Is it really achievable in 9 weeks?

[Bubbles_1974]

I downloaded the app last night and I'm going to start next week. Anytime I've tried to run in the past I've just ended up a sweaty mess. Is this really achievable in 9 weeks or do people find they have to repeat weeks before achieving their goals?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome.

It is achievable in 9. I had an injury for a couple of weeks, so it took me 11. If you run every other day it’s actually possible in 53 days! Sometimes life gets in the way and it’ll be a couple of days between runs.

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Yes! I occasionally took two days rest between runs when I needed it. 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Very achievable. The key is to run very slowly. This builds strength, stamina and lung capacity in a gradual, manageable way. Sweaty mess happens when you run too fast! (And it’s fine to be a bit of a sweaty mess anyway, as long as you are not in pain! The first few weeks can be a bit messy as you get used to it!) But honestly, it is a beautifully designed programme. I completed C25K last November, did a 10k programme in June, and have continued to run 3 x a week happily. I am 47 and now fitter than I have ever been my entire life! Stick close to this forum for support and advice. Oh, and work on your core strength on your rest days (planking is good); it will make the world of difference to your running game! 😊 Enjoy. x

[Bubbles_1974 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you for that. I'm 44 this year and have never been particularly fit. Running a marathon is on my bucket list 😂 so I figured this is as good a place to start as any!

[Jinty55 Graduate]

Absolutely! I am on week 8. I started with 30 seconds running and 1.5 mins walk in week one and I ran 28 minutes on Monday. I have never ran, it's honestly achievable.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Some people achieve in 9 weeks and some don’t. Personally I’m on my fifth repeat of week 1, but it’s ok. It all depends on your aims. I want to develop my fitness long term and set an example of healthy choices to my kids, so I’m in no hurry. Other people are aiming to complete a parkrun or some other specific target, so they go harder. It’s up to you - the flexibility of the programme is one of its key strengths. Happy running ! 😀

[paul1960 Graduate]

Very achievable i have NEVER run in my life and am on w6r3 trust the program and as they always say slow and steady

[feetee]

No idea, lol! I'm literally just back home after completing Week1 Day1. I enjoyed it.....well, I enjoyed the idea of me actually, finally out there doing it. The doing it, in itself, was...ok 😂🏃

Good luck next week! 👍

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Yes it's achievable! And it's great! Just take it slowly.....!🐌🐌🐌🐌

[Amandana]

I'm a sweaty mess at the end of the runs and I'm getting through it well. Read the advice, take the advice, go slow, do what you need to in order to support success (strengthening, stretching, drinking lots of water) and trust the programme.

And keep in mind the programme will get you running for 30 minutes. 5k is a bit of a mis-nomer, most people do not accomplish 5k in the 30 minutes, it's about time, not distance.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The whole point of C25K is that you are in control. Some people run every other day and complete in less than 9 weeks, while others repeat runs and take considerably longer. Only about 10% of graduates actually run 5k in 30 minutes at graduation........but they do all run for thirty minutes........so can you.

C25K is tried and tested and countless thousands of graduates worldwide would tell you to start asap.........it works.

Enjoy your journey.

[BeatRoute Graduate]

Yes it’s doable, and yes we probably all asked the same question before starting the programme and probably before and during each run, in my case several times each run😂.

Do not think about the distance you are running, just go very slowly, but try to keep running when the app tells you to, even if it’s just tiny steps.

If you decide running is for you then by week four you need to get some decent running shoes, preferably from a proper running shop.

Good luck and good running!