Hi, I'm new here!

[Bek2000]

Hi, I've only just discovered this group!!! Just completed W5.

I couldn't run for even 1 minute when I started C25K, but on Friday night I ran for a whole 20minutes, something I never thought I'd be able to do!!!! I have NEVER been able to run and never thought I would be able to. It hasn't necessarily been an easy journey so far, but the last few runs i finally seem to be sorting my breathing out and believing in myself more. I felt euphoric after each of the week 5 runs!!!

I have seen a few comments on here saying that W6R1 is harder than W5R3 even though it goes back to intervals-any advice?? I thought it would be easier! Going later on so would be good to be prepared mentally.

Thanks xx

[sheps Graduate]

Well done you. I was in the same "never have, never could" mode as you when I started and am now on 25 minutes. For W6R1, I paid attention to the warnings that it could catch you out and took it really slowly. Pacing is all. Just "know" that you can do it and you will do it, just as you have done all the rest.

See you on the graduation podium.

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to sheps]

Thanks!!!! I am glad I found this today as I was thinking it would be much easier than running for 20 mins. Will approach it with caution!!! well done on your 25mins-not long now!

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to sheps]

I did it!!! Thanks for the advice-I went in thinking about what you and others had said. It wasn't the best run I've done, but i did it!!!!! Yay

[sheps Graduate in reply to Bek2000]

Well done Bek Now you know that you can when you thought you couldnt, you are in control and you never need doubt again.

How empowering is that? Let it spread beyond your running.

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to sheps]

Totally. I really cannot believe I can do this, I am feeling so positive and empowered at the mo!!!! And stronger wish I had heard of C25K before now!!!

[accidentalrunner Graduate]

Hi! I'm at the same point as you, will be attempting W6R1 later today and also feeling a bit nervous after reading some of the comments... planning on taking it slow and running with my dog for company Good luck!! xx

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to accidentalrunner]

Sounds like a good plan. i dont have a dog-not sure the cats and guinea pigs would make it 😂😂😂. good luck later, hopefully we will both have a good run!

[naedoot]

Well done im hoping that I will be in the same position in week 5.

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to naedoot]

Which week are you on?

[naedoot in reply to Bek2000]

Week 2 run 1 today.

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to naedoot]

I couldn't believe 6 weeks ago that I would be able to run for 20 minutes-trust in the programme and keep going, well done xx

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

It's psychological - or it was for me anyway. I never, ever, EVER, thought I'd be able to run for 30 minutes non stop - and yesterday I graduated from C25K with a Parkrun and a very slow 5k time - that I'm really happy with. You too will get there - you just have to believe in yourself. I had a few "practice" runs for W9 because I stopped believing in myself. The programme is designed carefully so that achieving the full 30 minutes is entirely possible - you just have to believe. Go girl!

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Hi, thanks for that-congratulations by the way!! I think you are right, I would say week 1-4 were purely physical barriers, but then that started getting easier and then it becomes more psychological! I am a very stubborn person, so the thought of giving up hasn't occurred to me, just got to keep going. Doing the 20 min run has really helped me to know that i can and I will-the coming weeks are daunting, but I like the feeling this is giving me. Haven't felt this proud of myself in a long time, so i can only imagine how it will feel to graduate!! Thanks x

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Bek2000]

Completely agree. All the time the barriers were physical I somehow pushed on through even though I did have to repeat a few weeks. When it became psychological was when I started to really struggle but if you have the benefit of being a stubborn person then you'll be fine.

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

But you made it!!! Great inspiration x

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to Bek2000]

Red, sweaty, barely moving and unable to talk - but I made it!

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

Whoop whoop xxx

[Fatpuffin Graduate]

Well done! I am at nearly the same stage as you so will be following to see how week 6 goes...

[Bek2000 Graduate in reply to Fatpuffin]

I did W6R1 yesterday. It was a slow one, im not going to lie, but I did it and i think it made me realise that the walking is now annoying!! (I NEVER EVER thought I would say that when I was dying after each minute in week 1!!!!! Let me know how you get on x

[Bek2000 Graduate]

Thanks. I did it yesterday and took it steady. Wasn't the best run I've done, but I did it!!! Yay