W2 R2

[Sadiemac]

I can do this..... doing ok but just read the whole program- if I'm just managing to run 90secs will I ever be able to run 30 mins? Thing is I read these things and then start doubting myself! I've heard it said that a large percentage of running is done in your head, must stay positive!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Step by step, run by run.

No, of course you can't run for thirty minutes............if you could, you wouldn't be doing C25K, would you?

Don't get ahead of yourself. Be positive about each accomplished run and keep reminding yourself how far you have come after each one. Trust the plan and start the germ of belief that you are capable of doing way more than you ever believed.

You will run for thirty minutes, but forget about that for the moment and concentrate on W2R3. That is your next challenge.

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Hi fellow Sadie! The thing is, you need to focus on the now. You are "just about" managing 90 seconds, but next week you will "just about" manage a bit more. That's the beauty of this carefully thought out programme. With each week your stamina improves, which means you CAN manage the next "challenge". I know it is so hard to visualise right now, so you just have to have faith in the programme and believe those ahead of you. Like little ole me. I was totally unfit at the start of C 25K, and huffed and puffed my way through that 1st 60 second run. My legs felt like lead and my lungs screamed at me "dear god woman what are you doing?!" Yesterday I ran 2 round of 5 mins, and you know, it was not so bad. Challenging, yes, impossible no. So patience. Don't worry about week 8 or 9 or whatever. Just keep going, slow and steady. Watch your pace and keep a steady slow rhythm/ that will help with breathing. You know you got this. 😘

[Sadiemac in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks running Sadie 👍

[GingerBohemian Graduate]

It's the same reason they don't hand out A level exam papers to 5 year olds.

We build up slowly and it happens.

At W6R2 I look back on W1 and 2 and remember how I struggled.

But I did it.

As will you.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Those negative gremlins have got you!!! As IannodaTruffe says, concentrate on your current run/week...the rest will happen naturally...good luck 🏃🏼‍♀️ You CAN do it!!

[Sadiemac]

Thank you for all the positivity. One run at a time then and this overweight 52 year old WILL do it ....

[ranjo]

I'm also chiming in to say the program works! The first time I ever attempted w1r1, I had to stop halfway through. After a few stops and starts, I finished the program in June, and just this weekend, I ran my first 10k. And I now dash off a quick 5k every other morning during the week. At times, when I hit a new goal, I'm like, "Who am I?" If you'd asked me a year ago, it wouldn't have seemed possible to casually run for 30 minutes. But it is, with enough work and dedication.

C25k is a way to train your body into doing something you can't do now. As others have said, don't focus on weeks ahead--focus on *this* run, and once you've finished it, focus on the next run. Each one is a challenge, but if you can run 60 seconds, you can run 90 seconds. Once you can run 90 seconds, you can run 3 minutes. It's baby steps, but that's what a 5k is--just a bunch of steps to the finish line.

[Sadiemac]

Thanks! That'll be my focus for W2 R3 tomorrow 👍