I did it.

[Skipper21]

Not the whole C25K but week 4 run 2. This defeated me on Thursday evening, had to stop running 2 and half minutes into second 5 minute run. So close to end but felt sick and faint. It was the first run I hadn't forced myself to complete and felt totally demotivated to continue . But I dragged myself out and did it today reasonably easily, I think I hadn't drunk enough fluid during day, busy day at work, and probably running too fast along the road with other fitter runners and everyone coming home from work - don't want to look too stupid running slower than walking! Took a route through woods today so path was probably easier on the old knees too and pretty flat as it follows the railway and only the odd dog walker in sight. Feeling like I can really do this now.

[davelinks Graduate]

Well done! you can get the odd run like that, where you may feel a tad ropey, either back off, slow down or repeat the run next time. At least you can say I went out and tried!😊

[Hidden]

Well done ! At least you went out and proved to yourself you can do it. As others will say we all have runs that aren't so good. I prefer to run where it is less populated and usually on my early morning runs by lake and up canal only see the odd dog walker and odd runner.

Once your into continuous running and graduate a parkrun may be a good idea. It helps overcome that feeling of "looking stupid" because there are always runners even slower than you, who without any shame sometimes walk parts of it. A good crowd !

I've only done one parkrun because have to work Saturdays and book day off to fit it in. Like you say also there is a temptation to run at same pace as other runners and get breathless. I did that on my parkrun but eventually settled down and more or less followed the odd runner who was running at near my normal pace. Then if felt a bit breathless really slowed down to barely a walking speed.

Even after nearly a year of running (99% of time 3 runs per week) I still get a sense of achievement and that I have got a good habit that's given me great sense of health and well being. Potentially keeping me off a future on medication to boot !

Keep us all posted how you get on.

[Skipper21 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. There's a park run just down the road. I might look into it when I get through Week 5.