Newbie With a Question?

[CariCanRun]

I'm on week four after a long break from exercise due to a medical condition. I'm really enjoying this and I've always hated running, like HATED running! I'm finding days now I tend to extend my running time by choice because it feels really good to push myself but I used to be in the gym six days a week so it feels good to be exercising again in general.

Hit my first runners high and unfortunately haven't had another one but it was really cool. One question I have is how have those of you who have gotten to weeks later on handled to big change to running full on? I've heard this is where people drop out and it's a flaw in the program. I've asked my husband who's a doctor and he said just go back to where you feel okay and proceed when ready extending your run time as and when you can. Still, the thought of 25 minutes just running kind of intimidates me.

I realise not all have loved the program, just wondering how it's gone for those who have completed or are close to completing it?

Thanks,

Cari

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The plan is carefully graduated and totally achievable. I can only recommend that you stick to the plan and keep deviations and extras minimal. The guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

C25K is building stamina and habit, which means maintaining running after graduation should not be a problem.

Enjoy your journey.

[CariCanRun in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Definitely agree. I've read several criticisms of the program in that it makes a fairly big leap at one of the later weeks. I've reviewed all the weeks and their routines and as the program itself suggests I will repeat a week until I am feeling confident to move forward because I've got a healed but sometimes sore MCL . I do keep my knee wrapped to run per the orthopaedist, and so far I enjoy my runs, just thinking ahead, failure is definitely not an option. I've always been pro exercise but after almost five years not being very active for medical reasons, I find I'm facing an odd mix of feeling like I never took a break from exercising to slightly challenged by it because I've always hated running.

Thanks so much!!

[Ripcurlrana71]

Hi Cari and welcome! I’m starting week 9 tomorrow. It’s been mainly highs but a few lows too with particular runs (week 4 for me). That’s when I first posted here and the support and virtual friendship is amazing! Everyone is so supportive and honest.

When we do well we shout about it here and when we feel low we shout about it here!

Nearing the end now but loved the whole programme. I hope you do too. Main mantra you instill is ‘slow a steady’ 😊

[CariCanRun in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thank you!!! Xx I'm looking forward to running without walking but a bit intimidating is all. I can do this. This is a change for me from being a gym junkie to running because I've really come to prefer it. Never thought I'd say that, but it feels so much better at the end of a run, I love it. X

[Ripcurlrana71 in reply to CariCanRun]

You’ll do amazingly well im sure!! X