Help! Hills!

[Electricsloth]

Against all odds (extreme laziness and a Netflix subscription) I've nearly managed to complete the first five weeks, and only have Week 5 run 3 left.

Problem is, I've been running on Hampstead Heath so far, which is gorgeous but very, VERY hilly. Managed the 8 minute runs today (including slogging up Parliament hill twice!), but worried 20 minutes will be too difficult to sustain.

Any thoughts? Was thinking of either braving it (but concerned if I don't complete the run it'll be demotivating), or could run somewhere flatter?

[misswobble Graduate]

Run somewhere flatter and tackle hills in your own time after Graduation. Energy-sapping hills are fab training when you're a ways on from Couch to 5 k. You can easily get crocked on a steep incline (I did!) Once you get fitter and stronger post C25k then you can do the hills. Some folks love them! Erm, not me I'm afraid.

You will be fine with the programme. It's progressive and you will cope with it. Don't worry. Listen to Laura and you'll be fine

[useitorloseit Graduate]

I'd definitely find somewhere flatter. Just for a few weeks, and then you can explore new forms of torture.

[no-excuse Graduate]

yep I agree with the others- go flatter and do the hills later- we can't have you de-motivated can we! You are nearly there! x

[Electricsloth Graduate]

Thanks guys! Only problem is, everywhere round here is hilly, so may actually have to get a bus/tube somewhere to run! Otherwise could join a gym I guess?

[Pollynorris Graduate]

If you can't avoid hills, go up as far as you feel you can, turn round and head down again. Down's good! It's how I got though weeks 7 to 9!

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I'm trying to get to grips with hills now and wish I'd started hillier earlier to get more used to them!

[Electricsloth Graduate]

Well, I did it! Decided to try on the Heath as I've been running there so far so am (almost) used to the hills! Was doubtful at first (about the evil hills and 20 min run time), but after the first five minutes it got easier and I made it! I seriously doubted I'd get to this point a few weeks ago

Managed just over 3 k, so hope by the end of the program I'll be around 5...fingers crossed...