NHS Couch to 5k+ challenging

[djhonza]

Hi guys, I have a question.

I completed Couch to 5K (at a very slow pace haha) over a month ago. I continue to run at a very slow pace for 30 mins but owed to the whole monotony of it all, I decided to try out the NHS Couch to 5K+ Stepping Stone (yesterday in fact) but found it too challenging, I completed half of it. I did however enjoy the pace of it all.

I am just wondering if I should to continue with it; will I build up stamina every run? Or should I continue with the slower 30 min run that I do?

Thanks guys.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Did you enjoy steppingstones? If so persevere. You say you normally run slow, this is all relative and you may actually still be running fast. If your 30min runs are getting boring try mixing up the times, some a little longer and slower, some shorter but faster - have a look at ju jus plan to 10k or 60 minutes. Try some new routes. Happy running 🤗

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

I was in a similar place a week ago. The 30 min runs were just getting a bit boring and I was starting to lose my mojo. I started JuJu's plan and I'm really enjoying the variety - each week you do one short, one medium and one longer run, so you can work on speed and stamina and keep things interesting. You can also combine it with the C25K+ podcasts. If you enjoy the stepping stones podcast, I would persevere with it. It will help you build up stamina 😃👍

[dijep Graduate10]

I was doing the stepping stones podcasts before moving across to the 60 minute magic plan. I really enjoyed them especially the Stamina one, but I'd often stop before the very fast bit at the end 🤣 I run slowly but I found sometimes running at the faster pace was weirdly easier than the slower ones. I think as others have suggested mixing up routes, times and what you listen to all helps.

[djhonza]

Grannyhugs Beatlesforever dijep thank you all for your feedback! I wasn't expecting such a quick response! It feels good to know that people have had similar experiences. I totally like that pace steppingstone wise in fact my legs are not aching as they do when I run slow. I will definitely check out ju jus, I have never heard of it before. I will also change my route also.

Many thanks guys, happy running!!

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to djhonza]

Here’s the link to ju just magic plan

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

[SlowLoris]

The C25K+ are all about cadence. If you end up going too fast shorten your stride. It feels odd and takes some getting used to. If you can run on the spot then you can run with a short stride.

[Grey-smoke]

I have found that doing alternate stepping stones and one of the final week runs (9.1 or 2) works for me.