Advice needed please 😁: First a little... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Advice needed please 😁

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate
β€’19 Replies

First a little background:

I graduated in January this year and was running around 3.5 - 4k in 30 minutes. The original plan was to keep running 2-3 times a week and gradually increase until I got to the magic 5k. However, with various health things this hasn't happened! πŸ™

I am now back out and running every 2 or 3 days. Have done a few runs which were 10 mins run + 3 mins walk x 2. I tried a longer run, but this broke the 10% rule and caused hip pain which, fortunately, settled after an extra days rest. So last time ran for 18 mins non-stop with no consequences! πŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

So I have a question. I was aiming to do a parkrun at the end of this month, as I have signed up for a virtual 5k medal πŸ… (which can be any combination of walking and running). Do I just run what I should be (if I go back to the C25k program around week 6, which seems to be where I am comfortable at the moment) on that day and walk the rest? Or do I run/walk the whole 5k? Or?!

Thank you in advance for your expertise! 😁

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CookieM profile image
CookieM
Graduate
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19 Replies
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I would do whatever C25k run you are up to and then walk the rest. I've not done a park run yet but I gather lots of people do them like that as they do C25k.

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to

Thanks :)

Noomes profile image
Noomes

My mother in law is the event director at our local parkrun, and as she would always say, you're welcome no matter how fast or slow, running or walking.

Our parkrun is really hilly, so for beginners, run/walk is best. I would say go with an open mind, if you can manage week 6 then fab, but if not, run/walk is just as fab 😊

The community spirit will soon make you forget! πŸ˜‚

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Noomes

Thanks :)

I know I'm just worrying over nothing about the actual Parkrun itself - I have friends who do them regularly (just not near where I live!). I just don't want to push myself too far with regards to my running! :O

Noomes profile image
Noomes in reply to CookieM

There are marshalls all around and all runners/walkers are supportive, and a tail runner to make sure no-ones left behind. Take it as slow as you need, plus the more events you do and get better at, you see your progress on your parkrun page! You'll probably surprise yourself with how well you do.

The faster runners will usually loop back once finished and run with people 😊

We have a lady who is in her 60s, and walked at first, she comes every week and runs with tail runner and now she runs the majority! We even have brews and cake afterwards πŸ˜‚πŸ˜Š

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Noomes

The one I'm looking at doing uses the local rugby club grounds, so has coffee at the club house afterwards! (and there is a new one which started last weekend which does the same) I can see I'm going to have to try a few different ones to find my favourite!!

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

Parkruns a very easy going events. You can walk it all, run/walk or run the full 5k. I have done 8 so far and only managed to run the full 5k without walking twice. Do the Parkrun, you will love it. There is no pressure.

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to damienair

Thanks - it's useful to know that there are people who don't run the whole 5k!! :D

Pc59 profile image
Pc59Graduate in reply to CookieM

I understand where you are as i am stilling planning a parkrun & always said i would do it when I could run all of it but i was off with an injury & just built up to 26mins running again & walk run the rest to get to 5k so i think im going to challenge myself to just get out & do it best i can just to get me into it!! I have something on next 2 Saturdays but can maybe aim for 5/8😊we can motivate each other but trust me im slow!!! X

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Pc59

Good to know someone else is in a similar position to me! :)

I don't know if I can do this Saturday - but I'm going to aim to go on the 29th July. I can't do 5/8 as I'm away, but once I've done one, I hope to be able to do one or two each month!! There - I've put it in writing now!!! :D

Pc59 profile image
Pc59Graduate in reply to CookieM

Ah i would do 29th but i think my family organising something for my birthday on the 30th the big 60πŸ˜‰honestly you would think I would know better starting running at my age πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ but i live a challenge & you & i will be at park run il be looking out for youπŸƒπŸ‘then one sat we will do it together 😊

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Pc59

You're on!!!

Pc59 profile image
Pc59Graduate in reply to CookieM

πŸ‘πŸ˜Šil be keeping an eye out for youπŸ˜ŠπŸ˜‰

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Pc59

πŸ‘€

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

I would carry on as you are and consider taking the 5k in two chunks with a 2 minute walk in the middle.... just a thought but that would break it up... good luck :)

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to ju-ju-

Thanks 😊

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

I'd do whatever Week you're on by the time, and walk the rest, but maybe jog over the line as your version of a sprint finish πŸ˜‰

CookieM profile image
CookieMGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

I would definitely try and jog over the finish!!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to CookieM

Somehow it feels so much better that way πŸ™‚

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