Just the runs

[Kamia]

Do you guys just do the runs or do you do other workouts in between? I’ve just started and will be doing my 3rd run tomorrow and wondering if you really get fit enough to complete the course just from the runs.

[Bev_Beeti Graduate]

Hi Kamia - I’m just following the programme and making sure I leave a day sometimes 2 days between the runs and it’s working for me. Each run is getting easier and I’m covering more ground. Trust in the programme and it’ll work 😀🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Bev_Beeti]

Thanks I looked ahead and got a bit panicked at the thought of running for 25 mins

[Bev_Beeti Graduate in reply to Kamia]

Just take one run at a time. 6 weeks ago I’d never been a runner, swimming was my thing. But decided I needed to do some weight bearing exercise and after doing a bit of research embarked on C25K and I now class myself as a runner, enjoying it more than I ever thought. Stay positive and listen to the advice of your chosen coach (Jo Wiley for me) and you’ll do it

[JulesG1 Graduate in reply to Kamia]

Don’t panic! Trust yourself and the programme, you really can do it.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Yes you do.

There are merits to adding in strength and flexibility work (and I would argue other elements of what makes a well-rounded 'fitness') but the most common mistake people make in deciding they are going to get fit (other than not doing anything at all) is to approach it in a full on fashion which is unsustainable.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I’m quite unfit and the runs have made me tired, I will try to do some other things as well next week while I’m off work

[Hidden]

I fully intended to add in strengthening exercises once I'd increased my fitness, then my gym membership ran out. If it hadn't I'd probably do Pilates and Body Pump. However, at W7R3 I can totally see a major improvement in my weight, my legs are looking slim and toned, my tummy flab is disappearing fast and I've definitely lost inches everywhere.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That’s good to know as I was wondering if I’d loose weight and tone up as well. I follow the body coach on FB and want to start doing his abs work out and maybe his beginners HIIT workout now and then.

[AnnieW55 in reply to Hidden]

Why not look on you tube? There's loads of exercise stuff on there. I stopped going to the gym a long time ago and work out at home now. It does take some motivation but just like running, set your time and do it 😀

[Jojo2102]

I gym it twice a week doing mainly strengthing and weights with a tiny bit of cardio

[AnnieW55]

Rest days are rest days from running so any other exercise is good. Core exercises are good to help build your running corset, walking is good, swimming anything really. Squats are good too as is yoga, gardening, housework. Look at You Tube for exercises for runners. As you get to run longer your body benefits from strengthening exercises.

You might not notice a big weight loss (unless you have a lot to lose) early on but your body will change in all sorts of ways and you will most probably lose inches.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to AnnieW55]

I’ve taken my measurements to see if they change. I want to start doing the body coaches HIIT workouts as well.

[AnnieW55 in reply to Kamia]

I lost cms from my neck can you believe. So take more than just the usual ones if you haven't already. Remember to have at least one complete rest day a week.

[Jay66UK Graduate]

I know I must do core exercising too but I’ve only done running so far. Don’t be like Jay.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Jay66UK]

I will try not to be like you if I can motivate myself 😀

[Hidden in reply to Jay66UK]

😆

[Razouski]

I started the programme as part of my gym work out but soon did the gym on my rest days. I also swim sometimes and cycle occasionally.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Gosh you do a lot, I was going to cancel my gym membership as haven’t been going. I’m hoping to start doing some things at home instead.

[Razouski in reply to Kamia]

I think the core work and strength stuff helps the running.

[Jojo2102 in reply to Kamia]

I do a lot of strengthen at home kettle bells squats planking medicine ball and TRX

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Jojo2102]

I was going to do some exercises today but haven’t yet. Still got some time to though.

[Hidden]

I do the runs at the gym so I do other work while I'm there - resistance & strength stuff but not a mega amount. I'm building my fitness back up gradually after a year off for medical reasons. On rest days I don't do anything except walk to and from work but that's only abt a 10 min walk. I think some strength training in between is a good idea - or maybe something like Pilates or yoga or swimming. Good luck with the rest of your running. Keep us posted on your progress.

[Madwife60 Graduate]

I try to walk at least 5k on my rest days. Not always in one go but just try to keep moving. Also try to take in some hills

[Bev_Beeti Graduate]

My advice is don’t overstretch yourself too soon as you won’t stick to it all, then you’ll start feeling guilty about not sticking to it and then you’ll give up and be back to square one. Listen to your body and do what’s right for you but as a minimum commit to the 9 weeks C25K

[JulesG1 Graduate]

I just walked in between at the beginning but now I am doing 30 mins regularly I do strength training. I woke up sore and stiff this morning, crushed my inner demon and did my run. Now I feel better and the squats and lunges are well worth it, after all!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I do cycling, walking, Pilates on “rest” days as often as possible. 😃

[Kamia Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Gosh I need to get my act together a bit more and get working out 🏋🏻‍♀️