Why is it....

[Fifitrixiebell]

Why is it that some do c25k and just fly, get the bug and go on to do longer and longer runs and others still struggle with 5k?

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Perhaps because there are so many different types of people who do C25K, young and old,; fit (but not runners) and fat (like me); those with physical and/or mental health challenges; etc.

What is amazing to me is that one programme can get most people from not running to running at all.

Running 5k is a weird, arbitrary target. I’ve only just managed it some 3weeks after graduating, but I’ve read reports of people on W7 doing it. I just run at my pace and send kudos to those who are so much faster - I am delighted that I can run at all!

Enjoy your next run x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Maybe... too much of a focus on the Nirvana that is 5K.

The programme title is an oxymoron... chosen because it is a catchy name. Many folk focus on reaching that elusive goal.

I think that 5K gets into the mind and is very hard to shake off, causing, maybe elements of tension and overthinking?

We are all, so very different, some folk are able to just follow the plan, get to the 30 minutes and not worry at all about distance, for others, it is that constant struggle that you mention.

Many, many of our most awesome friends on here, in Bridge and Marathon Running and Racing have never, ever done 5K in 30 minutes...and the 5K just becomes part of the longer runs..

Like other activities, folk try things and enjoy it and just carry on letting things evolve... but clearly for others it does become a real challenge.

[theoldfellow]

I guess I fall into your 'get the bug' category. I am amazed at it. If you had said to me 9 weeks ago that I would 'enjoy' pushing myself like this, and not only that, but plan to keep doing it until I drop, I would have said you were nuts.

But it just makes me happy. It also makes me feel fitter, but that is secondary. There was a good article about it in the Guardian yesterday: theguardian.com/lifeandstyl...

[QueenTea Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

I read that article too - great confirmation that we’re all doing ourselves so much good by running & actually slow & steady seems to be the most beneficial 🙂

[Jay66UK Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

Excellent article. Thanks for sharing.

[Fifitrixiebell Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

Excellent! I have not got the bug but still make myself go out and do something. Thank you I will read that article.

[Fifitrixiebell Graduate in reply to theoldfellow]

Just read the article. Very interesting. It is true, even though I often struggle in the run, I do feel so chuffed on my cool down walk. As hard as it sometimes is to get out there, I am always pleased that I did.

[mrrun Graduate]

Why? Some like it more, some less, some none. I always loved the athletics, and my wife who has a build up of a perfect middle distance runner, really really dislikes it. Then again, she is a martial arts disciple so l better compliment her here to avoid getting smashed up.

[LookNannyruns Graduate]

Hmm, interesting. Not sure if I’ve got the bug but it has become something I do. I was thinking the other day about how much more stamina it has given me to to the things I actually enjoy whilst I am doing them like playing badminton. Running for 30 mins or 5k (never both at the same time!!) gives me an achievable goal . I am lucky enough to have a choice of off road routes that change with the seasons and keep my interest going. The bug must lurk because I find myself wondering what it would be like to run in any new place I visit.

We are 4 sisters one started this to help her swimming and now is a regular marathon runner, 2 of us just like to have the wind on our faces and run short distances when and if we want to , the youngest has just started she is doing it to help her mental well being and takes her young son as motivation. I reckon we’re a pretty good cross section of the people who do c to 5k and more.

Thank goodness for this forum , where the non judgemental ‘kindness of strangers’ supports us all .

[theoldfellow in reply to LookNannyruns]

I gotta say 'Amen' to that last paragraph.

[Jason888 Graduate]

I was never a runner, and never thought at the age of 47, weighing in at 17.12 stone that the idea of running would be my idea of fun! started C25K at the end of Jan....... now I run at least 5k 3 time a week, done two 10k runs and love it!?! (Now weight 14.10 stone) I wish I would of started 20 years ago. 😊