I don't care about your 5k!!!!!!

[cheryl_couch_tatty]

I have been at this since April and graduated in July. I was pushing myself to get to 5k when suddenly a few weeks ago I slowed right down and decided I don't care!!! I suddenly realised that I am much happier at a slow pace and while not exactly enjoying the runs I still feel the benefits and want to continue.

I may in future decide to get to 5k but for now, I am running 3 times a week and happy. I think what will motivate me to push further is if my weight loss stops as I still have a way to go there. I have lost 2 stone so far so I am very pleased with myself. Also I have never stuck to any form of exercise for this long so I am hoping I can keep it up.

Well done to everyone, no matter what your distance, no matter what your time!

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

That’s lovely, well done for carrying on running. I think slow jogging is very meditative - and you get the chance to enjoy the scenery rather than just sprinting past it.

[sunshinefish Graduate]

Good on you! I think it is very easy to get hung up on distance/speed, when at the end of the day if you are running 3 times a week you are doing great!

Everyone is different but I think the important thing is to keep it up when you graduate and not go back to the couch.

And well done on the weight loss

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

Thank you. I hopeyou are happy with where you are too x

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

I think I can take a lesson from you to be honest! I am slowly increasing to 10k from around 5k, however, with the dark evenings and winter I should just be happy if I can run for 3 x a week.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to sunshinefish]

As long as we keep going, that's the main thing x

[sunshinefish Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

So true!!

[SlowLoris]

Took me ages to find a proper slow pace and I'm much happier for it. I then found it much easier to run for longer.

Always do what feels good for you.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to SlowLoris]

Exactly! I don't think I will ever love running but I do like it for the first time 😁😁

[Tartancat Graduate]

Good for you 😊

No-one needs to run for 5k, that's what we invented cars for!

Do what makes you happy and you're more likely to stick to it.

Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

And to you too! I am determined to keep going 😁😁

[SirVillian Graduate]

Well done you, this is exactly the right frame of mind that means you will continue on the exercise path that suits you best. I am finding a new way to run comfortably with my awkward wrist having broken it two days after graduating. Love your posts and keep up the good work, best wishes. All Running the World Together 30 MINUTES At a Time.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to SirVillian]

Sorry to hear that, hope you are still managing those runs! Hope to see you on here some more! Best wishes x

[Deals1 Graduate]

2 stone is great!! Well done. Yep the best thing is just to keep going.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to Deals1]

Thank you x you too 😁

[Alayneblue]

I'm right there with you. Did the programme found I didn't mind running but couldn't seem to get to 5k. Tried a park run and hated it. Tried increasing speed or distance in effort to get to the elusive 5k. Did it once and was absolutely knackered.

Had good talk to myself about what I like don't like about running. Sorted.

I like to run on a treadmill at a comfy pace, I get bored running on the road so watch tv or you tube while running in gym. The minutes fly by.

I don't try to increase my pace now just accept 3 runs per week for 30/40 mins at "my" pace. Not fast but not too shabby. I'm quite content with this. Maybe I'll up my game in the future, maybe I won't. Just enjoying what I do.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to Alayneblue]

It's really a lightbulb moment isn't it? I was really stressing before about how I was going to get there and now I am quite content to just plod along on my treadmill. Long may we continue!! Thanks for your reply x

[bairnbroon]

I totally get you cheryl-couch-tatty - It took me 58 minutes to run 5k, and up until then I wasn't exactly enjoying 30 minutes but I could tolerate it. Instead of giving up running, I think I'm going to take a leaf out of your book and stick to half hour runs, or at the very least, very fast walks instead. Well done for graduating and for persevering.

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to bairnbroon]

I am so glad to have helped! Well done you, I don't think I could run that long! You stick to those 30mins now and find your happy place 😁😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Perfect Cheryl!! I’m exactly the same. I’ve run 8k so far, but purely by how I felt on the day. I’m enjoying running and after C25K, I simply do what feels good and I’m still loving it. Injury free! Well done you!! 😁😁👌🏽❤️

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

This is it, I really feel that if I push myself further I might end up with an injury. Well done to you, 8k is amazing! 😁😁

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

Cheryl as soon as the thought “push” comes to mind, enjoyment goes! So, keep doing you and be very proud of that. 🤩 I still have hiccups, but I also have so much fun, because I’m happy being imperfect. 😁 Just do you!! That’s more than enough! Brilliant 🤗❤️

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you xxx still have some weight to shift so I will probably have to step it up at some point. You sound like a very positive person, hope to see you about on here some more!! 😁🤩