You might call it that, but for me today my objective was achieved. I started C25K with the aim of surprising my sons by turning out with them on the parkrun when they visit for Christmas. The proviso was that I didn't think I could achieve it, right after W1. But today, with much nervousness, I went to our local parkrun and stood amongst the runners with 'Harriers' or 'RC' on their running gear and became more and more certain that I was in the wrong place. Having discovered I was, at the front of the pack, I moved to the back, just in front of the dogs and pushchairs. Once started, I was surprised to see runners walking in the first couple of km and resolved to keep plodding. Runkeeper told me I was not plodding slow enough for my low level of performance but I ignored it and managed to do the three laps without walking and without being mown down by runners doing the whole thing in 16 minutes something. Amazingly, I was able to feign proper running at the end and finish in a little less than 42 minutes. And I wasn't out of breath. The time is certainly not amazing but better than I managed on the road a week or so ago. Hobbled around all day pleased with myself.
Just a run in the park: You might call it that... - Couch to 5K
Just a run in the park
![Austen304 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/2e54f497743c0ee4c37441eb72548fc3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Austen304 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/2e54f497743c0ee4c37441eb72548fc3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
FABULOUS ! Well done you.
![Irishprincess profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3b41f9cda3a111ddede447e89c45beef_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
That's brilliant Austen. A great time too! So well done to you.
![rich_wolves profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/612f159d0e8a00ace4afedcec7725abf_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done
![poppypug profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/6a41166ed781e4b2294d1bf1cd1d8120_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Austen , you are a complete legend and I am so pleased that you are part of this incredible forum !
Congratulations to you, that is a fantastic time and I hope your sons will be proud of you ! That's going to be so amazing !!
Well done Austen ! xxx
![Sandraj39 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5b663862a0fefe9c469705583230161d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Fantastic achievement, you must be so proud and your sons even prouder!
![goonkeepgoing profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/b334c59532cff08321c478747756ea30_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
What a fabulous objective you had!!!! Really brilliant. Well done ☺
![tara-j profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/27fbbead1f291333f83bad1f31359fe3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Fab well done. We need to see a pic of their faces when you show up at the run!
![ancientrunner profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/0048445e9cd4424119a2285dc815dc7f_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done you!!!
![Curlygurly2 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ea4061fa6abaea2102d6f3c6df6cc522_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
That's fab, well done you! Your sons will have a lovely Christmas surprise! xx
![JoolieB1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/76e8702a61f055b3bba62ad3a2c1e76d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
A very respectable time and you actually ran for 5 kilometres!!!!! Have u graduated or still working through the programme?
Yes, I have graduated, but only a week or so ago. Cheated by doing 45 minutes and 5k at the end, so I knew it was (just) possible. It has occurred to me that if I really try, the time might have a '3' at the beginning and so not a million miles from (but still too far) from the real runners. I shall probably be slapped down the next time I turn out now.
![JoolieB1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/76e8702a61f055b3bba62ad3a2c1e76d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Go steady then, I tried to go straight on to a 10K programme which was good but I made my knee sore. Just continued running 3 times a week X 30 minutes to let myself settle down. Did run a 5K yesterday which took me a bit longer than 30 minutes and that felt good. I think o would like to work towards 3 X 5K per week next slowly!
From the aches and pains I had overnight, I certainly will be careful. My plan is to do a 30 min run once, maybe twice a week, and a parkrun roughly every two weeks. I have no ambitions in the 10k direction at the moment. I am still surprised that I can do any of this. When I started out on C25K last May, I expected to give up after a few weeks, particularly after trying to keep going for all of 60 seconds. Thanks for your advice.