Starting over...: Hello everyone! I graduated... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Starting over...

PotterBook profile image
PotterBookGraduate
8 Replies

Hello everyone!

I graduated the program in May. Very proud moment for me... since running my first complete 5K race I have completed 3. (2 running, 1 walking). I'm ashamed however to admit that I haven't been running in between anymore. I have slacked off to once a week, or less.... and my weight loss has slowed as a result. I even had my first gain this week! Yikes.

I was thinking... Although I have completed the program, what if I went back and started again? But instead of doing the first few weeks to see if I can run for 90 seconds.. 3 minutes.. etc. etc... I see if I can run FASTER than usual during that time.

For example.. I do most of my running on the treadmill. I trained at a speed of 4.6 mph. I now run at 4.8, and occasionally 5.0. What if I started up week 1 again, but not allow myself to run slower than 5.2... or even 5.4 ?

It's got to be better than not running at all.. and it should help me learn to pick up my pace a bit... What do you all think?

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PotterBook profile image
PotterBook
Graduate
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8 Replies
PippiRuns profile image
PippiRuns

Welcome back, Potterbook. I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard it recommended many times. If Laura can get you up and running - run with her :-)

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Great idea. You could keep your current run per week as is and then do this. It keeps things interesting and will improve your speeds.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

You could start again but then again I don't think you've been absent from running that long to warrant it. Why not try a gentle 10 minute run to start with and build from there? I think you'll be surprised at how much you can do.

jt24 profile image
jt24Graduate

I agree with you. I think anything that gets you back into doing it is better than nothing.

You certainly physically don't need to start from scratch so the faster speed would be a good challenge as long as you gauge it carefully and avoid injury.

We all know that running is mental too though and I think having Laura back would be great support.

Go for it :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Welcome back...whatever ypu decide..the run is the thing☺

Slowstart profile image
SlowstartGraduate

Just get on the treadmill and try it. If it works great, continue with this plan....if not try something else. What ever you do you'll feel better for doing it.

Shivani05 profile image
Shivani05Graduate

That's my plan too! I graduated in April and did well with running regularly for a while, but off late it's been once a week. I was thinking of doing the whole programme again, but doing fast runs when Laura says run and a slower jog during recovery periods. Glad to know I'm not the only one who thinks this might help :)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

In order to shake things up a bit I've done W1 again trying to do the running bits a lot faster. In the first run I ran fast and just slowed down in the walking bits. I didn't actually manage the full 8 mins at top speed! The second time I walked and ran, just as Laura said. It wasn't actually planned that way - I meant to run slowly in the walking bits, but Laura obviously has me programmed and I didn't realise I was walking until I was on the second cycle! Of course I wasn't particularly fast, but I wasn't slow either. It's like doing intervals and was quite fun. I will try to incorporate it into my routine.

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