Couch2 5k - skipping runs

[lechatnoir]

I'm on week 2 of Couch 2 5k after losing my running mojo this past year. I needed a hand getting back into the routine without going head first into half hour runs and injuring myself. It's going well & I'm definitely not ready to run a full 5km but am finding it a bit frustrating doing such short runs and would like to progress a bit faster.
Am I better off just skipping an entire week or 2 or would I be better sticking with the gradual progression but dropping the 3rd run each week and moving on to the following week sooner (so still 3 runs) therefore completing the program in 6 weeks rather than 8.

I always start on week 3 if I have abandoned running for a few months or years!

I used to start at week 3.

But sometimes I'd repeat weeks.

Yes I think missing weeks 1 & 2 makes more sense - done one already this week so will go straight into run 2 week 3 moving up to 3 min runs which is still comfortable but at least feels like there's a bit more running than walking! I'm not averse to repeating weeks later on when it gets tougher & purposefully going VERY slowly whilst I build back strength. I hadn't realised how much lack of exercise affected my mood until I started back and determined to have running in my arsenal again🏃
Thanks all.

I've done "fast track" C25k after running breaks and just done each run type once.

If you've had a good base of running and it's just picking back up after a break, then you're in a stronger position than a true beginner.

If it gets tricky, then pick back the repeats back up. There's no particular benefit to repeating runs that are eccessively easy.

The only thing I would be careful about is rebuilding the bone and tendon resilience needed for running. This takes a month or two to build up so C25k is well designed to give you that time. It's hard to know how much of that resilience you might have lost but while you should be able to skip a few runs to build up more quickly, I would be very vigilant for any niggles and prepared to back off a bit at the first sign you're pushing too hard. I'd also suggest getting some strength work in to complement your running.