I originally graduated in Summer 2012 and then like several others fell into the trap of not really knowing what to do next. I couldn't really find a plan to take me onto 10k and without the structure of C5K I lost interest and all the good work I'd done went by the wayside. Then for reasons I can't remember I decided I'd try and complete the C5K plan again. In some regards it was hard to start right back at the beginning at week 1 running for 60 seconds knowing that I'd been able to run for 50 minutes. However, in other regards knowing I could complete the plan kept me going. I can only reiterate what I wrote last year - for those at the start of the plan, this really really does work. Stick with it if you're struggling. Don't be tempted to skip ahead and repeat the week if you didn't quite make it one week. Have faith in the plan and it will reward you. Prepare to become addicted to running - no,really!!
So I've now graduated (again) and can keep the coveted 'graduate' badge next to my name without feeling a fraud anymore. Sadly there still isn't an NHS C10K podcast yet and so I'm using the BUPA 10K novice plan starting at week 4 which should take me to 10K in another 5-6 weeks. Importantly I completed my first (hilly) Parkrun this weekend in 31 minutes and loved it. A real sense of achievement and I would recommend to anyone thinking about it. I was worried about being surrounded by 'proper' runners but everyone was so friendly and encouraging I'm looking forward to the next one and planning future 5 and 10k runs. I'm hooked and so pleased I got back into running. The plan works. Trust in it and you really can achieve what it promises. Good luck!
Back on the horse. 👍🏻😊
Fallen off the wagon
Back on the running wagon tonight... 🏃🏻♀️
Back off the couch - slowly
