First 5k!

[nativestar]

I've started a 10k training programme, it's 8 weeks long and you only need to be able to run 2 miles to start. This weekend's run was supposed to be 3.5 miles. Now considering the furthest I'd run prior to this had been 2.8 miles I wasn't confident I could do that. So I set myself the target of at least running 5k and go from there.

Well, not only did I do the 5k but I went even further and did 3.56 miles in 39 minutes! It took me 34.40 minutes to do the 5k part so I'm now going to try and get that below 30 minutes. I might even go to my first Park Run soon now that I know I can run the whole distance.

I'm so very chuffed with myself. I feel I'm a proper runner now that I can actually do a 5k.

[c4ts Graduate]

Well done and go for it! I graduated about 3 week ago, and in week 9 for my first run had taken part in a 5k race so knew I could do the distance but the time was about 37 mins. I did my first Parkrun yesterday. I knew from checking out their website beforehand that I would be near the end of the finishers based on previous results, but it is only a race between you and the clock. Parkrun is another great idea and thanks to all the volunteers who give up their time to set up the course, cheer you round the course and clock the all important time.

For me the course felt tougher than my run route, and heat was already building at 9am but I just kept going and came in just under 39 mins. Now I have 2 further goals, to try and improve the time and my Race for Life in October which was the reason for doing C25K in the first instance. I am still running with Laura and week 9, my virtual personal trainer as I tell my friends.

We should all be proud to tell our friends that we have become a runner.

[nativestar Graduate in reply to c4ts]

Thanks! I'm motivated to do a Park Run now which is a little annoying as I can't do next weekend as I'm working the weekend shift. I think other people might motivate me to go a bit faster!

I'm running to my own playlists now, although I keep thinking I might go back to some of the c25k weeks as I found them quite good for setting the right pace. I ran yesterday's with a playlist compiled of various versions of 'I am the Doctor' from the Doctor Who soundtracks. It works quite well for running!

[crox Graduate in reply to nativestar]

Go for it, word of warning though - others can also spur you to try too hard, try to keep it under control and run slow for the first half.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Well done - no stopping you now!!

[nativestar Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thanks!

[wilmacgh Graduate]

Well done to both nativestar and c4ts. Although the programme is c25k not everyone it's really about running 30min and not everyone manages to cover 5k in that time. Making 5k in whatever time works for you is another milestone.

If you are doing Parkrun remember you can register your club as "NHS Couch to 5k". there's also a (not very active) C25kers Parkrun group on Facebook.

[nativestar Graduate in reply to wilmacgh]

Thanks, I'm already registered with Park Run and I did select the "NHS Couch to 5k" club, didn't know about the Facebook group though.

From reading the posts here, I get the impression that not many people actually do a 5k in 30 minutes in week 9, rather the speed comes later.

[katee1958 Graduate]

I did my first Park Run on Week 1 Run 1. I can't make it to the park run every week, but felt it would be a good way to monitor my progress. I have just done Week 5 Run 3, hoping my next park run will be a PB, but just finishing it feels great, even if no PB x

[nativestar Graduate in reply to katee1958]

Yes, I can see how it would be a good way to track progress. If I had a friend to go with I probably would have gone a lot sooner but as none of my friends are runners I would have felt too self-conscious to go without knowing I could run the whole distance.

Well done on the wk5 run3, that's a great milestone to achieve.