Is 9 weeks about right??

[Jon_]

Just finished the very first run... I foolishly signed up to a 5k obstacle course at the start of the year and having used every excuse going including my wife and I having a baby (best excuse so far) the run now happens to be exactly 9 weeks away which i did not realise was the number of weeks for the plan when I signed up. I feel like I want to get to the 5k mark before then so I don’t look foolish on the day but now I’m concerned it will be too much.

[Ripcurlrana71]

Hi Jon. Although the plan is called couch to 5k its more ‘couch to running 30mins’. I’m just about to start week 8 and not at 5k. Maybe in 2 weeks I might be able to but it’s not my priority. Being able to run without injury and comfortably is my goal. I believe from other posts very few manage 5k by the end of the programme. But that’s not to say you won’t! Good luck!! 😊👍🏼

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

I am on week 6 and doing just over 4k so it is doable.....p.s. I am a very slow runner, lol

[Jon_]

Thanks not really sure what to expect but will hopefully get somewhere near to the goal.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

About 90% of graduates do not manage to run 5k in 30 minutes at graduation.......many never do......much is dependant on the level of fitness you bring to the programme.

As for nine weeks, many take longer because life gets in the way or they have to repeat runs. It is possible, if you run every other day, to complete the plan in just over 8 weeks. Whatever, don't be tempted to skip rest days. They are crucial to new runners, as explained in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which has many other tips.

Enjoy your journey and be prepared for your life to change......

[sallenson Graduate]

You won't look foolish! And don't feel under pressure to run the whole distance.

Having a baby is quite an elaborate ruse to avoid it tho Did your wife and you have one each or are you sharing nicely?

Good luck with the journey!!

[Jon_]

Just one little boy. Not sure I could cope with two at once. Thanks for the support.

[sallenson Graduate]

Don't be a stranger on here. It's a really supportive crew. You're going to have a great time and Little Jon's going to be very proud of his Dad!

[Rignold]

Obstacle races involve very little in the way of continuus running. If a 5k course has 12 obstacles that is an average of 400m or so between them. the time it takes to traverse the obstacle is generally longer than the time it takes to run between them. Of course the more stamina you have the better, but there is absilutely no need to be able to run a straight 5k. Things like grip strength (very important) and the ability to pull your own bodyweight up things repeatedly are going to matter more to you on the day than running. If it is a Spartan race, get good at doing lots of burpees.