I have just started week 4, run 1, and survived.
But just wanted to ask about speed.
Should I be trying to get faster as it feels like I'm shuffling along and not actually running.
I am following the podcast and Laura says light jogging, but I am not sure exactly what that means. I feel I could actually walk quicker than I am 'running'.
However I am actually managing to keep moving for the whole time, so believe me I am delighted with that.
Thanks for any advice.
Well done on getting to this point
The mantra of the C25K is "slow and steady" Don't worry about speed at all, indeed forget about it. Just keep moving through the programme. Running and walking are actually different movements, so even if you think you can walk faster, it doesn't matter!
The programme will get you running 30 mins non-stop (ie no walking!) it's not about the speed you can do it in. That tends to come post graduation.
Slow, slow, slower still
Thank you Davoda...most reassuring.....will keep 'shuffling'.
Am just truly delighted to be completing each week.
Regards
I remember that wonderful amazing feeling each week - it's just great isn't it?!
I think you are doing fab! Speed isn't important, you are out there doing it and that's all that really matters, you stick with what is comfortable for you and keep on keeping on
Thank you giddy aunt.
I am really pleased to have gotten this far.
And indeed I have been saying to myself exactly that "at least you're doing it".
I will continue to shuffle! LOL
Thank you so much for taking the time to give support.
Well done! Your fine as you are, keep it up!😊
Shuffling is fine, many of us have done it!
Many of us are still doing it!😉
Hello fiftybit
LOL- don't believe that for an instant!!
Shuffling tomorrow, here I come!
Thank you for your support, again.
Another shuffler here - I am usually overtaken by grannies with walking sticks!
Speed comes later What you are doing now is building up stamina/distance. Don't worry though - on your slowest day ever you will still beat the slobs on the sofa 
Thank you Irish John
I am, indeed, pleased that I have actually managed to get off the sofa and make that start.
And this forum is certainly a great support system for a beginner.
Everyone is so supportive.
Go raibh maith agat
Ta failte romhat
LOL..I know!
It's like I can hear them thinking 'what is that aul doll doing'?
But shuffling is what I'll be doing for the foreseeable future.
Thank you for your reply and support.
Great to know that I am not shuffling on my own.
We have all asked this question. I thought if I got much slower, I would be running backwards LOL! Don't worry though, running slowly means you can manage the running time. Next week will again be a little longer, so trying to run faster at this time isn't going to be helpful. Trust the programme totally, just focus on the time and find a speed that allows you to keep going a little bit longer. Speed can come later after you graduate - well done for your positive attitude and press on! Keep us posted
Thank you Joolie
I am so happy to know that others have thought they were slow too,and that it's all part of the process.
Will carry on, follow the podcast and Laura's instructions.
Regards
If you are still moving forward, you are fine!!
Thank you Joolie
Time to move forward this morning...first run in the rain.
Here goes.......
Hi joolieb
Just wanted to thank you.
Was on w5r2 this morning and when Laura said run for 8 minutes I immediately thought that I would never be able to do it. I was focusing on the 8 minutes.
But then I remembered your message that said if you're moving forward you're doing fine. So I changed my mindset to just those words, moving forward.
And I did it, two sets of 8 minutes.
So thank you for planting the seed.
It will be my mantra from now on.
Thank you.
You are so welcome, only a year ago, I was you, battling through week 5! At 53 and having been very inactive most of my life, it is unlikely I will ever win on speed! However, I run every week and have just moved from 3 to 4 times a week. My total weekly distance is 24 kilometres! Couch to 5k turned me into someone who struggled to run to someone who loves running. One reason I enjoy it so much is that I am my only competition, I run at a speed that is comfortable, plan my own week of running and slowing down is one way to make doing more fun and achievable! Speed grows naturally when our fitness and stamina improves, just go with the flow
Just keep doing the fabulous running that you're doing. If you decide you have a need for speed leave that for one of the after program goals. But you never have to be speedy
Hello runs with dogs
I too run with dogs....mind you my 14yr old lab runs faster than me!
I don't actually feel the need for speed. I am happy to shuffle, however I was asking if it was something I should be thinking about and was concerned that I was maybe being too slow.
But I have been reassured by everyone's replies that slow is quite ok.
Thank you for your reply and advice.
It is much appreciated.
No issue with snails!!! I was the original Grey Snail on here
Slow, steady, you will hear that loads of times on here and at all running levels I feel sure, many, many of us felt we were running slower than folks walking..
But..it builds up, slowly and gently and that is the point... you get stronger and a tad faster each run, often without us realising it.. So, you carry on.. you are doing fine.
If shuffling is the way to go... then go for it!
Thank you Oldfloss
It's a great comfort to know that other folk have 'been there, done that'.
And it's great to know that slow slow slow is ok.
This is such a great forum for help, support and advice.
Everyone is so kind to take the time to reply.
Regards
We stress Slow! We do this for good reason
I shuffled for a long time. I shuffled in my first ever race. It matters NOT! Shuffling will take you places 🙂
Leg turnover is hard! It takes time to achieve, and as you get stronger and stronger you will do it. All this takes time of course. Stick at it 😀
Thank you misswobble
After all the support and advice from everyone here I am content to remain a shuffler for as long as it takes.
Thank you for the support.
Don't worry 🙂 All will be well providing you go slowly. Slow is absolutely the best way to tackle this.
Do more walking! Great exercise! I walk everywhere. When I'm not running that is 🙂
Indeed I am walking on the non-run days.
Trying to do the 10,000 steps a day.
Walking the dogs helps the motivation.
Thank you.
No, shuffling is good! Slow, slow, slow. Speed will come later.
Well done for starting Week 4. Keep going!
Thank you Melly
Found out today that gale force wind assisted shuffling can make you feel like you are actually running. 😄
Hilarious.
Ha, lovely to have the wind helping you along..well done Ardmhaca 😊you are doing brilliantly.
Slow and steady all the way...
Thank you Jan
Yes indeed, thumbs up for wind assisted!
Contemplated doing one half of the shuffles wind assisted and the second half coming back into the wind.
Half way through my first five minute shuffle met a bloke running who shouted 'hah, wait til you turn round, it's freezin', so I chickened out and did the whole thing wind assisted.
The walked back doing a great impression of 'man walking against the wind'!
That was exactly the right thing to do..😆
Its tough enough this shuffling/running lark without extra buffering.xx
I'll leave the bravery for another few weeks! 👍
You are doing really well! I feel exactly the same as you - even walkers overtake me sometimes lol. But just as everyone else is saying, it's about endurance not speed - we can build on speed later. I do w6r2 tomorrow and still feel I am very slow but I feel I have to be in order to complete each run. Keep going to are fantastic!!
Thank you Annie
Apologies for not replying sooner.
I hope your w6r2 went well!
I completed my w5r3 today, and after completing 20 mins I actually cried with happiness.
I am just taking it all slowly, just as you all have advised.
So thank you so much for your support.
Running Like a Girl
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