Repeating runs

[Lindam2332]

Hi

I have been doing C25k since august and have always done at least 6 runs at each level i.e. Am at week 5 run 2 and will do third run at this level tomorrow- never as easy as others seem to find it - does anyone else find it this hard? Happy to be out moving at least but be finished by next summer at least 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just take it as slow as you like..if you are finding it hard, then maybe you are moving too fast and trying too hard.

The programme should take you very slowly and steadily forward..and just maybe, by doing each week's runs with 6 runs??? you are not actually helping your progress

Move onto run 3 and go as slow as you like.. then after your rest day.. move onto week 6

[Lindam2332 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the advice

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi there, The advice I have seen again and again on this forum is to move on to the next run if you have managed the one before. If you have not managed the one before, count it as a practice run and repeat.

I am 58 and three months ago had never been a runner. When I started the program I fully expected to be doing week 1, (or at the very best week 2), for the entire winter! To my astonishment that was not necessary and I moved on through the program all the way to graduation. I realised that I needed to do the next run to make the level of the previous ones feel easier - so running for 20 minutes feels fine now that I can run for 30. No doubt when I can run for 45 minutes 30 will seem fine! Having said all of that - there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing the program the way that suits you. Good luck, let us know how you get on so that we can cheer for you! 😄

[pinkaardvark Graduate]

If you have done a run in the programme successfully the only thing preventing you from attempting the next run is fear. If you attempt the next run and don't manage it, then fair enough you tried your best and give it as many attempts as you need. Just don't repeat runs you don't need to as I don't think this is helping your body, it is just supplicating the mental barriers you have created.

[runswithdogs Graduate]

I wouldn't say I found any of the runs during the program easy. It was always a push to get through, willing Laura to pipe up and tell me I could walk. Some runs I didn't complete, but then I'd just redo until I could. But most times I moved onto the next run, and it would still be a slog, but doable.

You are more than welcome to adapt and repeat the runs as you see fit, but you are likely running just the same as many of us, if it was easy we would already have been runners.

[Lindam2332 Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks for this it is encouraging- I think there is a bit of fear of failure- as I don't want to find it too hard and give up.

I know I am a lightweight compared to some- however i progressed to wk 5 run 2 today after only 2 goes at wk 5 run 1

It was hard and I might do again before I move on to run 3 but as long as I keep going I am sure I can get to 5k

So thanks again for your encouragement