Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Exercise

Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

Original poster

C25K really works

493 replies

athingthateveryoneneeds · 13/01/2018 17:03

I finished week 7 day 1 today, and surprised myself by running for 25 minutes without stopping. I could have gone longer, too!

I'm not fast.

I haven't gone further than 3.6 km.

But my endurance has increased so much, even when I'm only managing to get out 1-2 times a week.

So for those of you just starting, or feeling like you've got that wall in week 5, keep going. You can do it!

I'm looking forward to managing a full 5 km one day, and I know I can do it because I've improved so much already.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
squiggletea · 13/01/2018 17:25

It’s great isn’t it. I’m on week 8 run 1. With warm up walks, I can do 5k in 35 minutes.

I also: feel stronger
feel ‘firmer’ (no noticeable weight loss, but that’s fine!)
Feel confident enough to say ‘I went for a run today ‘ and be seen in running tights

Smile
lorisparkle · 13/01/2018 17:41

I have only just started (week 3 day 1) so it is really reassuring. My problem is finding the time as I work 4 days and my ds have very busy evenings.

MidnightVelvetthe7th · 13/01/2018 17:46

I started in December, did week 1 & felt really positive then tried week 2 & discovered that actually I can't run for 90 seconds straight Grin Grin so did week 1 again. Managed to do one run of week 2, was elated then it snowed then it was Christmas!! So started again on week 1 last week.

But yes it will work, I'm not getting hung up on week numbers or finishing it within the allotted number of weeks :)

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 13/01/2018 18:14

But yes it will work, I'm not getting hung up on week numbers or finishing it within the allotted number of weeks

This is my attitude precisely.

I also need to pay more attention to see if I'm getting firmer. I have hit a plateau with weight loss recently but I noticed my jeans felt looser in the legs, and that was straight out of the tumble dryer. So that's good!

I was running 5k (slooowwwlly) before I got pregnant with ds, but the sickness knocked me flat. He's 12 months now so it's been a while.since I've been able to do it. But I will!

Keep going, squiggletea, lorisparkle, and MidnightVelvetthe7th. We can do this.

OP posts:
lorisparkle · 13/01/2018 18:28

I know what you mean about weight loss, I seem really stuck at the moment but have not got much to lose before I will be happy. Just can’t seem to shift those pounds. I also need to really firm up. My trousers are so tight after Christmas!

squiggletea · 13/01/2018 18:50

I started in September!! 2 children and work have stopped me getting out every week.
But I’ve done it at my pace and I’m still in it.

MidnightVelvetthe7th · 13/01/2018 18:55

And sorry to bore everyone further, but I must have gone on about it as for Christmas my DP bought me a voucher for a gait analysis & new pair of trainers, as the trainers I were using were about 5 years old! :)

I wore the new trainers Monday just gone when I started week 1 again, & my knee has hurt ever since! My running friend has said its just muscular & I haven't damaged it, its just getting used to running in new shoes so I'm wearing said posh trainers right now to get used to them, then starting week 1 on Monday (again) Grin

My mindset is that as long as I don't stop altogether, its fine having a delay.

Thanks athing :) xx

squiggletea · 13/01/2018 19:02

That took a long time to post!

Yes, we can do it!

Life does get in the way sometimes. There’s a week in the plan you can always go back to. And running is running.

Keep going!

Littlechocola · 13/01/2018 19:03

I’m on day one week 2 after doing week one over and over!
I’ve never run before but I’m enjoying it.
I’m confused though as my app doesn’t show distance. I just run/walk until it says stop but it doesn’t tell me how far I’ve gone.

SwimmingInTheBlueLagoon · 13/01/2018 20:06

little all couch to 5k are actually based on time and not actually distance. I believe 5km is the average distance people will be running by the end of the training and Couch to 5k sounds nicer and is catchier than saying minutes running.

Allsloppy · 13/01/2018 22:23

Couch to 5k does work if you stick at it. Never thought I could run but did it and loved it increasing to 5 miles but injury set me back. I have restarted from the beginning several times and enjoy the journey from thinking I can not do a minute to running 5k on a regular basis. My advice is no matter what small amount you may be running 1 minute to 30 minutes you are running. Grin be proud.

Littlechocola · 13/01/2018 22:33

Thank you swimming. I was confused!
Might get a distance app just because I like to see how far I’ve run.

squiggletea · 13/01/2018 23:43

Apps like Strava or mapmyrun are good for distance.

Littlechocola · 14/01/2018 05:47

I’ll have a look. Thank you

Leilaniiii · 14/01/2018 05:52

Oh, I can’t wait to start C25K again! I will be doing it on the treadmill though. Anyone else?

rocky4 · 14/01/2018 10:26

I am going to give it a bash too! I do Metafit twice a week and hoping to slot this is somewhere also.

I have just downloaded the app - can someone clarify for me, is it only 3 days a week you do of this? I see it says Week # Day 1, 2 & 3. Am I right to assume you can complete these 3 days anytime of the week?

squiggletea · 14/01/2018 11:41

The idea is to have a rest day between runs. If you really were starting from the couch, your muscles would need some rest to recover so avoid injuries.

I’m not sure how other exercises would fit into rest days. Listen to your body seems to be popular advice though.

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 14/01/2018 14:49

It's definitely aimed at people starting at the beginning, fitness wise. I don't manage running three days a week, due to time commitments etc, but I try to do some yoga or callanetics in between runs.

OP posts:
SwimmingInTheBlueLagoon · 14/01/2018 15:07

Squiggle I think the NHS recommends beginners do the NHS 'strength and flex' podcasts on 3 of the 'rest' days of C25K and then have 1 actual rest day.

BrassicaBabe · 14/01/2018 15:21

I'm enjoying it too! I'm scheduled to start week 7 tomorrow. It's not easy but doable. Ive already had a peak (just a peak) at a 5k to 10K app to see if that might be something to consider....

squiggletea · 14/01/2018 19:20

I’ll look for those Swimming.

Definitely want to keep going but not 5k to 10k. My main motivation was to do more in half an hour - it’s hard enough to find that time.

Any tips for programmes that increase speed in the half hour- preferably including warm up and warm down?

SwimmingInTheBlueLagoon · 14/01/2018 19:44

Squiggle I've not done them but NHS has podcasts for people who have completed c25k to improve speed and stamina.

www.nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Couch-to-5k-plus.aspx

SwimmingInTheBlueLagoon · 14/01/2018 19:53

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-and-flexibility/Pages/strength-and-flexibillity-podcasts.aspx

Strength & Flex to alternate C25K with. If you're reasonably active you can probably go straight to week 5 (also called maintenance level).

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 14/01/2018 19:56

It’s great isn’t it?

I started as a 50 y o novice a couple of years ago, having done nothing since leaving school, and am now training for a half marathon.

I ran 7.5 miles this morning. All from starting c25.

Pipsqueak11 · 14/01/2018 20:37

another thumbs up from me!
i have taken a long time to do it repeating many weeks but have now done it and regularly run between 4 and 5k but i am slow . i am trying to work out whether it is better to try and speed up but do th
e same distance or to try and run for further at the same pace .... either way i
cant believe i have done it . i am 54 years old and have never run before and am overweight as well so if i can do it anyone can !