Unbelievably today I ran for 5k in 36mins 39secs. I 'graduated' two weeks ago from the 9 week plan but only managed just over 4K.
When I began week one I could hardly run for one minute and was counting down the seconds so that I could go back to walking. I dreaded week two as it increased to one and a half minutes of non stop running.
However, Michael Johnson kept assuring me "you've got this" and some how I believed him and ploughed on. Each week felt like I was pushing through a new physical boundary and I kept telling myself it's part of the process.
After the 5k today, I feel completely amazed that the plan actually worked for this 55 year old non-runner. I have been encouraged, informed and inspired by the many and varied posts from this site and am very grateful to those who have spent time contributing, especially Oldfloss.
To those who are just starting out, prepare to be amazed at yourself, I most certainly have been.
Written by
Jetts
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Absolutely brilliant...well done!!! Michael is brilliant with his smooth talking....but best of all is the support, advice & encouragement from the people on here....they genuinely run along with you!!!! And....they look forward to your posts!!!! And so do we....so stick around and let us know how you're doing x
Well done Jetts😊 thats a super time for 5k too....
Having somewhere to post your success to people who totally 'get it' and are genuinely interested in running is great isn't it. We all run together whatever stage of the plan we are at...
Thanks Jan-now-runs and you're right about being able to tell people who 'get' what you've been through. I don't mention my running to friends as it feels like I'm gloating, of course if they ask, that's a different matter because I've noticed that the running fraternity, as well as encouraging each other, love to encourage others into running.
Congratulations! What an achievement. I have only just started out (on W2) and now I can't wait to run my first 5k.
Wow well done - you must be buzzing with those times and improvements - wk 1 and wk 2 is soooo hard , I too thought it impossible to even move on each week - wondering how on earth I would do the next run when increased times . Inspiring posts and achievements like yours are what makes this group my new best friend. You are all AMAZING .
Keep up the great running and I hope to join you in a few weeks ( start wk6 on Sunday having done the momentous wk 5 r 3 tonight)
Brilliantly done, I am following in your footsteps and getting the 5k done is my first proper grown up challenge. So it's great to see you can do a 1km improvement in 2 weeks of extra effort. Thanks for posting a useful and encouraging post. As a fellow 'Smoothie' I miss MJ on the runs already..😉
Congratulations on that first magical 5k - the hard work does pay off! It sounds as though you have also cracked that very important self- belief which kicks any gremlins to the kerb! Happy running!☺
Very well done indeed.. you have done really well. It can, if it is your goal, be so rewarding when you make your magic number...
For me, ( well after Graduation I hasten to add...) it was 7K... I just had it fixed in my head!!
Self belief is everything!!! You need to carry on consolidating your runs now.. and putting a bit of variety in maybe? New routes, short runs and a longer, 'see where you get to' run too!
Thanks again Oldfloss, your suggestion of different runs is what helped me to increase my time in the two weeks after graduation. On both weeks I ran three times, two steady 30 min consolidation runs and a 20min run with the aim of increased speed. It was the 20 min runs that gave me the buzz as I found they pushed me further and increased my overall time. 👍🏽
Fabulous post - well done on continuing to go onwards and upwards!
I think the physical health aspect of this programme is really just half of its benefit. The affirmation and confidence boost it gives is amazing, as it gives you the pleasure of seeing you can achieve things, and to believe in your capabilities.
Thank you for your kind encouragement HeleneCorsa and yes, it is a fabulous boost to discover you can do something you've believed was completely impossible for you to do.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Ran the full 5k but nearly last
Completed couch to 5k last year
3rd 5k since last weeks graduation 
Graduated LAST week - Ran 1st 5k THIS week!
W1R1 harder than last Saturday’s 5k parkrun 
