Not a Spring Chicken Anymore...a sad realisation...

[Cookiedooodle]

I have just completed W6R3 and it was a toughie. I think I prefer to stop and have a little walk and then run again, so to keep going for the whole 25 minutes was a bit of a killer (especially after attending my first pilates class last night, which woke up muscles I never knew i really had!) But, nevertheless, after dropping my daughter off for her first day of school, I locked myself into my Sports Bra and set off into the sunshine, and then looped round my chosen route, until I returned a hot, sweaty mess.

Because it was more of a 'proper' run today I had a look at my distance, but I only managed 2.03 miles (3.2K) in 25 minutes. It's the first time in my life (I'm 45 next week) that I realised that I'm not going to be an elite athlete and return sub 30 minute times for 5k, and I may have to resign myself to being a slow plodder.

It's a bit hard for me to understand, but to be fair, I have never been a runner (my body is built for comfort, not for speed), so to be able to keep going for 25minutes is a testament to Laura and the programme - It does work!

I'm not looking forward to the rest of the programme though, as It is all long runs from here on in, but I am determined to finish!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The longer runs can be a slog, but then out of the blue comes the nice loose easy run and you realise just what C25k has done for you. I am working on the basis that as I push to extend my runs, 5k will become as easy as 5mins was when I was at your stage of the programme. I am not there yet, but like you, I am determined to achieve this.

Take the runs nice and easy, remembering that it is not a race and you will get both satisfaction and enjoyment from your running. Good luck.

[Be11adonna Graduate]

If it's any comfort at all, I felt just like you during week 6. Like maybe I'll never want to run non-stop, why would I when the run/walk combination works so well? It can also be a bit intimidating when you realise that there will be no walking breaks for the rest of the programme.

But now I've graduated (about 10 days ago) and have been on a few non-stop runs since then and it does get easier. 25 minutes felt like a total slog when I first had to do it, but now it's quite manageable and doesn't feel so long either. Please persist, you'll be so glad you did

[Scipio Graduate]

I agree with the above. The first long runs are tough, but when you've done a few of them you find that they become much easier - and in fact they are probably easier than the stop/start thing you have with intervals.

I wouldn't worry about being a plodder - lots of us are, me included!

The comment about locking yourself into your sports bra made me laugh

Well done on getting this far.

[Hidden]

Hey cookie,

Yes, my chums here are all telling it like it is! The longer runs do get easier. Going fast isn't where it's at. That would instil panic in me! You'll find that a nice easy pace makes the longer exertion possible ---and even fun. How shocking for us late [athletic] bloomers! Yesterday I ran (well, jogged) for a short while, just a couple of km, got home and felt dissatisfied. OMG. How did this happen? I'm 63 and only discovering fitness this summer. You're way ahead of the game. Better times just might sneak in over time. Good on you! Keep us posted on your progress with Laura. Best wishes.

[suzybenj Graduate]

yep - I agree with all of the above. The important point is you are out there doing it - which is probably more than most. And yes I am a plodder - but relatively content

Happy running - have faith in the programme

[Cookiedooodle Graduate]

Thank you all so much for your replies. It means a lot to know there is support out there!

I remember Laura telling me that I shouldn't be bouncy, and I lumber along. It's the first time today that I had nothing left in the tank for the final minute, I was bribing myself right to the very end to keep going.

I'll have a proper rest day tomorrow, and then hopefully wake up ready to roll!

[Beek Graduate in reply to Cookiedooodle]

What do you bribe yourself with?

[jellyhawk Graduate]

Don't worry Cookiedoodle, you're not over the hill yet!

But when you are, you will run down it and back up again with ease!

You will soon find that your usual route isn't long enough and you will need to do an extra lap...

Honest,

[Jigglemooce Graduate]

Having just completed Run 3 today myself, and almost exactly the same distance as you, I too feel like a 'plodder' but I don't care! You should be proud of yourself as I am, and it still doesn't feel easy or comfortable, and if I'm honest, it's still a real hard slog and a chore but I am hanging on to the wise words of everyone on this community, and those who have responded to you above, who say that it does get easier. I am particularly interested in Scipio's comment that the might actually get easier than the 'stop start' runs because I have been thinking that I prefer those too. I can't wait for that to be the case! I feel like there's nothing left in my tank at the moment, but I do feel like I've achieved something and want to push myself until this programme is complete! Well done, again!