I graduated at the back end of 2012 - not having done the 5k in 30mins. There were lots of people then and now in the same position. I think a prominent sticky, or some such would be a good idea pointing out that 30mins continuous running is an aim of the programme, with the 5k being an added bonus. As has been pointed out many times C25k is just so much more catchy than C230Mins but depending on age, health and possibly other factors the 5k part in 30 mins may never be achievable for some people. Doesn't mean they are not runners or graduates though.
If there is such a beast, sorry. Again though, if there is such a beast then it needs to be more prominent as not many people seem to find it. Also, if this has been raised previously, sorry but I haven't been on the site for a while as I had lots of problems getting back in when the changeover happened.
Mind you my first time on here in 2012 I miis-read some post and thought I had found my way to the C to Twenty Five K site
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AnnieW55
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I agree. We do seem to have a lot of people coming on repeatedly worrying because they think they should be able to run 5k in 30 minutes, when in actual fact, we are all different.
I agree a lot of people worry far too much about this, I for one being of a more advanced age (was going to say more mature, but that's never going to happen ) graduated in December 2013 but will possibly never be able to do 5k in 30 mins however I am happy to say that I am doing a 10k on Friday and will be doing a 6 hour Endurance Challenge in October so it certainly doesn't make you any less of a runner. That also goes for taking walk breaks just because you can run for 30 or 40 mins or whatever doesn't mean you have to do that everytime you go out for a run, sometimes it's good to stop and smell the roses
I am not sure about stickies, we can pin posts but I think it would get a little lost. I have amended the pinned graduation post to clarify that it about being able to run for 30min. Do you think this will help the situation?
Appreciate the reply RFC. Sorry I used the wrong terminology - should have said pinned not sticky. Not sure how pinned posts work - do they drop off the front page eventually? Just thought something there would maybe save a lot of angst for quite a few people, as I've seen the same posts/worries from different people over the last couple of years. Your info on the graduation post is good, it's just that people often ask the question before they graduate, or, as they haven't done 5k don't think they have graduated. Not trying to be awkward - it's just something that occurred to me that's all. If there is an easy fix then why not do it (like Dottie's suggestion). If there isn't an easy fix then we'll carry on reassuring those in doubt.
Is it possible to have a pinned post titled something like 'Couch to 5k OR 30 mins' or '30 mins run = Graduate!' or 'Never mind the distance - run for 30 mins!'? I'm sure someone could come up with something a little catchier!!
The thing is that many newbies don't read through previous posts so something eye-catching that they can easily spot to answer those recurring questions might help.
Most people come from the website NHS choices - this is their official wording
"Taking up running can seem like a scary prospect, especially if you feel out of shape or unfit.
But, did you know that regular running can help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke, boost your mood and keep your weight under control?
The Couch to 5K plan is designed to get you off the couch and gradually work you up to running 5K or for half an hour, in just nine weeks."
It's clear on the website that it's 5k or half an hour.
On here there is an occasional enquiry about it but with what the website says and what the graduation page now says I think we should be covered.
It is far from an occasional query. It seems that hardly a day goes by without someone worrying and asking about this. It seems that hardly a day goes by without someone wittering on about having done it! And there are the odd one or two who have repeatedly insisted that the 'goal of the programme is 5K in 30 minutes'. And people wonder why I have lost so much enthusiasm for it all. Fitmo
Fitmo, I have been active on this forum for almost a year and while I agree that the 5k in 30 minutes is a common query, I can't remember anybody actually saying that the sole aim of C25k was to complete 5k in 30 minutes.Everyone always seems totally clear that the goal is to run for 30 minutes three times a week, as stated by Laura in the second sentence on Week One podcast. I hope you will reconsider leaving us, as your encouragement and advice have been of great value to many over your time here.
Thank you RealFoodieClub. I really appreciate your taking the time to look at this. It wasn't my intention to stir anything up, just thought it might be useful. Anyway thank you again.
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Completed C25K!
1st run after graduating 😀
W9R3 complete. I can believe I just did it
I've only gone and done it!!!
