Second Time Lucky....

[silverknight]

My first attempt at C25K was unsuccessful through no fault but my own. I had decided that I needed to get fit and so this would be the way to do it. Unfortunately my attitude wasn't in the right place, because I wanted to get fit and I wanted it to happen NOW! Therefore when it was time to walk after the first 60s run I carried on running, ended up tiring myself out too soon and was defeated before I'd even gotten home. And I never ran again.

This time, more than a year later, I started with a better mindset of "this is something I need to work on, it will take time and at least I have guidance through it" - of course I did know that before, I just decided to ignore it ! Needless to say I am feeling better about this getting fit malarkey. I actually feel positive at the end of a run because I've managed to follow the podcast completely without too much struggle.

I've just finished W2R2 and it went really well! I decided to push myself on the last run and go for a bit of speed, albeit downhill. I felt great! I was a little worried today since it was my birthday at the weekend so I'd had more than one rest day between R1 this week, but I didn't find it any harder than my previous runs so that's good.

I've still got such a long way to go before I can say I'm a runner, but having these small steps is a great motivation! It has even inspired me to train to do a triathlon! I've always loved swimming and cycling (although I've not done much of it) and now I'm enjoying running - why not combine all three? Baby steps though, I'll finish this challenge first!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Those who designed this programme probably know more about running than you do, so trust it, stick to it and in a couple of months you will be running continuously for 30 mins 3x per week. The run/walk intervals are a training technique employed by elite athletes and the walking is part of the process, as are rest days.

There is no short cut or quick fix, but C25k does work........if you stick to the plan. Good luck.

[Vicxzy Graduate]

Good luck! I always take 2 rest days between sessions, nothing wrong with taking more than 1 day

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Just remind yourself to keep taking it slow and steady and you will amaze yourself. Impatience and over ambition are your enemies at the moment - Laura is your friend! Good luck.

[misswobble Graduate]

Take care on downhills runs! Do not go fast! Keep yourself under control. Stick your elbows out to give your extra balance.

Go steady, run slowly and all will be well.

[Idolitorus Graduate]

Totally agree with all the above points.

Your enthusiasm is fantastic and infectious but do take your time. The weeks fly past. I wouldn't try and tack on extras to the runs. Before you know it, you will be into the higher weeks and getting the challenges you crave but your body will be in a place it can still manage it comfortably, rather than going too fast, too soon and getting an injury or discouraged at a 'failure'.

Keep posting your progress too. Not only is it great for us to hear, it also encourages so many other people who are in the same position or at the same stage and get a great deal from these posts.

Good going!

[JulietB Graduate]

I agree with everyone above - and the best advice I've had is simply to go slow and steady - if you're out of breath, you're going too fast😊I know it sounds obvious but it's made so much difference to me just slowing down a bit...I'm about to do wk 9 run 3 ( tomorrow!) and so far I've never had to stop or walk or repeat a run. ( there, now I'll have jinxed it....😳) so best of luck to you and keep posting 😊

[Vixchile Graduate]

All I can say is you sound like your on the right path. By following the plan it can lead to so many wonderful things and being fitter is just one of them. It's 9 weeks and that flies by so quickly and laura will call you a runner before the end. I am sure you will get to combine all three, build up slowly and you will be amazed at what you can achieve. The importance taking one step at a time is important so that its achievable and to prevent injury. Good luck with your journey

[loopmyloop Graduate]

I completed C25k on my 4th attempt! My advice - do not over think it. Do not start thinking about future goals, triathlon or otherwise. Only think as far as your next run; then the weeks and podcasts will go by and you will have finished it before you know it. Listen to the advice on here, it's a really valuable resource - people know what they're talking about ( not me I hasten to add..) Rest days are what create the fitness, so you must take them. Don't do too much in between runs, or you'll suffer the week 6 heavy legs! The progam is teaching you how to absorb running in to your daily routine, and it's really only after it's done that you start the work on becoming a runner. Good luck and ENJOY IT!