Scheduling runs

[Enderunicorn]

I've recently started running again, two weeks in to a zombie version of couch to 5k.
Is it massively disadvantageous to run two days in a row?
It's a massive struggle to find any time when the kids aren't with me except on Saturday and Sunday. I'm already leaving for work at 5am and honestly it doesn't feel 100% safe running at 4am in the dark at the moment and the other option would be 9pm which also feels less than ideal even trying to stick to the roads and avoid the woods.
I know I will still have to somehow get out there in the dark for a third run midweek but better than twice.

What about during your dinner break at work? Take a little longer. What about combining it with your commute? Eg park up 5km from work. Have a change of clothes etc at work which you leave the day before.

Do you have a partner? Why can't you get out for 30 mins once they are back from work?

You just need to be a bit creative and plan plan PLAN. Two days back to back and nothing for five days really isn't ideal as a newbie or seasoned exerciser.

Thanks @platypuspart
Commute is 2+ hours by car into London unfortunately, some of it with the kids in the car and I have to really rush to get back to pick them up so couldn't really park far away. Husband isn't home from work until 9pm and kids are too little to leave sleeping in the evening (youngest is 3). I know I'll have to go out at 9 one day a week to get my 3 runs in but like I said it doesn't feel incredibly safe and I'd rather only do it once a week.
I can't really leave the building at lunch, I guess I could run up and down the stairs for 20min but it's not quite the same.

Ideally you'd have a day rest in between runs but in your situation I'd just do your two runs at the weekend. That's better than not running at all. Couch to 5k isn't really that strenuous so I think you'll be fine. Just make sure you do your warm up and cool down etc.

Have you considered getting a treadmill though? Not quite the same as getting out and running but a good option when you cant.

I've had a look but could only fit in a foldup one and haven't seen a cheap one with good reviews. It would be nice for dark winter mornings!

Running in the winter is harder because of the nights drawing in earlier, nevermind the weather, but I find this is the point I have to really push myself to get out or it won't happen at all.

You've got a really busy weekday schedule so I see why it's tough - but I would recommend investing in some good lights, maybe a head torch and one on your body too, a high Vis vest, working out a safe fairly well-lit route and going forth into the night at least once a week.

I did C25k late at night after baby's feeds. I'm in a quiet, decently lit suburb which I've always been happy walking around in at night. I wear bright colours and use a chest torch for visibility and consistency of light.

Back to back days isn't ideal in the early stages of as it does get tiring. Generally runners would do one of the sessions easier than the other which is awkward when you're learning and typically have one pace.
I'd suggest doing a Saturday run in the morning and Sunday run in the evening to get as many hours of rest in as possible in between. Don't be put off if the Sunday run feels tough. Some runs feel tough anyway even without a limited recovery period.

If no running can be fitted in mid-week, I'd suggest doing a mid-week aerobic workout. Even a 20 min walking workout like Fit with Rick would help plug the gap between runs and boost fitness.

Your weeks sound very tough....I'd either do as pp suggest and run early Sat am and late afternoon Sun pm, or not do C25k for now and do (say) a run every Sat am (could be park run, walk/run it at first and enjoy the atmosphere), and then on Sunday either a brisk 1 hr walk in gym kit and trainers, no bag, up hills if you have them, or a cardio based exercise video (combat or something), and then do one of them in the week if you can too (they should be easier to timetable as you don't leave the house and HIT ones can be very short but still effective). You won't build up as fast but staying injury free is important and I have found brisk walking in kit is a really good way to support running and fitness generally without the impact, and less chance of slipping in wet leaves in the dark too.