Wk 9 - run 3

[Jlib001]

This is my first post but I have been avidly reading others posts for the last 9 weeks whilst I have been doing the couch to 5K programme and found them a great support along the way. I have amazed myself in being at the stage that I have my final run tomorrow - Week 9 run 3. I have never enjoyed running and for the last 20 years of my 52 years have not been partaking in sport following a number of operations on my knees and family life taking over. This year I have decided to make myself more of a priority, joined slimming world losing almost 3 stone and trying to regain some fitness. Tomorrow is my graduation run so I intend to take part in the Hereford Park Run. I am running about 4.6 km in the 30 minutes so I am hoping that I can complete the whole 5km distance. My main concern is that it is on a race course and therefore less even ground than the usual footpaths I run on. I am worried that the rough ground could prove difficult for my knees. Does anyone have any tips?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The softer ground will be better for your knees than many places. Grass can sap energy a little though. Your stats say you’d complete 5k in less than 33 on your own home turf. Go down there, have a chat with the guys setting up, get yourself warmed up, do the newbies briefing and then have some fun! Worst case scenario you run 35 minutes and then walk a little... with a power finish of course. You’ll receive tons of support (I hear good things about Hereford specifically) and you’ll be glad you went and dying to get back there. Best case scenario... you’ll run the whole thing!

watch the clock though... I wouldn’t run much more than 35... the 5k isn’t worth hurting yourself for, you can nail that on Monday. Parkrun is about having fun. Enjoy.

[Jlib001 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you. All the support you get from this forum is fantastic My biggest fear is picking up an injury because the biggest surprise that I am getting from doing couch to 5 k is that I’m actually starting to enjoy running for the first time in my life and I don't want to lose the momentum. Park Run here I come

[Vigneronne Graduate]

Well done for getting to the end and brilliantly losing three stone! You should be very proud of yourself, still quite a long way from park runs myself but from what I read being surrounded by other runners should give you plenty of boost to make it up to 5k - what a way to graduate!

[Vigneronne Graduate in reply to Vigneronne]

Hope someone else can help with the knees and bumpy route!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow..steady...relax..Land lightly..kiss the ground with your feet.. 😉

Just take it gently...I run on rough ground a lot..and if these old knees can...then you should be fine..Stretch well afterwards too..😊

[Jlib001 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for your response to my post. It is appreciated. I will take it steady with the aim of running it all. I’m sort of looking forward to it. I would never have believed that I would have been saying that about runninnng 9 weeks ago !

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

All the best with it !

[Jlib001 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you.

[Nita49 Graduate]

Excellent job all round 👏

Personally I'd just enjoy the last run and what you have achieved rather than thinking time and distance..... You have plenty of time to do that as you continue your running journey.

Hope all goes well.👍

[Jlib001 Graduate]

Thank you for your advice.

[Hokitika Graduate]

Good luck with the park run & congratulations on completing c25k.

[Jlib001 Graduate]

Thank you. Completed the Park Run this morning, running the whole distance with a time of 30.56 minutes. Feeling well chuffed.

[Katnap Graduate]

How did your graduation run go?

[Jlib001 Graduate]

I was really pleased with completing the full run running and with a time of 30 minutes 56 seconds. I really enjoyed it, everyone there was really supportive and friendly and I plan to make it part of my Saturday plans from now on . Never thought I would say that 9 weeks ago !