Night Shift Thoughts..

[BethanDavies]

Currently half way through night shift number 1 of 3 and thinking about my first 5k race, potentially will be park run. Just wondering when it is too soon to complete it?

Have others completed it between week 7 to 9 at all? Im desperate to try and see how fast I can run it, I believe it'll be able to run a full 5k in around 35-40 minutes. Am I trying to go too fast? Should I just stick to the plan, finish week 9 and then try it?

I've never wanted to test my own capabilities so much before and having been bitten by the running bug, I enjoy working towards faster/longer runs than I ever thought I would.

I went for a run yesterday morning (christmas day) but plan to go again today because I really need the exercise between night shifts, my body just feels so stiff and bleh. So I'll hopefully have finished week 6 by tomorrow evening! I'll let you all know how I get on. Until then, enjoy the rest of your christmas festivities. I have 2 shifts left until 10 days annual leave and I am so excited.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Glad you enjoyed your Xmas and can look forward to your 10 day annual leave and of course your first 5K parkrun. Many people run a parkrun before they graduate 🎓 by running week 7, 8 or 9 and 🚶 walking the rest of the way, many 🎓 graduate by running at a parkrun for their week 9 run 3 of C25K 🎓. 😊

[BethanDavies in reply to AlMorr]

I think I may try a park run next weekend to finish my annual leave, might see how I feel closer to the time. After the next few run's I'll more than likely decide.

[Hidden]

I would say try to resist running/jogging a full Parkrun just yet. How about just doing the run you’re up to at your local Parkrun, then walking the rest? Loads of people do this. It is easy to overdo it in these final weeks and I really sympathise with wanting to know just how long 5k will take you!! But you don’t want to overdo it and, heaven forbid, risk any sort of injury. There will be countless Parkruns to come and, I tell you now, it can become addictive! It’s the absolute highlight of my running week. I wish you the same Happy Running adventures to come.

[BethanDavies in reply to Hidden]

Not a bad idea at all, perhaps I might just try this! I've estimated that I could currently run 5k in around 40 minutes but ideally, the goal is 30 or less. Quite possibly not for a long while though.

[Hidden]

It is great that you are feeling so enthusiastic but I would say follow the programme, which means taking 'rest' days (do some other exercise but not running, so that your muscles have time to recover) and doing the runs and walks as per the plan. That way you will avoid injury. When you complete week 9, then consolidate; running for 30 minutes 3 times a week for a few weeks and then build on distance at a maximum of 10% increase per week and you will enjoy your running. Do too much, too soon and you may end up on the IC, take your time and enjoy your running for many years to come.

[BethanDavies in reply to Hidden]

Brilliant idea! I'll definitely increase by 10%, i wasn't sure how I would try and increase my distance/time after I finish but 10% seems the best option.

[Jell6 Graduate]

It's great that you are so excited and I can relate to the eagerness to get through the programme , but will you still feel that way when you are parked up on the injury couch?

As Helenwheels says do some other exercise today, swim or cycle, or a good long walk .

The rest/repair days are in place for a reason.

[BethanDavies in reply to Jell6]

I leaned against it since I still have quite tight calves and shin splints can be horrific. I went ahead and used the foam roller instead, I was also very tired so I decided not to bother. Today's run will be week 6, run 3!

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to BethanDavies]

That's good to hear. Enjoy 6/3🤩