C25K, or continue as I am?

[MrsRexVandeKamp]

I wanted to start running ages ago but got too impatient doing C25K and instead did my own weird version of it - run for as long as I could, walk a bit, run a bit etc. I started doing parkruns and I've settled into using this style/approach... but it's now been quite a long time. My 5k run time is getting really good (around 30 mins, so good for me!), but I still don't have the stamina to run for any length of time.

Should I continue as I am, and eventually the stamina will come, or should I go back to doing a C25K to build it up? The method is obviously tried and tested, so I don't know why I thought better

Any advice from the resident run experts?

This post obviously had tumbleweed running over it, but thought I'd revive it and update in case anyone was interested!

(TLDR: I started it, it's the best thing ever!)

I decided to give C25K a go, and started initially with a week 3/1 run - that was a little too easygoing, so for my next run I jumped to week 4/1. Since then, I've ran every other day, sticking faithfully to the plan and today I had a little weep as I finished the big milestone of week 5/3. A full 20 minute run.

This is an incredible feeling for me, as in the past I've managed 4 minutes, maybe 4.5 minutes on a great day. Probably like many C25K-ers, I can't believe I didn't do this before. I'll obviously keep going now, and can't wait to run a full 30minutes!

If you managing 5k in 30 minutes you going well.

If that's run and walk then your walk is v fast? !!

Just keep going. Make one run a week the onee you go for longer but slower ...add a minute or two each time.

There are also c25kplus podcasts on nhs

ha, yes it was super quick for run/walk, but I think I was just focused on the wrong thing - getting a quick time instead of building up my stamina and running the whole thing.

I know that when I do go back to a 5k, or parkrun, my time will be significantly slower but it will mean that much more because I'll be able to run the full route.

It s never "wrong" If you covered 5k in 30 minutes
you way faster than me. Who cares if you ran or walked?
But yeh to run for longer build up like on c25k programme. I can run for more than 30 minutes now go out for 45 minutes usually or more.... and did 10k last year in just under 90 minutes . With couple walking breaks.
.but a parkrun best for me is 37 to 38 minutes. (Probsbly older than you!)