Stop when told?!

[Skyindigo]

Hi. I picked up with couch to 5k at about week 3 after doing my own thing on a treadmill for 2 or 3 runs being fairly fit anyway. Today, week 6 run 3, run for 25 mins, I wasn't really ready to stop running after 25 mins. I felt I could have carried on for much longer. So, do I keep following the plan? Do I try a 5K? Do I keep running if I feel like it? My only niggle is ond of my knees but it is manageable. Thanks.

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi Skyindigo, the usual advice is to stick with the plan to allow your runner’s body to develop with minimum risk of injury. Muscles, cardio, tendons, bones etc strengthen at different rates & it is possible to push too far too fast & rush headlong to the injury couch - not where you want to be.

I would suggest that you stick to the plan, relax & enjoy the journey - you will soon be running further & for longer. You could do other exercise on your “rest” days, eg walking, cycling, Pilates, yoga, swimming etc.

If you have a niggly knee look up the NHS knee strengthening exercises- (hopefully someone who is more technologically minded than me will come along and give you the link). I find cycling great for knee strengthening too.

Good luck and enjoy! 😃

P.S. I love the muckle coo!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Stick with the programme. A big part is learning to do as you're told (we're so used to doing just what we want). If it's feeling too easy run outdoors as it is a different beast altogether👍

The programme will gently increase strength and stamina so you're prepared to complete it.

Check out the faqs healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

And have fun! 😁

[Hidden]

Yes, follow the programme' it works and helps prevent injury. I agree with GoGo_JoJo - head outside for a new challenge. Good luck!

[Rammy75]

Stick with the plan, you have a long time after to go after those runs! At this stage it’s about getting the miles under your belt and building for the future. Good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

If you are on the plan.. then follow it...if you have a niggly knee there is a problem...

Even if we are fit, and even inf we feel as if we can do more it does not always follow

The running muscles need time to build up... the rest days give the micro tears chance to heal...

Exercises for the knee that many have found helpful.

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/k...

if the niggle persists, then get it checked out... the IC is a lonely place

Running outside is different than treadmill also.. not sure if your runs are outside now? I can move much faster on my trainer than I can outside

[sallenson Graduate]

SInce you started at "about" W3 then it's debatable whether you're following the programme at all. But the forum is regularly visited by people who have some running background, start the programme a couple of weeks in and then run further or for longer than the programme suggests. Most of these people then disappear shortly afterwards or else post about an injury that stops them running completely.

It's your decision. That knee niggle may get worse rather than better. Prudence would suggest that you do what the programme suggests and no more. But it's your choice.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read this healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and if you need further persuading this healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Two relatively fit, high performing new runners who just overdid it.

If you are new to running it takes many months, some would say years, to build a strong resilient running body. There are no safe shortcuts. Injury comes when you push beyond what your body is designed and accustomed to doing. Training plans, such as C25K are carefully structured, but of course some have greater ability to do more, but most experienced runners would say stick to the plan.

I found the early weeks very easy but quashed my male arrogance and decided that those who devised the plan knew more about running than me, so I stuck to it. What I now believe is that if you want to be the best runner you can be, do non impact cross training on your rest days. That will develop your body fully and reduce the injury risk.

Just because you are physically capable of doing something, does not mean it is wise to do it.

Take care.

[MVBrown Graduate]

I know your enthusiastic, but you do need to stick with the programme as it’s helping you become a thoughtful and injury free runner.

[Skyindigo]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Yes I am outside now which I find easier than treadmill. I will stick to the programme. The knee is a longstanding issue and has been an issue in yoga for a while. I will look at the link and in time get it checked out.