Week 5

[Ray111]

Hi all. First post here.

For my 64th birthday my kids and their partners bought me running kit, shoes, phone holder and ear pods, and pointed me towards the couch to 5k app. I have not run in any way at all for as many years as I can remember, have not been exercising in any meaningful way and was therefore apprehensive, but determined to give it a go.

From the outset, I enjoyed the running, aided by wonderful Spring evening weather, and felt pleased with myself. I have managed each stage, and have today completed week 5 run 2, being two eight minute runs which I managed okay and I surprised myself just by completing it. Great feeling afterwards but my legs are aching! However, the next one is the biggie, stepping up to 20 mins non stop in a couple of days time and I am feeling doubtful but at the same time looking forward to trying. Any tips?

I am truly amazed to have got this far, and I hope I can inspire more to take up the challenge.

Whatever happens from this point on, I have to say that I am chuffed to have got this far!

Good luck all,

Ray

[Tanya28]

I am at the same point as you. Tomorrow is my 20 min run and I’m feeling pretty nervous to. I’m sure we can do it though. Unfortunately I have no tips but just want to wish u all the best. WE CAN DO THIS!!

[Ray111 Graduate in reply to Tanya28]

Hi Tanya, I hope it went well for you today. Do let me know how the 20min run went.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Well done so to you Ray, just take it nice and slow, in fact the slogan of C25K is "slow and steady" no hurry at all, it is not a race, that 'biggie' as you call it is a bit daunting but once you run it you will feel the way I felt elated, good luck.

[Tartiflette Graduate]

Well done Ray! If you can run 8 minutes you can run 20. Don't know how it works but it does. I've just done w5r3 & my approach was to run slower that previous runs. & I found run 3 easier than run 1 🤔👍🏼

[Jenster26]

Hi Ray, I’m at the same point, just checked the app and am scared for the 20 minute run on Friday! We can do it. All the very best

[Ray111 Graduate in reply to Jenster26]

Hi Jenster, Also doing the 20 min on Friday, so perhaps we can compare notes afterwards. I will be running after work, probably at about 6.30 or 7pm. Good luck!

[ToughBean]

I’m one run ahead of you. I enjoyed having the time to really settle into a comfortable pace during the longer run. Keep running and you’ll find it

Remember, you’re ready, you’ve got this!!!

[MrsChaucer]

You can do it! It's actually quite a blast

[Ray111 Graduate]

Thanks everyone for the kind comments and encouragement. I'll let you know how I get on tomorrow.

[r4ch3l]

It’s surprising how so many feel daunted at the prospect of running 20 minutes - I did it on Monday and I myself felt a little nervous of the fact that it was a constant run with no breather in between. Glad to say I achieved it and just for good measure did two minutes extra. I think it is a psychological barrier for a lot of us - now I’ve achieved it I feel as though I can complete the c25k challenge - good luck with your run 🏃‍♀️ - I took it really steady and enjoyed my music and my surroundings

[Hidden]

When I was at this point of the program I was extremely nervous/anxious waiting for W5R3. But I then discovered there was nothing to worry about and yes I could actually run!!!!!

Try not to beat yourself up, take your time and enjoy it!!!

[limberlou Graduate]

Well I am just coming up to my 65th birthday and I started Couch25k at end of March. I graduated a couple of weeks ago and no one was more surprised than me. I’ve done a couple of 2 mile runs since then and about 4 x 3 mile (5k ) runs and then suddenly this morning I did a 7.2k run, out of the blue. So don’t give up, follow the programme and you WILL. do it .

Just take it easy , slow and steady and you’ll surprise yourself. Good luck

[Tanya28]

I pushed myself and managed to do 12 mins I’m gonna try again tomorrow I’m sure il get there but didn’t happen today.

[Ray111 Graduate in reply to Tanya28]

My turn to try tomorrow, so let's hope we can both do it.

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Tanya28]

In your position I'd take tomorrow off from running since you ran today - I'm sure you're keen to achieve this run but you'll be gutted if you injure yourself! Let those muscles repair and good luck!

[Ray111 Graduate]

Well, I did it! W5R3 in the bag. I really surprised myself and I didn't find it quite as tough as I imagined it would be. My approach was to jog gently, listen to music and let my mind wander onto anything other than running to help the time pass. Not sure I could do it without the app and the encouragement that it gives, and of course the help from the people on here. Legs now aching in a positive way! Good luck all.