Newbie!

[Blue-Jay]

Hi Folks, lovely to join you all on this exciting adventure! I've just done Week 1 4 times cos I find it quite tiring. Decided I might be running too fast so tried my 4th run more slowly, and found it much better! Now wondered if I ran it TOO slowly! Can't decide whether to try it a fifth time a tad faster, or move on to W2? BTW, I've avoided running for nearly three decades as I became addicted to it in my late teens/ early twenties, running too hard and fast, twice a day. I had terrible shin splints that dogged me for 2 or 3 years. Finally packed it in and bought a bike. REALLY don't want to tread the same path so am LOVING the format of C25K, so gradual and plenty of rest days and sound advice built in! Feeling very optimistic that this time I can run sensibly. The penny has finally dropped!

[davidhwynn Graduate]

Check out a zillion posts on this forum, there's no such thing as too slow: provided you are using a running rather than a walking style then that's just fine. Sounds to me as if you need to move on to week 2 - BUT STILL TAKE IT SLOWLY. Good luck and keep posting your progress.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Move on...no wonder you are tired!

Each week, if you are taking it slowly and steadily should take you on to the next one.

The word is Slow!

No such thing as too slow.. ( there is such a thing as too fast!)_ relax and try to land lightly and gently... thumping down is tiring and massive impact will affect every part of you as you already know!

You are a runner you say.. and this programme will be completely different to what you were doing.

This is a structured progression, intended to be followed carefully and intended to get you to running for thirty minutes,comfortably, after nine weeks! Follow the programme; one run on one day,and a rest day between each of the three runs in the week..never, run twice in a day and never miss a rest day... loads of other exercise for core strength and stamina to be done on those days!

I know it sounds prescriptive, but the whole thing works... some folk have strayed fro the path and done their own thing, ( usually running too fast, pushing too hard or missing chunks out) many disappearing for ever to the IC or other running paths)!

This is a great site for support and encouragement... so welcome to you, keep posting... and...move on... slowly!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Hello and welcome!

The programme is structured for you so that you dont have to think about it. That means if you complete a run you move on. If you cant finish a run then by all means repeat it until you do.

Slow is good! Always slow and steady will get you to graduation .

Take your rest days as required, hydrate well and enjoy!

[Wizziewood]

Move on ... slow and steady ... that's my advice!

Welcome to the forum, you'll find lots of friendly support and advice here.

Happy running!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

That's the right attitude, please just take it slowly and carefully ... I've seen so many other runners on here push so hard especially after graduating, then getting injured and then stopping. People here will tell you if you are in this for the long run then slow and steady always wins the race ( and will give you many happy years of injury free running)....

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

Run as slow as you need to.

If you complete a run, you are ready to accept the challenge and move on, otherwise you will never build up the mental attitude that enables you to push on when the going gets tough.

See you at the finishing line.

[Blue-Jay]

Many thanks to you all for your encouraging replies and the warm welcome! I will definitely take your advice, slow and steady does it! Less is more! I really don't want to pick up injuries so the advice is very sound. I like forward to reading your posts and to chatting more as we go along! Aesop had it right with his tale "The Hare and the Tortoise" . I am older and wiser than my early days, so hopefully sense will prevail! Besides, I couldn't run too fast now even if I wanted to! X