New runner

[Kmcm66]

Hi. I am new here. Having been reading posts for few days but this is my first post. I think i am following a slightly different running programme but still working towards running 5k. I have just completed week 5 which is 3 runs of walk 5 mins, run 3mins and walk 0.5 mins six times and then walk 5mins. I notice in the couch to 5k programme you are running 20 minutes continuously by this point. Does it matter that i am not doing that yet ? Thanks

[dottiemay Graduate]

Doesn't matter in the slightest! It's all aiming towards the same outcome - getting you exercising and running 30 minutes regularly. Well done on your achievements so far and keep posting here for encouragement and support. Oh....and welcome to the best forum!!

[Kmcm66 in reply to dottiemay]

Thanks. Glad the way I am doing it is okay.

[Ayupmeduck Graduate]

Well done on what you have achieved so far. We will all arrive at the same point in the end doesn't matter how we make it. This is just a good place to share experiences and talk about any issues we have (highs and lows). I love seeing how everyone is doing, getting advice and sometimes a giggle. Welcome 😉

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Here's a secret... we're not working towards running 5K... The NHS (and it is the NHS version most of us are doing, though not all) just nabbed a catchy phrase and what we achieve when we complete the programme is running continuously for 30 minutes on a regular basis (ie we've done it 3 times) Few of us can run 5K in that 30 minutes at that point. Some of us go on to do so but for many of us it is an unrealistic aspiration (and one we don't have)

The NHS presentation does mix things up a little in the middle with instructive results (eg it is common for people to find it harder than they expected when they switch back to intervals from that first scary 20 minutes). It will be interesting to hear how you get on with a different format.

The NHS doesn't care how far we go or how fast, it just wants us exercising regularly.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

No. Just follow your programme - they are all leading to the same goal! Good luck!

[skysue16 Graduate]

Welcome to this great forum - everyone is friendly and positive. But watch out - reading the posts is nearly as addictive as running!!

[poppypug Graduate]

I don't think it matters , tbh.

We are all getting out there and doing our stuff aren't we ?

Good Luck and Welcome to our running family xxx

[dddd4 Graduate]

I think I began on same programme as you. Week 5 and 6 are kind of switched round. I changed to nhs podcasts as I liked the mix of Laura's instructions and music. I'm sure they all get you to the same point in the end. Will be interesting to hear your experience as you go on. Good luck.