Trying to get fit

[Amy06]

So I've just completed week 3. I only have chance to go to the gym before work so I'm being a T*** and going Tuesdays, Wednesdays And Thursdays 😂 I have struggled this week without a gap in between but did it, I also do a 15 minutes cycle and some weights after my run! And actually said to my husband last night that I'm quite enjoying it. I got to week 7 last year and was even pushing my little girl in a running buggy with me but the weather went horrible and I stopped and never started back up. My work colleges are doing a 5k in June and would love to do it with them!! Hope everyone is doing well!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

While I wouldn’t use the word you describe yourself as there 😱 I think you need to understand why (new) runners need rest days.

The biggest issue with running back to back days is that you run the risk of a muscle tear... and that could mean no 5k in June if it happened today. Our leg muscles heal on rest days... you’re running three days and healing one.

The second issue is that muscle development happens on rest days in reaction to the exercise. So you’re only developing your running legs once a week instead of 3... and you will almost certainly struggle to develop with the plan if you’re fortunate enough not to get injured.

The plan has been very carefully devised to minimise injury risk by biomechanics experts based on the original C25K plan. Changing it is always a risk, and I know at least one admin here can link you to many posts from runners who were injured in doing so.

[Amy06 in reply to UnfitNoMore]

The t*** refers to me only working Tuesdays, Wednesdays And Thursdays (first letter of each word, I don't hate myself that much yet! 😂) I will try and do Tuesday Thursday and Saturdays then and have a rest in between, am I still okay going to the gym and doing some exercise on my 'rest days'?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Amy06]

Absolutely... in fact cross training is recommended. Just avoid the treadmill and any high impact leg work and you’ll be fine. Walking is also very good for fitness and recovery.

Didn’t recognise it as a acronym 😂. Enjoy your journey

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

I agree with everything UnfitNoMore has said and, yes, I am the keeper of the horror stories from fit young people who found the plan too easy so took shortcuts, only to regret it when injury stopped them running, in some cases for months.

Rest days are part of the plan. Stick to the plan.

Take care.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Amy, what they said!!!!

I honestly think you have more chance of achieving your 5k in June plan if you just run Tuesday and Thursday, be a TAT,not a T***!

At least that way your muscles can repair and build.

Of course you make your own choices. Good luck 😊