9 weeks?? Has anyone done c25k in that time! - Couch to 5K

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9 weeks?? Has anyone done c25k in that time!

giddyupmummy profile image
14 Replies

So today I finished week “7” but it’s taken me since before Christmas to get this far.

I work full time and sometimes travel with work while my husband works weekend at night. We also have a 2 year old so to say free time is limited would be an understatement. I just struggle to fit in the 3 runs a week. Not helped by a 2 week break as both of them were ill.

Doing c25k in 9 weeks has been unachievable for me. But does this matter? Is it just important to keep trying regardless of time frames?

I know I’m improving and my health and stamina are getting better, so should I be hung up on how long it’s taking me?

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giddyupmummy profile image
giddyupmummy
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14 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

No, don't be hung up, it does NOT matter if it takes anyone longer than 9 weeks to complete C25K.

A lady took 9 weeks to complete week 1 but graduated around 12 weeks later and we all congratulated her exactly the same way that we congratulate someone who graduates in 9 weeks.

Just take all your runs slow and steady, yes, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish. 😊 🏃

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Nope 😃

Jogunlikely profile image
JogunlikelyGraduate

Hiya, it matters not a jot! Life just gets in the way sometimes. Keep going, you're doing great 👍

Many many folks on here take more than 9 weeks so don't feel you're alone x

I hadn't run since Monday as away with work. Just move on to the nextrun when you can.

Also if you don't have a full 30 mins there is no harm in going out for 10 or 15 mins to keep you ticking over.

Happy running x

Purplemini profile image
PurpleminiGraduate

No-don’t worry how long it takes, just stick to the plan. I repeated a few weeks in the middle which actually helped boost confidence. You’ll get there!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

No, not at all, took me ages, I kept getting to about week 7/8 and got overuse injuries, I.e too much too soon. I stopped, took stock, decided to run twice a week and haven’t looked back since.....

The programme is a guide, do it to suit you 👍🏃‍♀️

Mx

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina

It can be done in as little as 8 weeks - that was my schedule before an achilles problem, followed by hail storms... so for the first time in 6 weeks I have taken 3 rest days rather than 1...

For me, trying to be very disciplined has helped me with the programme, but for some 2 rest days between runs are important, or a 2 day rest at the weekend;

The programme isn't meant to add stress to your life either, so as long as you KEEP GOING at what ever pace of runs/week you can manage then that is good.

After all you aren't just sitting on the Couch anymore!

Just keep on going... we might get to graduation at the same time - I'm hoping to do W7 R3 today if the weather breaks!

PB

JanB76 profile image
JanB76Graduate

No, not at all. Think it took me about 16 weeks to finish the programme. Use the programme but adapt it to suit you, It’s a guide after all but go at your own pace - I doubled up on a few of the weeks when I didn’t feel ready to move on quite so quickly, but followed the progression to get my body used to running.

I still don’t run 5k in 30mins but am well on my way to being able to run 10k which for me is something I never dreamed would be possible.

The fact that you’re even attempting to squeeze in sessions here and there is better than not attempting it at all.

Good luck with your journey 😀

Medicinelady profile image
MedicineladyGraduate

Absolutely not, it took me nearly 13 weeks to complete the programme and I don't have children - I can only imagine how much longer it would have taken me otherwise. I still haven't actually managed the full 5k yet in 30 minutes either but I'm so much fitter than when I started and that's a big positive for me.

It is fantastic for you to get to where you are now despite having a lot of other commitments, and that is well worth being proud of!

giddyupmummy profile image
giddyupmummy

Thank you everyone! Means a lot to hear xx

bananahead profile image
bananaheadGraduate

I look at this programme as a journey that will set me up to be able to run in the long term. I don't want to rush it, as I want to be able to enjoy running, build up stamina and learn a new skill. Keeping to a deadline of 9 weeks isn't for me, nor, I don't think, many folks on here. Sounds like you have a busy and full life juggling mummy/ work responsibilities. I really wouldn't stress how long it takes. Run when you can, you are doing great!

Nikkip1 profile image
Nikkip1Graduate

Not at all!! I graduated today (yippee!) and started at the beginning of December. I’ve had a couple of breaks/repeated weeks due to not being able to run when my children were ill etc. I honestly think I’m a better runner than if I’d raced through - and I pace myself better. I also think I’m more likely to keep running! Just keep on at your own pace when you can and don’t worry about times etc.

Beccym profile image
BeccymGraduate

Took me 2 years

Eternal-blue-18 profile image
Eternal-blue-18

I started on January 8th and I’ve still to do 4 runs. I think it doesn’t matter how long you take as long as you’re doing what you can, when you can!

Couchpotato2 profile image
Couchpotato2Graduate

Hi! Well done for getting this far in the programme with all your commitments, I'm not even sure how you manage 2 runs with all that. It will take the time it takes and it really doesn't matter. You'll progress naturally even so. Enjoy!

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