Running after c25k

Regarding the winter clothes thing I always find (from previous running periods) I get quite warm quickly and thicker running clothes just mean I get sweaty and colder quicker when I finish. I have a thin light jacket I can tie around my waist and if it's really cold I take a lightweight hat and gloves that can be easily shoved in a pocket once I'm warmed up, and put on again at the end. I do live in the south of the UK though, so not all that cold usually!

Congratulations @airballoon 🥳! Well done, hope you have done something to mark the occasion. I remember reading about jeffing ages ago but literally no idea now. Whatever you decide to do you're more likely to stick with it if you're enjoying it.

I've been sticking to my 10k plan but I don't think I'm really enjoying it. I think I've been pressurising myself too much and taken the fun out of it. I ditched my normal run yesterday as I just couldn't face it (an enormous hill in the middle) and ran through central London and it was so much more fun and buzzy. I'm going to stick with the plan for now, but week 4 of the Nike 10k plan is a sudden shift up. If it's too miserable for me by the end of week l might ditch it/go back a couple of weeks and just give myself an out. Reading all the posts from last week has really helped and chimed in with something I saw on instagram too where a runner was criticising himself for 'only' running a 5k, and having the moment of clarity that 5k is a huge distance and something to be celebrated.

I entered a hilly 10k awhile ago, thinking by the end of October I'd be ready for that. I'm letting go of that expectation 😂

I have come down with what feels like a throat infection so no running for me. In this situation should I repeat the week I finished if I have to have a forced break?

Can I join? I need motivation! I dropped out of C25K as the audio was too jolly and yeeeha for me. I carried on running though and an on my 17th Parkrun.

I’m still run/ walking and need motivation to get out during the week and get my running intervals longer rather than just killing myself every Saturday.

I’m not judging it is just an observation but this morning I was out in my ugly leggings, ugly running jacket, big headphones, sweaty face and hair, and this woman comes around the corner in a lovely (expensive looking) matching tracksuit, with perfect straight hair, face full of make up, no sweat just walking swinging her hair around and I was like oh my god I looks such a state, do I need to glam up out here 😂

I do in the mornings and I can’t think of a time I have felt so energised… it’s so weird how it sets you up for the day? Really didn’t know why people were all out running at 7am but now I know! It’s also gorgeous out there this morning I saw a big rainbow!

I did join the gym tho for the treadmills when things are too wet outside

I’ve done couch 25k before and gave up after because I was only doing 3k - so I was annoyed at myself. This time I’m doing it with a friend and being far less ‘all or nothing’ about it. We’ve just finished week 5 so ran 20 mins straight yesterday which was great! It feels so much easier when I’m less hard on myself 😁
Our plan is to repeat week 9 forever for maintenance and then gradually add on an extra K etc to get up to 10k. Weekly park run too. Here for more ideas!

This is exactly how I feel..still after 18 months of running. I still find it incredible that my body can run. I always thought of myself as ‘not a runner’ and to see myself do it and enjoy it is such a buzz.
I’m not fast and I’m not competitive but I run at a pace that suits me and I love it.

I also am feeling quite energised with a new challenge and enjoying pushing myself. I’m only in the early stages but it does give you a great sense of achievement!

I am running the C25K in my MAF heart rate zone to build stamina over time so I accept I will be slow, but this reduces your risk of injury as you aren’t going too fast. And I’m ok with that!

I am in the SE and I get the £7 fleece lined leggings from primark

Last year I got a few things off eBay for winter. Actually got a SW thermal running top pretty cheap. I also bought a new but cheap pair of under armour thermal leggings. It depends where you live but here in Scotland I only needed to wear them a couple of times. I was glad I had them but wouldn’t purchase anymore than 1 of each. I also got some gortex running shoes. Again I’ve only really used them a couple of times when it was icy. I’m glad I have them but they only get used occasionally.

You need a mouth buff for the winter with the cold air. Helps get your breathing back without lung burn. Also good as a neck warmer.

I did my week 2 today. I’m finding it ok going but not sure about winter as I am not a gym member

Hi all I am new to C25K.

I started it as I just can’t improve my walking pace anymore no matter what I try, so the options were weighted vests walks or running.

I have been fast paced daily walking consistently for nearly 2 years so I am hoping I am always fairly fit and it won’t be too bad.. I did my first 2 x c25k runs and didn’t find them to be too bad so far in terms of managing my breathing. I love being outside and I already have the whole kit for the walking so hope it’s going to work out and I can do a 5k in a few months

I join a cheap, pay-as-you-go gym in the wintertime and do treadmill runs. Not quite the same as being outside but it's warmer, and is especially invaluable when it is icy outside.

Can I join you please? I finished C25K just over a month ago and have carried on running 3 times a week. I did my first parkrun last weekend and plan to go again tomorrow. I’m a bit unsure what I will do during the winter months as the only time I can run during the week is in the evenings after work, I run in a local park but it will soon be too dark to do that in the evening.

Hope you're feeling better @airballoon and have made it out. It can be so frustrating when you're on a roll with it then illness or injury gets in the way. Some times you just need to rest though!

I ran a 5k yesterday and struggled a bit more than I'd hoped with it though it was such a lovely morning; blue skies but cool and crisp. I really love autumn days like that. I ran through a park I hadn't been in years, more of a nature reserve and it's gone quite wild. It was nice to feel out in the wild while being in a very suburban area, I'll definitely run that way again.

I started the C25k last year then ran a half in May and have a 10k coming up next month. I’ve been using runna which I love as keeps me motivated and on track. It also has runner specific strength training which if you’re not a regular gym goer would be really helpful.

i definitely find outside much easier than the treadmill. I think my brain needs the stimulation which helps with the running. Was on holiday last week and had to use a treadmill due to heat and I found it mentally very tough.

i love running which in itself is amazing and it’s something I thought I could never ever do. I’m not fast but I don’t care. I still get a buzz of amazement that my body can run as far as it can. I find running also fabulous for my MH.

'It would be amazing if you could do the marathon this April. Isn’t running a procedural memory skill, like riding a bike? Hopefully, getting back in shape will be a bit easier than doing it all for the first time. Listening to your body sounds like a great plan. I hope the children have settled back into their school routine nicely and that everyone is getting more sleep than before.'

Goodness, sorry, I don't have a concise thought in me this morning! I think you're right @airballoon, definitely seems like a level of muscle memory going on and sometimes it helps as it all feels doable and familiar and I have a belief I can do it, as I already have. Other times it's a stick to beat myself with: I can remember how it felt to run fluidly and I'm just going so painfully slow! Ha, it's a balance...

Sleep is better in patches, thank you. The children are generally better (though the youngest is having some ups and downs with starting reception), the cat is taking some breaks in her evil night time schemes and I'm trying to prioritise getting to bed earlier. I've had quite a few runs recently where I've been so keen to go, and got 5 minutes in and just felt completely empty and realised that I'm basically exhausted. Sleep and stretching need to be my top priorities or the running won't get any better.

Hope you've all adapted back into school time routines and not missing the summer too much.