Is this the point where I can actually say I'm a runner? Laura seems to think so!
I know I have not completed the whole of the C25K plan and graduated yet, but I've not long got back home after going out and successfully completing this run and it was a full 25 minute non-stop run (after the 5 minute warming up walk). I know that all of the upcoming runs are of a similar length of time, and I won't be getting the luxury of any more walks in between them to break up the self-inflicted torture! So, if I've managed this one, then surely I can manage another 5 minutes more over the coming 3 weeks, right?
I'm not saying it was easy. Far from it! When Laura announced I had done 12 and half minutes and was half way through, it actually filled me with dread to think I still had another 12 and a half to do!! But I continued to plop one leg in front of the other (and vowed to myself I would continue to do this until my body actually gave way or my legs stopped working).
Overall I am very happy with how the run went. Yes, I had heavy leg syndrome again, but it seems I only really felt that when I had a slight incline to run up. I also had a few moments where I was panting again (like in the first week), but again I think that was while I was struggling up slight inclines. I tried to make my route as level as possible but I was actually running on a route I had not planned or done before, so a few slight inclines were unavoidable. I also recovered my breathing pretty quickly too which I'm happy about.
I'm obviously chuffed I got through my run today, but the thing I am really happy about the most about today's run is 1 minute before the end of the 25 minutes, Laura announced I had just 60 seconds left and if I felt ok I could up the pace to the end, so that's what I did. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a sprint to the finish and in fact it was probably hardly noticeable to any onlookers, but I did make an effort to up the pace slightly without making myself collapse in a heap!
Written by
Lee337
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Way to go Lee - I'm very proud of you and yep you should feel proud of yourself too!! 9 more runs to graduation, then we can polish our shiny badges together
Go Lee go! You have come a very long way, and yes, you've got this far so you can definitely get to graduation and beyond. Keep on enjoying the success, the shiny badge is in sight 🏃🏻👟😃
Well done!! That is amazing. I'm one run behind - just finished W6R2 but am finding it hard to believe that the next run is possible for me - but your post is very encouraging.
You will be alright mate, you haven't failed yet have you? You know you can do 20 minutes because you already have done so, and a lot of us on the plan have struggled with week 6 (I nearly failed my w6r1 don't forget!) As long as you've successfully completed all the runs beforehand, you will complete run 3, trust me.
I know sometimes you feel like choking Laura if we could get our hands on her !!! Yet again well done that's another week done for you can you believe it 💪🏻😜😤🍀
Superb, it feels great to know (and feel) you're runner now, does it? Imagine that. I still remember you struggling in week 3 doubting yourself and questioning everything. Yet here you are on smooth ride to week 9. 👍
Yeah, I was certainly doubting myself and my abilities, but like you say, I have got this far and it's only really a matter of more or less repeating this run a few more times for a few weeks and I'll be crossing the finishing line...I don't know about the smooth ride bit though!
You're finished with intervals now, it's just constant running till the end, adding few minutes each week. But week 7 or 8 might be tricky if you try too hard. Keep it slow and steady.
Well done😊😊you must be so chuffed with yourself!! Only 3 weeks left! wow you will be running 30mins before you know it🏃🏃🌟keep going il be looking out for that graduation badge Mr runner 😊Phyllis
Yeah, it's amazing looking back to the first few weeks to think I struggled with running for 60 seconds, and here I am now at the start of week 7 running for 25 minutes without any stopping!
Well done. I remember this run well. If you can do that run you're sorted all the way to graduation. Week 7 is the same as what you've just done if I remember rightly, just remember if you've done it once you can do it again, just go slow and steady and pace yourself. Then the week after is only 3 more minutes - I thought of it as a minute and a half extra in the first half of the run (not too bad) and the same again in the second half. Then once you've done that week, it's just 2 minutes added on in graduation week. Then who knows where your legs will take you! You'll be unstoppable
Yeah, it's quite a daunting thought, to think I get no more walking 'breaks' in between my runs from now on. But I've already proved to myself I can do it, so it's just a case of sticking with it, staying nice and steady until completion. 👍
I didn't miss the walking bits as much as I thought I would. In fact I'd say that by the time I got to that point I found it harder to get going again after a short rest than if I just carried on.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
lol) but I don't recall you telling me lies. 
Fish, chips and mushy peas!
Hello all - 71 years old and hoping to run!
FAQ Post C25K COMPLETED…….WHAT NEXT?
