Ju-Ju’s plan off to a dodgy start

[Sparkey5000]

I’m after a bit of advice you lovely folks! Decided to give the magic plan a whirl as I was missing the structure of C2K pushing me along to improve. I ran my parkrun in 35 minutes so counted that in and I had time last night to do 30 mins but I really struggled and headed for home with only 23 minutes out of my legs. Do I stick with the remaining 15 minute run of the week Thursday (planned running day) or add the missing 7 minutes to it and make it a 22 minutes run? Or am I best to do the whole week again? I’ve not had to run as short a time as 23 minutes for a long time so a bit out of the norm for me.

[Dalmorangie]

Just done my JuJu W1R2 and it was the 2.5 one and yes it did feel strange, almost like cheating when you’re conditioned to doing 5K!

I guess the key to this, like C25K, is to understand how this is an incremental programme that builds you up week by week so the “odd” runs (ie the small ones!) work with the 5K and 5K+ during the week to get you to an overall total that gradually builds up.

[motherduckling Graduate10]

If it was me, I would just count that as my '15min' run, and try again for the 30 mins on your next run.

For me that is why I always start my week by attempting the long run - if I dont make it for whatever reason, then I can still tick off one of the runs for the week! With the only caveat being not to attempt long runs consecutively

And dont be disheartened - we all have those days when we are just not feeling it. I had one just the other day - only got to 2km when I had been planning a 5K - but thats still 2K more than I would have otherwise done! And way more than I thought I could do back when I was starting C25K! And I managed the 5K perfectly fine 2 days later

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to motherduckling]

Thank you!

[Bubs1671 Graduate10 in reply to motherduckling]

I made the mistake of getting carried away on this first week as I was feeling good so did a 6k and an almost 7k but now my knees are sore so although its run day today I may rest and do the 2.5k tomorrow and stick to the plan in future instead of trying to be clever. Will try to add the short run inbetween in future!

[Granspeed Graduate10]

I’m with motherduckling - count that as 15 minutes and do the 30 minutes next. Just be sure not to rush. You’ve been running for a while post-C25k, so I reckon you’ll be fine. (I take it you are doing the time version.) The shorter runs both keep your weekly increment down to a sensible level and give you variety. You can use them to mix things up, adding deliberate hill work or faster intervals or new routes. Or I used them as warm up & went home to some strength & flex, which otherwise I found it hard to fit in. It’s all part of finding what suits you individually. Have fun - it’s a lovely challenge. 😊

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you.....yes timed version.

[runwithdog Graduate10]

i am doing that 2.5 one tomorrow.my plan is to walk 20 mins or so,run the 2.5 which will include a hill and then walk some more.it will be included in my daily dog walk.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

I’d agree with motherduckling count that run as your short run and try for a slower paced 30min run, definitely don’t need to repeat the week. Happy running

[Deals1 Graduate10]

I agree with prev posts too. Don't stress it. These things happen

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

I would say, dont add the extra minutes to Thursdays run. Parkrun can take it out of you as you are pushing far more. Aim to do tomorrows run as a recovery run... very gentle and just stick with 15 minutes... you are doing brilliantly, well done

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you!