Is there any point going running just once a week?

[jamaisjedors]

Started the couch to 5k programme last week, managed a run on Sunday morning but haven't managed to fit one in at all this week.

I just can't see when I could do it.

I work full-time (although am occasionally home early but then have the children).

I think once it's lighter I could go for a quick run around 5 or 6pm once DH's home.

But for the moment I think it's just going to be Sundays, with a Thursday night gym class to top up!

Is there any point in doing this or should I just leave it a bit? (am a bit of an all or nothing person!)

Any exercise is better than none so yes, once a week is better than not at all. can you not run at 5/6pm now just with some flurescent clothing on?

oh yes. I hardly ever get chance to run but even 20 mins round the park a few times a month is bliss. Rosy cheeks, fresh air, stretches out the legs, time to think etc. As long as you're fit and pace yourself I say go for it.

You need to be doing at least 3 times a week TBH.

Wear a reflective jacket (£11.99 in JJB) and get out there - rain or not.

I guess if once a week is what you can manage that is the 'all' of 'all or nothing' for you. Otherwise it will be nothing. It is better than nothing - definitely. I am planning to do the same - still in the planning phase. You've already inspired me to get going.

I used to go to a gym for one hour a week and over 6 months lost a stone and toned up noticeably. Imagine what I could have done with two hours a week!

How do you get to work? Can you fit some running into your journey? Or at lunchtimes? Or get up earlier - not that I would but you might be more disciplined.

You are doing your heart good, not to mention so much more, right from the start - so don't give up. There will never be a perfect time so perfect the time you have. Hmm, I'm off to compose a fortune cookie. Good luck.

it depends what jamaisjedors is trying to achieve though doesn't it lunar before we can say it must be three times a week?
Yes, if it's for weightloss or for health related fitness we could argue the case for 3 times a week but if it's for some 'me' time, or to enjoy the fresh air or even just for pleasure then once is better than not at all.

Keep on with it jamais. One run and one class will set you in good stead for the lighter nights when you can hopefully get out more.

I don't know how folk who work full time manage to exercise, it's hard fitting it in.

You're going to burn off calories running once a week compared to not running at all. Ok you might not reach a level of fitness that you would do by running more often but if you're doing a gym class and a run once a week, it will keep things going and then when summer comes or when you have more time to run, it is a good foundation to build on.

Sorry, I mis-read the OP I thought the OP was aiming at a 5k race.

Obv any running is better than no running.

Thanks all (went to bed after posting!!).

I don't really need to lose weight, just would like to tone up a little and do more exercise for my general well-being.

I did feel good for having done it last week (but my legs ached the next day!).

At the moment either I or DH are finishing at 6ish so it's really too late and it's all a bit hectic at home.

I also would feel a bit guilty just running out the door as soon as I get in, I think there would be much wailing from the DC!

I will definitely go tomorrow, and maybe try to run around the garden a bit this week (quite a big garden but will be quite dull I reckon).

In the winter I can only really manage one run a week as dh doesnt get home till 7 and it is too dark, I try to go to a circuits class and yoga during the week and this is enough'maintenance' to keep me going until the lighter nights, I ran a half marathon in Oct doing this, just doing longer runs on the weekeknd and upping it to 3 runs in the summer, so it can t be too bad!

That's encouraging missmapp.

Anyone know how I should pace myself on once a week - the couch to 5k (not that I need to do 5k at any point really) assumes you go three times a week.

I suppose I need to do the "1st week", 3 Sundays running (haha) then?

Even just going once a week I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how your stamina builds up.
Start off gently, warm up well first and get a good steady pace going.
IMO If you want to listen to music while you run, pick something steady rather than anything too dancey or fast because anything with a fast tempo will lure you into running faster and you'll tire yourself out too soon if you set off at a rocking pace

Well i've just started out and i'm fitting in my runs by doing some of them in the evenings once DH is home and the kids are in bed. So around 8pm. I make sure that i am running in built-up areas on well lit streets.

Obviously once a week is better than nothing but me personally when I'm just starting something then I go hell for leather and once a week wouldn't be enough for me to feel like i'm achieving what I set out to do.

Just to report back to this thread on a positive note, I started the Couch to 5k in Feb once a week, managed to up it to twice a week in the Feb holiday and have stayed at that level now.

I have now finished the programme (9 weeks but it took me longer obviously) and am running 30 mins twice a week.

I am pleased as punch with myself and can't believe how far I've come from wheezing and aching after a one minute run, to this.

I hope this will encourage anyone else who's trying to do it.

That's so brilliant!
I'm struggling to go more than once or twice a week but am still making slow but definite progress. I Can now run 5 mins without stopping which is a phenominal difference for me since I am old and fat and a total couch potato!

Well done jamaisjedors I'm doing the c25k as well and am up to 25 mins running. It's a great programme isn't it