have to walk a bit. But it’s the keeping on going that makes a difference long term. Be impressed with yourself!

@vivariumvivariumsvivaria @D0lphine if you do decide to do parkrun , just make sure any runners register beforehand and then print off the barcode to take with you. You won’t need it until you’ve finished though so no need to clutch it in your sweaty hand all the way round.! If you arrive 15-20 minutes before the start then they’ll be a first timer’s briefing.

A virtual medal is where you do your own run (distances vary), in your own time and then send a screenshot of the run details to the organiser as proof you’ve done it and they send you a medal. Most virtual runs cost £10-£20 . If you don’t have a running watch with app to record your run, just download Strava and use that.

@D0lphine why not give your local parkrun a try ..honestly you won’t regret it . If you have any questions feel free to pm me !

Sorry, I see you've already decided to do parkrun. Please report back.

Well done OP. YOU DID IT!
I now challenge you to do a parkrun.
Trust me when I say you will receive nothing but support.
Running outside will make you less purple (maybe a delicate lilac?) and unless it's a scorcher you are less likely to get so sweaty. And you'll get the well-being benefit of exercising outside with others.
nb there's nothing wrong with being purple and sweaty but it sounds like you'd rather not be.

I wish I went purple - it's my favourite colour! I go bright red instead! It does fade after a while though! Running for 45 minutes is great - I've been running on and off for years and have only recently been managing 5k in under 30 minutes, I wouldn't worry about speed at first ot comes with practice.

Oo what are these?

You could look at virtual challenges next too? The Conquerer ones always look really fun, running route 66 or the Inca trail or whatever.

You are fucking amazing op!! This made me smile so wide. You did it. And it will get easier. I started it over two years ago and I remember feeling the same. I used to only get to 4k in 30 mins. But I can do the 5k now in just less than 30. The best thing you can do to improve your fitness and your speed, is instead of aiming to do 5k or 30 mins each time (and always have a day off in between runs this is important) just run for 20 mins, but faster than you normally would. Don't do any longer, stick to the 20 mins. For a few weeks. Each time try to run at your fastest comfortable pace. Then try a steady run for 30 mins. You should notice that your base speed is a lot faster than it was.

TBH, as long as you don't trip anyone up, you'd probably get away with cartwheels anyway 😂
Parkrun tends to be fond of celebrations and things like fancy dress events (very optional!)

I like the medal suggestion.
When DS was 5, we did a parkrun in January in cold 3⁰C drizzle in about 55mins of bursts of running and much slow plodding. I forgot his barcode and they wouldn't accept his written A number 🤦‍♀️So I ordered him a 5k medal to recognise the effort as he was on about his 4th run and it was a lot of work he put in to it.

Gosh scared!

Well done. It’s a great achievement and you’ll keep getting better. Be proud. Massive well done from me.

Well done op👏 I finished c25k on a treadmill few months ago and last week decided to start c25k again running outside, I struggled so much and found a treadmill easier. But we all have to start somewhere and progress. I had to get proper running shoes and pants where I can have my phone and it doesnt disturb me. I planning to run early morning, at least twice a week, the other days I do a skipping rope.

Well done op! It is a huge achievement.

I never got on with c25k. Instead, the advice that worked for me was to map out a 5km loop from your front door and back. Then run it without stopping, even if your ‘run’ slows to an absolute crawl. If it takes an hour, it takes an hour. The next time you run the same loop, aim to do it a tiny bit faster.

it doesn’t matter that some people run faster. The majority of women I know who have been running a while, are absolutely thrilled to complete 5k in 35mins.

@D0lphine you definitely won’t make a tit of yourself, go along, take the plunge - its a run, not a race and you’ll see lots of slow runners or run walkers ! 9am on a Saturday and feel invincible for the rest of the day.

I feel like I might make a bit of a tit of myself.... are there slow coaches who go?

Unless you plan on cartwheeling it, you won't make a tit of yourself. People sprint, people run, people jog and people potter along. 45-50 minutes wouldn't be considered remarkable.

Everyone is there to run 5k, noone is going to think it's weird you're there too.

Definitely well done, OP!!

I am not overweight but I am purple and slow - I have managed 4K in 35 minutes so far. IF I can manage 5k I think it would be around 45 mins, possibly just under.

I have done C25K so many times previously and been faster than I am now but I’m using the Nike Running Club plan instead to switch things up.

If you are looking to run outside , try your local running club. Mine is super friendly and inclusive and always had a trail runner so no one gets left behind.

I fancy doing park run but I am fat and slow and sweaty and purple.

I feel like I might make a bit of a tit of myself.... are there slow coaches who go?