Two more runs left until I graduate. I can't quite believe it. However, I still feel like an imposter. In my head all you guys are real runners but I'm not.
Because I ran downhill today (and uphill but my brain chooses to ignore those when I think about things).
Because I'm not really very fast.
Because I haven't got 5k in the last week.
These demons are very annoying!
Running downhill is harder than running up - something to do with the different muscles, take my word for it.
I am THRILLED when I do 5K in less than 40 minutes. I could not do a hundred YARDS in ONE minute when I started 
'Fast' is relative 
Less than 10% of us graduated with 5K - we had a recent Poll that proved it.
The Demons are but clouds in the otherwise blue Skies of your musings as you run - Blue Sky is your Default condition, demons/gremlins - like clouds - are transitory and of little substance.
Now - any more of this nonsense about being an impostor???
Your place is being prepared at the Graduate Table, never fear
Oh really, I find running uphill much more difficult. People are difficult.
Enjoy the next 2 runs. And Enjoy even more the rewards of knowing that you have completed something which most find very hard to do. Well done on all you have achieved. From reading the amazing posts and all the words of wisdom and well wishes on this Forum there are no imposters. Getting off the couch and training to run for 30 minutes is an amazing achievement, I'm looking forward to joining you in a few weeks. I just finished W5R3 earlier today and was delighted to have ran for 20 minutes without stopping. Looking forward to seeing you crowned as a graduate soon.
Damien
Good luck - your graduate badge is also in site! Just beware W6D1 - it catches many people out but you will be fine.
You are not an imposter! You are, in fact, a runner! Many of us are slow (I surely am), some are fast, some hit 5k in 30 minutes or less, some do not. I graduated a little over 6 months ago and I run between 2-2.5 miles twice a week, and go for a 5k run on the weekend (on a trail) and it takes me usually around 50 minutes (I still do walk/run intervals) and I still consider myself a runner.
Those demons are pesky, but they cannot defeat you!
I felt the same... it took a while before I started calling myself a runner. Now I can't shut up about it😆 Just persevere and you will get there too. It is fantastic. And I still don't run 5k in 30 minutes.
Exactly! And look at that lovely badge!
For your proper couch potato , and i mean like myself who started weighing in at 18.5 st , no exercise for 30yrs ex drinker ex 40 a day man and kebab expert supreme , 5k in 30 min was never going to happen .
I think your 30 minute 5ks are being achieved by people who are already pretty active .if like me the 1st paragraph covers you , just bear in mind the app will train you to run for 30 minutes . I recently graduated with a average of 3.5k and and 2 weeks after am still covering same distance . Dont lock on to the distance just lock onto doing 30 minutes and youll be sweet .
Simples
The imposter feeling lasts for a very long time! But stick with it and after a while you really do feel like a runner. Distance and speed are not important, what is important is just to get out there and run 3x a week (or 2x) regularly. You're doing great 👍
As Irish-John said...
"Less than 10% of us graduated with 5K - we had a recent Poll that proved it."
Fast... is just a word, and not relevant to this C25K programme...the programme is about a slow, steady build up of running stamina and discipline and oh yes... fun
Downhill running? It is wonderful... I make the most of it every chance I get Who doesn't? Plus. whether you don't think about it, you did.... run UPhill first
So, I am really sorry, but you have become a runner.. you were a runner from Day 1... and what is more you have almost completed this programme beautifully!
Squish the pesky demons with every step of our last runs...as you do, say in your head.. I can run, I can run... and head for the party on the podium...
" Note to Self... I am enough"
...and you are
This reply is why I advise anyone to come on to this forum!!!!!
Maybe think of this as your undergraduate degree course, the one that turns you into a runner and then running 5k as your Masters degree, the one that turns you into a master runner? (Whatever helps squish those demons!!)
Brush the demons off your shoulders, put your running gear on and out you go! You are a runner! Some of us may sound like very experienced athletes (not me I hasten to add) but, the one thing that we all have in common is C25K. I may now be able to run for two and a half hours but two years ago I had to get my husband to pause the app because I couldn't run for a full minute. We have all been there and know exactly where you are coming from and let me tell you - if you are this close to finishing the program - you are a runner! Very well done. I am so looking forward to seeing your shiny graduate badge! Good luck - the end is in sight.
What demons? There are none. Deny the existence of such things and just believe in yourself and this programme to deliver you to Graduation, and to take you beyond if you wish
You're doing great. You better believe it baby 😃🏃♀️🏅🥂🍰✔️
Set up the conditions for your graduate run with extreme care and enjoy it. You've done the hard work, fellow runner.
How about trying parkrun, then you will discover that runners come in all shapes sizes and ages and degrees of fitness.
Keep running, keep smiling.
You don't have to be fast! better to be slow as slow can be, nor worrying about reaching 5k, that'll come later naturally, just concentrate on getting to 30 mins, graduation is just around the corner!😊
Just wanted to say thank you to you all for your lovely words!
When I go out tomorrow on W9R2 I will not acknowledge those demons! I AM A RUNNER.
I still do a 5km in about 40 minutes, the same as the first time I did one. I think my 30minute graduation run was about 3.9km or there abouts. I also still feel like an imposter but I've been running for over 12 months now and I love it.
I'm really thrilled to read so many posts from people who say they are still very slow - so am I! It's very encouraging to read responses like 'the speed will come later'. I'm confident it will. Very glad to be part of this forum.
In my eyes if you have just run continuously for 30 mins then YOU ARE A RUNNER and in a place that I am still aspiring to get to. Enjoy your last couple of undergraduate runs.
You are a runner as tou run and don't walk and you can run for 30 minutes. You are fantastic and keep it up you will do 5K whether it takes 30 minutes or 50 minutes you will achieve it. As they say you maybe slow but you are lapping everyone on the couch. 😀
Actually this running training plan pace conversion chart may be of interest. Anyone managing to run non stop at 4 miles per hour is by definition a runner, according to this chart. (However I believe you a runner if you are moving in the style of a runner and using muscles in the style of a runner!). Don't get hung up on 5k. Its an awful long way to run actually and I am amazed I'm averaging about 2 1/4 miles at present! Ask me 9 weeks ago and I would have categorically stated that I could NOT run/jog (whatever!) a quarter of a mile.
I guess I could run faster ... if I stopped every 5 minutes for a breather, but the aim of this programme is to get you into the good habit of running slowly non stop for 30 minutes, then build up strength and stamina. With a bit of luck and change in personal habits, an increase in speed/distance might be our reward.
Week 9 Run 3 - I DID IT!!!
I feel like a loser
Week 7 done - and I feel done-in!
Week 7 Run 1 - Imposter Syndrome strikes
