Running after c25k

'My understanding is that strength exercises alongside running can really help.Is anyone here doing them?'

I know I should be @airballoon but I'm not. When I started I was full of good intentions and did some mobility and strength exercises but it only lasted a week or so. This last week I did some extended length stretching sessions and it's really helped so feel more inspired to expand this. I don't really know what to do though, I've looked at a couple of videos but they all seemed too long for the amount of time I have. Does anyone have a good routine they do? And how much are you doing?

Oh definitely @MamaBanana12 ! Well done for getting started and hope your week has gone well? It feels such a lot when you start doesn't it? I tried a couple of times to start and always failed because I skipped ahead or over thought it. This time has been much more successful as I just did it, if that makes sense. Just did each run as required and didn't worry too much when it went off piste over the summer holidays. Just picked myself up and kept going. It does work, even when it feels like there are jumps.

It's helpful I've just written that as I've realised I've been over thinking and second guessing the 10k plan I've started. I think I should take my own advice and trust the process!

Treadmill vs road I don't know! I imagine the treadmill is kinder on the joints than tarmac but I need the variety of outside to keep myself going. Having said that I've seen there are virtual runs you can do where you're on a treadmill but a screen shows you running through Tokyo etc. Perhaps something to think about if you need a change at some point? Getting good running trainers is also important if you haven't.

Can I join! I’ve just started c25k, I’ve lost 4.5 stone and finally at a healthy weight, I’ve always wanted to run but never been able to.
im only on week 1 but ive done 2 runs and im enjoying it i just can’t believe it can really work??

i have rheumatoid arthritis so conscious i don’t want to cause issues in my already pathetic joints - im currently using a treadmill but is outside easier?

Thank you for starting another thread @airballoon and well done for sticking with it and getting the momentum going again.

I completed C25k last week and rounded it off with a parkrun. It was my first in over 8 years (about 15 years ago in my late 20s I ran alot including 1 marathon and several half marathons but it all fizzled out after a succession of minor injuries and life stuff) and although I struggled more than I hoped I'm so pleased I threw myself in. I couldn't believe the amount of people there, and it was one I had done in my previous running life and went back and compared the stats. The first time I did this particular parkrun it had 117 finishers, last week it had over 600. Amazing! Felt really busy but meant there were lots of walkers and slower people so the pressure was really off and you could find your own pace. There is a family schedule conflict but I'm going to try and do one a month and get a little faster.

I've thrown myself into a nike 10k training plan, and I'm having some niggles with it but I think that's my own fault for not spending enough time playing with it before getting going. Mid run is not a great time to try and adjust something you've never looked at!

I'm loosely heading towards an April marathon, by which I mean I've entered an April marathon but I realise that is borderline madness to go from completely unfit to marathon in 10 months or so. Completing C25k was the first step and I'm going to keep heading towards the marathon target but whilst listening to body. If it's too much I'll step it down to a half marathon and still feel very proud of myself.

Thanks for the encouragement guys 🤩 I will try as I’ve just signed up for next years great north run so need to make a plan of action eek!!

I completed c25k 4 years ago and have kept running since. So I’m in a different place and can now run fairly far and fairly fast. I just wanted to say, don’t let the fear of what others will think stop you from doing park run! It’s good fun and no one cares what time you get. When I see newer runners getting out and doing it, even if they’re finding it tough, I’m pleased for them!

no one will judge and it’s quite a satisfying way to see your times improve.

I just completed week 9 day 1 running for 30 mins. Couldn't run for 2 mins when I started so im delighted. 2 more days left

I just ran a bit further every week.. I haven’t got past 10k as yet and need to get back to it cause the impact on my well being is stark!! I’m so surprised how much better I feel for it and I never thought I’d run anywhere ever this time last year!

I haven’t been brave enough to do a park run yet as I live in a small town and it’s so popular I hate the thought of people I know seeing me huff and puff 😮‍💨 I’m not quick! I need to work on overcoming that though I think…

I completed Couch to 5k a few weeks ago and have started going to Parkrun to try to improve my time. Everyone at Parkrun is very friendly and some people walk it. I am very slow but really enjoy it.

Completed couch to 5k in April and have kept running… it took me a lot to venture outside the gym as did the c25k on the treadmill but it’s so much better outside!

I can now do a 10k without stopping or could at least… I haven’t been running regularly the last couple of weeks as life has been busy and I can really feel the difference… need to get back on game asap!

good luck and keep smashing it 😎