First time posting wanting some advice ☺ - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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First time posting wanting some advice ☺

marrowphat profile image
11 Replies

Hi all

I'm on wk2r3 but I'm finding it harder every time. My question is what sort of distance should i be covering my last run/walk was 2.6 miles. I do two run then day off. Should it get harder or easier.

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marrowphat profile image
marrowphat
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11 Replies

Hello and welcome :)

You don't need to be worrying about distance for the moment, that can come later.

Also, it's recommended that you take a rest day between each of your runs, to allow your muscles and joints to recover. Running on consecutive days when you're not used to it could cause you an injury :( be careful.

If you are finding it hard, it's useful to try and slow down. The course is designed to build you up slowly.

Good luck with the rest of it and keep us updated on your progress :)

Cheshiregal profile image
CheshiregalGraduate

Don't even think about distance at this point. I have only just started measuring the run part at the end of week 6 and I have a feeling that measuring it before then would have damaged my confidence.

Do the runs and be proud of the time you have run for...save the rest for later ;)

Oh and running on consecutive days is not advised as skimpymoss says. You need to give your muscles time to recover. You are asking them to do something totally new. I know from the pain I remember during the early weeks how much recovery my calves needed! x

in reply toCheshiregal

Skimpymoss? Hahaha I wish I was skimpy! More like Chunkymoss at the moment :) xx

Cheshiregal profile image
CheshiregalGraduate in reply to

Ah autocorrect ;) it changed miss to mop but I didn't notice to other bit ;) sorry! X

in reply toCheshiregal

Heehee! Don't worry at all it really made me chuckle! xx

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate in reply to

Haha :D SkimpyMop, I like it!! :D

Tomas profile image
TomasGraduate

You should be covering whatever distance you can. Don't worry about speed during the programme, just focus on form and technique and on forming the habit. Distances and speed will be the next step you want to challenge yourself with after graduation.

I'll echo what has already been said about running on consecutive days. Be careful.

Good luck with the rest of the programme. Let us know how you're getting on :)

AncientMum profile image
AncientMumGraduate

As everyone else has said, forget distance and speed, just run nice and slowly. The programme is all about developing strength and stamina as you learn a new skill (running) You can do speed and distance after w9. Also, consecutive days is soooo bad for your muscles and joints. Cut yourself some slack, running is for life if you take it gently but an injury can also be for life if you rush things. Good luck :)

hilbean profile image
hilbeanGraduate

Slow and steady is the order of the day so distance really doesn't matter. It's the getting out and doing it that's the important thing. I would echo what is said about not running on consecutive days as your body needs the day in between to allow your muscles to recover. Well done on completing week 2 and happy running for the rest of them :)

Treemouse profile image
TreemouseGraduate

The whole idea of the programme is that it does push you and it seems harder because you are going for longer. When you get to the stage when you can run for thirty minutes non stop, your body is then able to start to go for much longer distances without you finding it very difficult. Sometimes I can find 5K as hard as 10K. Please stick with it and you'll be amazed at how quickly you progress. Last April I started C25K and I'm still running! The first run nearly killed me and I couldn't see myself finishing week one! I don't ever find a run easy, but there are days when I think 'you know what, this is great', and I could carry on for miles. The health benefits, not to mention the improvement to your self-esteem and mental well-being, are worth so much more than achy thighs and a temporary red face. Good luck :)

Treemouse profile image
TreemouseGraduate

Oh, and don't worry about distance, the others are right!

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