Question from a newbie :)

[dancing_queen]

Hi everyone!

I used to run a lot, absolutely loved it, but after having my third daughter, and then suffering a foot issue, I haven't run for a long time.

I'm thinking of doing the C25K to get me started, but I've retained a certain level of fitness by doing other forms of exercise, so I wondered if anyone has skipped, say week 1 or 2? (Hope I'm not committing a cardinal sin, haha!)

Thanks!!

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Why not try Week 1 and if it's too easy (!) try Week 2 next time??

[misswobble Graduate]

Nah, you have to do all the weeks to Graduate. If you do all the weeks and complete the programme then you've done Couch to 5 k.

If you've not run for a long time you don't want to risk injury by going out there all guns blazing and getting hurt.

The runs are based on running every other day but if you're fit maybe you could run four times a week

Give it a whirl and see how you get on. Good luck

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I agree. It is not all about "Look at me I can run for 30 minutes, I can run 5K or I can run 5k in 30 minutes" (although that's a great feeling!) It is about a lot of mental stuff (for some that is about being disciplined rather than gung-ho, it's not just self-belief for the couch potato) and acquiring the running habit. Because of this, the programme is helpful for people who are already physically fit... I've been on this forum a long time now and my impression is that those who think they can second guess the programme don't complete it. Sometimes they get injured but mostly it's the mental stuff they have not acquired. And how could there be any rush if the idea is to get running?

There's no problem with running every other day if your personal circumstances allow.

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to misswobble]

I agree. It is not all about "Look at me I can run for 30 minutes, I can run 5K or I can run 5k in 30 minutes" (although that's a great feeling!) It is about a lot of mental stuff (for some that is about being disciplined rather than gung-ho, it's not just self-belief for the couch potato) and acquiring the running habit. Because of this, the programme is helpful for people who are already physically fit... I've been on this forum a long time now and my impression is that those who think they can second guess the programme don't complete it. Sometimes they get injured but mostly it's the mental stuff they have not acquired. And how could there be any rush if the idea is to get running?

There's no problem with running every other day if your personal circumstances allow.

[Hidden]

I agree with useitorloseit. I thought I was pretty fit too, considering all the walking for fairly long distances quite quickly that I'd been doing, but I'm finding that running is a whole different ball game.

[pot58 Graduate]

I would stick with the programme.I used to run many(many) years ago but then stopped and did gym 'stuff'.Before the c25k I tried returning to running and just injured myself each time or gave up because I couldn't do what I used to do and was trying to go from zero to hero( not sure what that means but it sounds good).Anyway what's the rush...enjoy it!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I agree try wk1 run 1 see how it feels. There are a few of us that come to running from different disciplines and were surprised at the different muscles running uses. If the first run is too easy try the next. But a word of caution. The program is set up to help build and stregnthen your joints and muscles and they like to be treated with TLC to avoid injury. It might be worth just taking the extra time.

[Slookie Graduate]

I would do the programme as set out to be kind to your muscles and joints. You can still carry on with your other fitness regime so you will only be gaining rather than losing anything. I also used to run regularly, but came to c25k after a 5 year gap with hardly any structured exercise (aside from an hour minimum dog walk daily) and thought the gradual shift in fitness through the weeks (I ran every other day) was a great reintroduction.