Back to basics

[Scoota]

I’ve just started Couch to 5k and have completed week one. Not sure I’m ready to step up the run times but this is about trying to complete a proper training plan for me. I’ve completed quite a few 5 and 10 k’s and even a few half marathons but I still can’t run even 1k non-stop. This is me going right back to the start and seeing if I can ever actually run if I follow a proper plan. Fingers crossed!

[telford_mike Graduate]

It's a good plan which seems to work for a lot of people. Many who start it haven’t run since childhood, so you should do absolutely fine. Good luck!

[Hidden]

I'm a little confused, so you have run 5ks, 10ks, and half marathons... But with running breaks in it?

If I understand that correctly, there's no question you can succeed here. The program will "force" you out of a comfortable pattern of breaking into walking. But it will do it at a pace and in a time frame you can handle.

Good luck!

[Scoota in reply to Hidden]

I think it would be truer to say I’ve walked 5k, 10k and halves with small amounts of trotting (no one could call it running). Running has been my bogeyman for so long that I want to get the better of it. My hope is that one day I will do ParkRun without stopping to walk several times each lap.

[Hidden in reply to Scoota]

Ah, excellent.

You're in great company here, then, where "Slow down" is a mantra.

As someone who has elevated shuffling to an art form, I think trotting is impressive 😅

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

This plan will certainly help with that... you’ll be none stop for 1k in a few short weeks.

Never known anyone go to half marathon without a plan, that shows me some great determination levels. There’s a couple of apps that will coach you on all your distances... but C25K is about the only one that will push you through 1k and possibly even a mile.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I’m confused. You think 90s will be too much but can do a half marathon?

[Scoota in reply to Tasha99]

I’ve done halves on a beeper where I’ve tried to run o e minute and then walk one minute. By the time I finish I’m only ever walking!

You should never underestimate the power of bloody mindedness and stupidity over pretty much anything and I have both in spades. What I don’t have is focus which lasts much longer than the signing up on line (which I’m brilliant at).

[wyersmith Graduate]

This is the plan for you. But you will get the little voice in your head telling you to stop now and again. You have to find a way of telling it to p*** off or distract yourself with music or podcasts to pass the running time. Good luck! I’m sure you can do this.