Why is it.... : Why is it that some do c25k and... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,112 members159,473 posts

Why is it....

Fifitrixiebell profile image
FifitrixiebellGraduate
11 Replies

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?

Written by
Fifitrixiebell profile image
Fifitrixiebell
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
11 Replies
Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

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 profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

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 profile image
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 profile image
QueenTeaGraduate in reply totheoldfellow

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 profile image
Jay66UKGraduate in reply totheoldfellow

Excellent article. Thanks for sharing.

Fifitrixiebell profile image
FifitrixiebellGraduate in reply totheoldfellow

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

Fifitrixiebell profile image
FifitrixiebellGraduate in reply totheoldfellow

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 profile image
mrrunGraduate

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 profile image
LookNannyrunsGraduate

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 profile image
theoldfellow in reply toLookNannyruns

I gotta say 'Amen' to that last paragraph.

Jason888 profile image
Jason888Graduate

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. 😊

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Why is it still so hard?

I have done week 6 run 2 twice and am finding it very hard, I managed the 20 min one last week OK...
Lindyjane profile image
Graduate

Couch to 5k - and why it is utterly brilliant!

Hi everyone Laura here – the voice of the NHS Choices Couch to 5k podcasts. For those...
LauraStQ profile image
Graduate

Is it cheating?

Couldn't wait any longer because of weather! Wk 2 run 3 done on treadmill! Definitely sweated more...
ch3lsea007 profile image

Why is it still so difficult?

About to do W6R2 and it is not getting any easier. Struggled to run for 8 minutes the other day,...
Craftybean profile image
Graduate

Wk 5 - as awesome as it is awful!

Hi everyone, Just a little post after embarking on week 5 this evening. It was awful... And...
Running-scared profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.