I haven't been shouting from the roof top about starting C25K because I was worried how well I'd get on. Now that I'm on week 5 I've mention to a few people about it and suddenly they are telling me to sign up for the race for life and Great South Run! I may sign up for something once I feel like I can do it and I get that it might be great motivation for some people but to me it feels like unneeded pressure and a risk of failure.
Anyone else feeling pressure to move faster than they are ready for in the running world?
Written by
Phoenix891119
Graduate
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You do things at your own pace and don't worry about the others. Some need the motivation of a planned run, others - like me - are just doing this for myself and don't want to be compared to others. It can, apparently, be a huge boost, because you tend to run faster than usual (all that adrenalin), but don't let yourself be bullied into anything you don't feel happy about. Fortunately I live in Germany where they don't have a huge tradition of fun runs. The runners in German races are real runners (not like me)! So I can always get out of it by murmuring something along the lines of "light jog, only just started etc". If I get better I might consider it. It'll be my choice though!
Are the people who are suggesting you sign up runners as well? I'd say that if you feel you are being bullied, then you aren't ready to cross that bridge yet, so just smile, thank them for the advice... then do what you b****y well want And you alone. I didn't sign up for my first race until November 2015 - and that was 6 months after graduating. And even then, I was bricking it. Others sign up long before they finish the programme to give themselves a target - each to his or her own.
Yes! I graduated in October and still run W9R3 3 times a week. I fancy a park run but with other commitments, Saturday is usually my only down time of the week so don't feel like getting up and heading out too early! People keep saying i should sign up for a 10k or 1/2 marathon. It does nothing for me! I'm happy running on my own with my music in my ears thinking I am getting a little bit fitter each time i go out for a run! Don't do anything you don't want to do! I may do the race for life with some friends but just for fun and sponsorship not for a race or speed. I hope you stick to your guns - don't be pushed into anything you don't want to do or aren't ready for.
Thanks for the replies. The race for life is ever so slightly tempting as I'd like to get my kids to run it with me but I will not sign up whilst I'm still doubting it.
No! don't get pressured into it! It's early days for you yet.. And need to get to graduation and beyond first, nothing else matters, just concentrate on c25k, you wont fail that words a big NONO on here..be firm!😉
I agree with Laura Lou, running is something I do for my own fitness and I fit it into my life. I don't feel the need to run for longer or to sign up for events.
Concentrate on graduating using the c25k program then see how you feel. There is no need to feel pressured into doing things you don't feel ready for.
That race for life could be fun though if you take it easy.
I'm nearly at the end and I've done 1 parkrun (greatrunlocal) and it was tough, so I'd say make a decision when you are on week 8 or 9 when you know what 30 minutes running is like. I'm one of the ones who needs something to aim for otherwise I'm worried I will fall off the wagon but everyone's different. You started this for You nobody else. Do what you want once you are armed with a bit more info ☺ and well done completing week 5, that is the hardest bit done.
The advantage of Race for Life is that it's not timed and there will be zillions of slow walkers, mums with pushchairs etc, so you'll fit right in whatever speed you go. You can set your own stopwatch up if you want to know your time but no-one else need ever know! I've felt a bit of pressure to do park runs which are timed, but I'm not in any way ready to do that yet. I know I'd be really slow (I did 5K a couple of weeks ago and took 48 minutes!!) and I don't want to start feeling like a failure when I look down the times and find my name on the bottom. So don't get pressurised into anything you don't want to do; we don't ever have to run races if we don't want to!! xx
I felt exactly the same. I didn't do an organised run until more than 6 months after graduation. That said, the RFL is a great day including non- runners. Thus, if a group of friends are doing it you might have a great time. If not, you'll be super ready next year
Yrs! I'm on week 4 R2 and v few people know what I'm up to. My daughter told a running friend I was doing lots of running and last night she was telling me about all these easy 10K's I could sign up for. 10K at the mo would be like flying to the moon. Wk 5 at the mo would be a massive achievement! I don't think runners get what non-runners, stepping out for the first time ever, are feeling/experiencing in our early weeks of c25k. As for you, do your own thing, don't take the pressure on and good luck
I get that completely. Week 5 is really looming on my mind this week. I think I'll manage an 8 minute run but 20 minutes just seems absolutely ridiculous!!
There does seem to be an assumption that an organised run is the next step.
They are clearly quite an experience and often provide some sort of structure for one's overall running and fitness which can be helpful. But you can just say "No thank you, not at the moment"
I have the slight advantage that so many organised runs are a) on tarmac, which I don't do and/or b) are for charities which fund vivisection (I am afraid I find Race for Life deeply ironic) Occasionally I have a wee twinge of fancying particular runs and doing something just for the experience but I am coming up to my 4th runniversary and it hasn't happened yet.
We did have a lovely 'Discombobulated Triathlon' on the forum ages ago - 30 minutes each of running, swimming and cycling (not necessarily consecutively) and then donating to our own choice of charity. I loved that!
I didn't tell anyone while I was doing the 9 week programme. I found this forum and that was enough for me. I entered a 5km fun run for my local hospice about 3 months after I graduated & I didn't like it. I wasn't ready for it. About a year later I had gradually built up to 10km and did my local event. Much better. In the meantime a couple of colleagues started running and made much quicker progress than me. I felt pretty down hearted about the situation for a while but soon realised my progress was personal to me and no one else. It's difficult not to compare yourself with others & when you get 'helpful' advice it can be hard to take. But try to remember that it's your thing, you've done brilliantly & if you want to enter a race then go for it. If you don't then don't!
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And you alone. I didn't sign up for my first race until November 2015 - and that was 6 months after graduating. And even then, I was bricking it. Others sign up long before they finish the programme to give themselves a target - each to his or her own. 
Just signed up for the Couch to 5k.
Signing up for a half marathon (week 4)
Signed up for mad dog 10k
Eek! Just signed up for a 10K!
I signed up for a 5 km Zombie Run
