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Original poster

A question for all you who have managed C25K....

22 replies

orangina · 25/04/2013 16:16

Hi there....

Am doing c25k and feeling really good about it, as I could not run AT ALL when I started.... have just done week 5 run 2 which involved me running for 8 minutes, then a 5 minute walk, then another 8 minute run. Did it, feel great, etc.

But I started listening to week 5 run 3 on my way home from the park, and apparently I'm going to have to run non stop for 20 minutes next.....

AURGH! Too much too soon! Am in a panic about it!

Anyone have any words of wisdom? I don't want to fail, as I have managed quite well so far.....

Thank you!

OP posts:

HeySoulSister · 25/04/2013 16:19

yes,its a biggie!!

but you can do it....the interval training so far has taught your body,so go withit....push a little and I promise you afterwards you will feel amazing!!

and very soon 20 mins becomes easy

Nicolaeus · 25/04/2013 16:31

Whats C25k?

Can you do it even if you're crap at running?

I used to be very fit pre DC but have never managed running (swam and did martial arts). Now I dont have the time for classes but maybe running is the most convenient thing?

Is it really hard? < wibble >

newgirl · 25/04/2013 16:34

Go slowly - seriously - if you feel like you want to stop slow right down but keep running.

You can build up your speed another time - the key is to keep going

HeySoulSister · 25/04/2013 16:37

nico its perfect for you....a beginners running programme...you walk/run for a minute and build up. download an app and off you go,in 8-9 weeks you will be running for 30 mins non stop! promise

EauRouge · 25/04/2013 16:53

It is psychological. Physically you are completely ready having done all the runs leading up to W5R3. You just have to set out and believe you can do it! Remember, the first 5-10 mins are often the worst so don't feel disheartened if you struggle in the first half. You'll find your stride and once you're past half way then you'll be able to finish.

Make sure you're fuelled, hydrated and rested before you go and enjoy yourself!

Nicolaeus, I wasn't inclined to run at all 6 months ago, I only started running because it was more convenient and cheaper than doing an exercise class. I never thought I'd enjoy it or be a 'proper' runner but I am! Have a look at the NHS C25K site here and see what you think.

overmydeadbody · 25/04/2013 18:01

Yep I agree, it is all psychological!

I did the C25 programme, and now run regularly, and am 9 weeks into training to run a sub 55 minute 10k! Every week I look at the training plan and think "I'm never going to be able to do that!" and every week I push through, force myself to keep on running at a really fast pace even though I want to slow daow, and every week I survive (and collapse after each run!)

Your body can do a lot more than your brain tells it you can do!

It's always the first ten minutes that are the hardest.

newbeliever · 25/04/2013 18:33

I did it on Tuesday, doing w6r1 tonight! I felt exactly the same as you, I really couldn't understand how I was going to suddenly be able to run 20mins when I had only just managed 8 mins, but I did it! I found the first 10mins comfortable, started to get a bit hot during the next 5mins, got a bit of a stitch round the 15min mark, so slowed right down and it disappeared after a minute or so. I really had to talk myself to keep going and I still can't believe i did it, especially when I think about how far I ran without stopping! Just trust Laura and don't start off too quickly, you will be fine! I'm back to intervals tonight.

CarolBornAMan · 25/04/2013 21:51

Funny - I am at same place and had same reaction - just came home and said to family this can not be done! great to read all these responses - feel more hopeful now !

Original poster

orangina · 25/04/2013 22:49

thank you all for your responses..... I was wondering whether to be a weed and do run 2 again this weekend, but perhaps I ought to just push on through and go for it?

I really CANNOT beleive I will get through a full 20 minutes. I run like a shuffling old lady as it is..... (6 yo ds asked me yesterday if I ran as fast as Usain Bolt.... hahaha! )

OP posts:

bollockstoit · 26/04/2013 00:52

Just think how good you'll feel when you've done it! I'm doing 25 minutes tomorrow and can't wait!

EauRouge · 26/04/2013 07:38

Why not just try it and see how you do? There's no shame if it takes you a couple of goes. It's up to you, you can repeat a day or week if you feel you need to but you'll never know if you don't try

zaphod · 26/04/2013 07:43

That was my reaction too. But I gave it a go, and managed it. It was on my birthday last year, and the good feeling it gave me stayed all day because I finally felt I was a 'runner'. Good luck, you'll be fine, just keep going.

Chrysanthemum5 · 26/04/2013 07:43

I found the first five minutes hard but then I got in to a rhythm. Have some good music to listen to, and hopefully it will be sunny which will make it feel lovely to be outside getting fit! Good luck and enjoy it

bollockstoit · 26/04/2013 07:47

Also just to add, if you can't do the 20 minutes, just slow down a bit and you'll be able to

Nicolaeus · 26/04/2013 08:25

Thanks for the link it looks very interesting

5madthings · 26/04/2013 08:31

I have finished couch to 5k am.now training to do a 10k run in may. I started running in feb and rember thinking i couldnt do wk5 run 3, but its totally mind over matter and you can do it!!

From.not rumning ever when i started o am.now running 7-8km three times a week and did a local parkrun last weekend.

Its quite amazing how the couchto5k prog builds you up, i could hardly run to the end of my road when i started and can now run for 40-50mins :)

You will do it, think positive

dementedma · 27/04/2013 18:50

I think everyone feels the same, it is such a big jump. But, have done the C25K several times and you CAN do it. Once you get into your rhythm you just keep going. Slowly.

Original poster

orangina · 28/04/2013 19:03

I did it! Flt ridiculously proud of myself! And what was funny was when I got to the end of my 20 minutes, I felt as though I could have just kept going.......

OP posts:

Original poster

orangina · 28/04/2013 19:04

Thank you for all your support.... Am really looking forward to the next run now. Have signed up for 10k this July, so need to keep going at it.....

OP posts:

5madthings · 28/04/2013 19:07

Yay well done orange and thats so true about feeling like you can just keep going. I always find the first bit of a run the hardest but once i get going its fine, i started couchto5k in feb, now training for 10k and did 8km today :)

Never in a million years did i think i coukd run for 40-50mins + .

EauRouge · 28/04/2013 19:08

Isn't it a great feeling? Well done, enjoy the feeling of achievement. You'll be graduating in no time

WhyIRayLiotta · 28/04/2013 19:15

Well done! That's fantastic. I've just started C25K. Hope I can stick with it.

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