Couch to 5k - anyone on week 3?

[AlexaShutUp]

Hello all, just wondering if there are any fellow C25kers at about the same stage as me in the process, who would appreciate some mutual encouragement?

I've completed the second run of week 3. Found it very hard but manageable - I'm very out of shape. Last run of week 3 tomorrow and I'm already feeling anxious about the significant step up next week.

Anyone else on week 3 as well? I could use a buddy. Any positive stories from others who have gone past this stage would be good - especially from those who started the programme when they were very unfit/overweight. The last time I tried to do c25k I gave up at the start of week 3 because it felt too overwhelming, but this time, I'm determined to push on through.

Any tips/encouragement/company welcome!

Yay! Well done @EsmeShelby! That particular run is such an achievement. Congratulations!

Oh fab! Well done Esme, I felt amazing after that one. It’s amazing how you really can do it.

Start of week 7 tomorrow for me! I’m quite nervous again.

No need to be nervous about W7 @CarlottaValdez - it's 25 mins for each run, which you've already done on W6 R3. You actually know that you can do this already!

I'm quite far behind everyone. Just about to start W4. I've not yet made it past W4 during the other attempts at C25k. I think I'm terrified of the 20 mins run at the end of week 5. I added a 4 minute and 5 minute run onto last weeks run and found it really hard so I'm quite worried about this week.

Had a great run this morning! Got to the end of 25 minutes feeling quite good.

Kirinm- honestly just don’t worry too much and trust the programme. I repeated some early weeks but never added extra time to any runs. I did week 5 run 2 (the 8 minutes) feeling like I didn’t really have any more to give. I decided to give the 20 mins a go anyway on the basis that even if I did 12 minutes or something that was more than I’d ever done before. Then like magic I just did it! I felt so great. Just take it slowly and try to stay calm - personally I found the first half harder than the second, the problem with intervals is that you never really get the chance to find your rhythm whereas 20 minutes you really can.

Sorry for the essay! As you can see I’m a bit evangelical about it!

Sounds like you had a great run @CarlottaValdez

I did week 8 run 3 this morning, felt really good. Managed a big hill that I’ve avoided so far and got my best pace....still really slow but it’s improving slowly. Can’t believe I’m into the last week of the programme now. Would never have believed I could do it. I’m feeling the benefits all over, I’ve lost 11lb since I started, my knees don’t hurt like they used to and I feel so much better.

@kirinm do trust the program it works. I used to add a bit of time on if I felt up to it to prepare me for bigger runs. I’ve started to take the first 5 minutes of each run really really slowly and then increase my speed as I feel more comfortable. This has made my last few runs much better. If I find I’m struggling I just slow down and go super slow whilst I get my breathing back on track. Keep going, you’ve got a this 💪🏻

Well done @CarlottaValdez .

@kirinm keep being positive and trust in the programme. We all felt about w5r3 like you do now, and none of us thought we could do it but we all somehow did. Just keep going. Maybe sort out a forgiving route for the first time you run 20 mins, and the first time I tackled a big run I went first thing in the morning when I felt fresh. Trust me you will do it.

@AlexaShutUp I've just done w8 r 1 I did a new route which was challenging because I didn't have my usual milestones. but good for me I think. How about you?

Wek 6 run1. I went a bit too fast and it was really hard at the end.

Week 4, run 1 done. My legs felt like dead weights. I'm due on today / tomorrow so I'm guessing that's why?

I've been on one of the other threads but joining here to say I've just done W4R1.

I managed to misjudge my route and ended up with some steeper uphills for the longer runs. Admittedly I should just suck it up as I guess it's what running is all about but it definitely made this run few harder than last week!

Inspired by all the week 7&8 runners - really hoping I get there!

@teaandbiscuitsforme

I've been on one of the other threads but joining here to say I've just done W4R1.

I managed to misjudge my route and ended up with some steeper uphills for the longer runs. Admittedly I should just suck it up as I guess it's what running is all about but it definitely made this run few harder than last week!

Inspired by all the week 7&8 runners - really hoping I get there!

Well done! We are at the same stage. I struggled with today. Still can't get Week 5R3 out of my mind!

Due to do w4r2 tomorrow, finding it ok still but have come down with mystery sore throat so will probably leave it til Thursday. I used to do a bit of (slow) triathlons so a good bit fitter than I am now and sometimes I just want to stop running for no reason! I can’t imagine going g non stop for 30mins- am worried the intervals have trained my brain to expect a rest, even though I know I have done it before( pre baby)

I'm trying not to think about the longer runs too much. Running for 5 mins seemed impossible a couple of weeks ago, now I want to get the 8 min one done before worrying to much about the 20mins. Although I am worried about it!

I've done c25k twice before and managed the 20 and 25 min runs but I've never got as far as the 30 min runs. Really determined this time but it seems a long way off!

Uachtar I can't even imagine doing a triathlon - wow! I'm sure you'll manage the runs no problem once you're back into the swing of it all.

Just trying to muster up the enthusiasm for a rainy run this morning!

@CarlottaValdez I'm with you. I'm due to do w8r2 today but it's windy and rainy. I wear glasses so struggle with the rain in particular.
I need to keep with my timetable or I worry I will start to allow myself excuses to miss other days.

I’ve just been out to do week 9 run 1. Can’t believe I actually managed to run for 30 minutes! Thankfully it only started raining here in the last few minutes of my run so it was quite welcome by that point.
Good luck to those running today.

I wear glasses too wizzler anf did not fancy it today. I forced myself out the door though and it was fine!

I’m now doing a 5k in 42 minutes. So that’s the 5 min walk, 25 min run, 5 min cool down then walk the rest of the distance. My first goal is to be able to run for 30 minutes then to be able to run for however long it’ll take me run the whole 5k.

I can’t believe how far I’ve come in a few weeks!

I'm back from w8r2. It wasn't great weather but I was bloody brilliant at running with the wind behind me!. Feel better for doing it and glad to still be on track.

Well done! I’m week 8 next week although I’m thinking I might repeat 7 before moving on

Congrats esme and walking you are both doing so well.

I managed W6 runs 1&2 and have run 3 tomorrow. I am a bit sad that I've got no more interval runs to be honest but oh well!

I need to find some more interesting places to run to as well. Round and round the local park is getting a bit dull.

I’m on week 5 and I am really really struggling with it. I am actually on my second week of week 5 because I found it so difficult I didn’t think I could do week 6 straight away. I can do the 3 min fine, but the first 5 min run absolutely wipes me out, even if I go really slowly and I always have to stop and walk for 30 seconds halfway through. The next 3 min run is also a real struggle.

I’m finding my legs just really heavy and aching and struggling for breath. It makes me feel shit as I used to easily be able to do 5k a few years ago!

My C25K experience - at about mid Week 4 we had to self isolate. I discovered FIIT (free with sky) and started doing 25 mins exercise classes every day at entry level. When I was able to run again I found it sooooo much easier. So I carried on doing a 25 min strength class every day between runs. It has made the most amazing difference and still does now I’ve graduated. I feel like superwoman!