Am I being to optimistic ?

[JudesL]

What do you lovely peeps think, I have signed up for race for life, 5k, its in 12 weeks time, I start week 2 run 1 on Tuesday. I would love love love to run the whole 5k, can I do this or not. I am running for my grand daughter who has cancer and have loads of family support, I would so love to make them proud

[c4ts Graduate]

You will do your granddaughter proud, I did my first 5K last year as my first run in Week 9 (and just had to keep going until I crossed the finish line) even now I still have not got near the 30 min 5k. But just keep your pace sure and steady and you will definitely run the whole distance. Enjoy the RfL as it is a lovely event and very emotional when such a close relation is suffering from cancer.

[JudesL]

I am not known a a cryer, never cry, but I know I will probably sob my heart out all the way round that day !! I am so determined , if I dont run I will lumber !!

[ChrisL Graduate]

Hi JudesL. If you complete the rest of C25K in the next 7 weeks there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't complete 5k 3 weeks later. Depending on your fitness you may be able to run it all or you may have to (or choose to) take some short walk breaks throughout but you WILL do it.

[JudesL in reply to ChrisL]

so do you all run alternate days or take 2 day breaks, making 3 runs a week ? Will alternate days hinder or help me ?

[ChrisL Graduate in reply to JudesL]

JudesL, I take whatever rest days my body tells me I need. I never run consecutive days but sometimes do every other day and sometimes take 2 days or even 3 days rest if I am not convinced I am fully recovered.

[Hidden]

OK, STOP that negativity right here and now. You have plenty of time to train up for this 5K although you may not do it in 30 minutes. If needs be you can do walk run intervals, just as you are used to doing. I am signed up for an R4L in June and, although I am further into this programme than you, I am still planning on walk/run intervals. The R4L is, in any case, designed for people of all abilities and there are three categories at the start - runners, joggers and walkers. So, some people will even be planning to walk the entire course. If you can run it all then all power to you but, if not, the 'race' is against cancer, and your grand-daughter and all the rest of your family will be proud of you NO MATTER WHAT. One thing that might help you as you continue through this programme - think to yourself "I am now an athlete training for my first race". This might help to change your mindset and improve your progress - it did for me. It's what I told myself on the first run after signing up for the R4L. One way or another you WILL do it. Good luck and my very best wishes to you. PS. I like to do the 3 runs a week, Mon, Wed and Fri and have two rest days over the weekend before starting a new week. Do what works for you though.

[JudesL]

Thanks Fitmo, I asked for that ! I run or lumber on Wed Fri and Sun, 2 days off when I have the grand children. Do you walk on your rest and between days or just be as it were ?

[Hidden in reply to JudesL]

On my rest days I walk or cycle. We have lots of cycle paths where I live and it's the quickest way into town - also without touching a road. I also do Pilates (a short session every day) as this helps to keep me loosened up and also strengthens muscles. Any low impact exercise is good for rest days. I am due to graduate this week and I will be looking at the C25K+ podcasts. I'll let you know how I progress for the first three weeks after graduation which might help give you an idea of what's possible when you get to that point. I'll do a 5K park run in the next week or so then can let you know what's possible. Good luck and best wishes.

[Beek Graduate]

What is life without optimism? I think that you will be fine, particularly as your family are supporting you. Just remember 'Slow and Steady' and I think you will be o.k.! And if you have to walk - just do so. You are a star, I'm sure the family are already proud of you.

A lot of this is in our heads so with your right head on you will surprise yourself what you are capable of. And just being part of such an event will help you along the way.

All strength to you on the day, and for ever to get you through what must be taxing times. Much love to your little grand daughter too!

Who cares if you walk the whole flipping lot? You WILL do it and we, here, will all be very proud of you too!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Of course you will do it, especially with the sort of motivation you have when you will be running for your granddaughter! Even if you do need to walk for short spells who cares? Your family will be so proud of you!

[caj62 Graduate]

First of all, well done for starting Couch to 5k. Secondly, well done for signing up for the RfL. All being well, you have plenty of time to finish the programme with a few weeks to spare, It is great to have a goal, but don't put too much pressure on yourself by running too often. 3 times a week is fine and before you know it, you will be running for 30 minutes. You may not be able to cover the 5k straight away, but you won't be far off and on the day you will be carried along. There are plenty of people who will be "lumbering" along as you put it, but who cares? Slow and steady never did anyone any harm! Take it easy and you will run it. Good luck and good health to your grand-daughter.