What if it’s too much ??: What’s the policy... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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What if it’s too much ??

Taylor0714 profile image
14 Replies

What’s the policy behind like if you can’t complete the run. Like I’ve still not started the challenge yet as I’m actually on holiday this weekend but I’m just enjoying the forum side of it it’s really helping me learn for the process. But anyway Yh like I look into week 2 and what if I can’t run for that amount of time. So I just keep retrying that run or do I plough on ??

Example it’s 90 second runs and I’m dead after 70. Pushing to 120 second runs seems pointless if I can’t hit the 90. So do I stay on the 90 until I’m comfortable ??

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Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714
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14 Replies
steviej99 profile image
steviej99Graduate

Hi Taylor, welcome to the forum. I think that you will be surprised with yourself. The plan is brilliant and it works. Each run and each walk prepares you for the next. You just need to go as slow as you need to to complete that days run. Is not about dpeed. If necessary go just above walking pace, you'll get a bit quicker as you build running muscles and stamina. If you can complete a run then whatever you do counts as training and preparation for the next time you try it. Take a day or two rest then try again. Good luck, enjoy the journey

Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714 in reply tosteviej99

Yh it’s the rest days I’m worried about. I work a stupid shift. 4 12 hour days which I have to travel so on those days I have like no chance of getting out.

Then 4 days off. Like I had planned to try get 3 days consecutive running in on my 4 days off. Then a rest day back to shift. But I dunno if that will work for over all progress

steviej99 profile image
steviej99Graduate in reply toTaylor0714

No sorry. Thats a tough schedule. Never run on consecutive days until you have been running at least a year because it's likely to lead to injury. I'd just accept 2 run days when your not working. It will take you a few weeks longer but hey hey ho this is a long term change your making isn't it!

Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714 in reply tosteviej99

True Yh. I could stagger my weeks. I really need to try get out for a run when on shift. But I work 11-11 takes me an hour there and back. So I’m home about 12. Bed, then up at 8 and it takes an hour for breakfast and then lunch prep for work. It’s a tight schedule when on shift.

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

I would say that you have to complete all the elements before moving on to the next week/run.

That's how the programme works, .

Good luck, I'm sure you will enjoy it. 🤩

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome. Just stay on a run until it’s done... doesn’t have to be comfortable, just completed. If you have to repeat a run 74 times it’s ok, the end result is the same, if you don’t quit you’ll run 30 minutes!

Go nice and slowly and amaze yourself often.

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

Shift work is hard for some but I always say find a schedule that works for you. If you have four days off run for two of them and make sure there is a break between the two runs. I only run twice a week and I train for half marathons so it is all manageable with a bit of wiggle room. If you do a run and you are not happy with it or it didn’t go to plan repeat it, that is the best way to progress. It will take you longer than 9 weeks running twice a week but it is not a race it is a journey and you will get to your destination all the same. You are more likely to carry on after graduation if you fit it round your own personal circumstances.

Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714 in reply toRealfoodieclub

Yh I think I’ll try that. Thanks

Just remember, there is no rush; if you're going to become a runner then whether it takes you 9 weeks to get through the plan, or 9 months to complete the 30mins it doesn't matter because its not like achieving a gcse where you get to the end and then stop. I started in April this time around and graduated on Monday, because I have been away so much this year so just ticked over on week 4 for a while. Avoiding injury as a newbie is as big a challenge as the running itself, and important if you are not going to give up. So, enjoy your holiday and when you're ready to start, just get out there. Don't overthink it - the plan works. Enjoy.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum.

The plan is not a check list exercise............ you need to complete every run and each one is adding to your strength and stamina.

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

If you follow the recommended easy conversational pace, you will manage just fine.

Enjoy your journey.

Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714 in reply toIannodaTruffe

Yh it’s all about working with my availability. I will probably do what was recommended before I’ll do 2 runs a week then to complete week 1 it will be actually my second week but instead of 3 runs a week do 2

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply toTaylor0714

As it says in the guide, C25K weeks don't have to coincide with calendar weeks.......the plan is flexible.

Taylor0714 profile image
Taylor0714

As I’ve said on another post though I’m just really enjoying the forum side of this programme. Like I am a complete fresh starter for running and endurance running completely and it’s the questions you don’t want to ask and make yourself look stupid that I’m getting answered from people in the same position so I appreciate all the help

Ab36 profile image
Ab36Graduate

Hi, just keep doing a run till you are comfortable, but trust the programme and don't be afraid to push yourself a bit...you'll be amazed at what you can do!!👍

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