Wk1 done but not ready for wk2

[Ckj06]

Just started c25k and completed wk1. However I don’t feel ready for wk2. Just wondered how long others have taken to progress. I’m 45, overweight (probably 4-5 stone) and after never feeling so unfit have decided that now is the time to do something about it once and for all. Right now the thought of running for 30 mins feels like an impossible dream. Looking for tales of inspiration from others who were in my position

[Beccym Graduate]

You've done week 1, well done! Give the first run in week 2 ago, you may surprise yourself if you find it too hard repeat week one.

Lots of people take longer than 9 weeks but the main thing is your doing it. Add walks to your routine, walking is good too.

The program works.

[JaoJao in reply to Beccym]

What she said! Great advice! If you completed the previous run (even if it was challenging) move on! X

[DONNAPIPER Graduate]

I'm 51 and about 4 stone overweight, trust me when I say if I can do it anyone can. If your worried about w2 then repeat w1.

I made a point of never looking to see what the next run would be because I didn't want to tell myself I couldn't do it, most of this is mind over matter and each run you complete both mentally and physically prepares you for the next. The hardest run will always be the first run as that started this fantastic journey. Enjoy each achievement and before you know it you'll have graduated .

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Well done for getting started. I started c25k in October 2018 and had never run previously and yes the thought that I would be able to run for 30 minutes seemed impossible but trust the plan it really does work as you will notice on here if you read through the posts. I now run 3 times a week for 30 to 40 minutes and yes I was also over weight after stopping smoking and have lost 2 1/2 stone and a complete body shape change . So yes with exercise and watching what you eat it can all be done. See what happens for you and good luck 😊😊 also I took 17 weeks to do the program as I had to repeat some runs

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Do check out the pinned posts for introductory guides and FAQs

If you maintained a walking motion (however slow) and a running motion (however slow, even if it felt slower than the walk) when the audio coach told you to, and you've done that in three sessions with a minimum of a day of not running after each session, then, however hard it was... you are ready for Week 2. Or rather your body is and you just have to get out there and put on the Week 2 session and your mind will catch up. Few people find Week 2 more challenging than Week 1 even though you are being asked to run for longer at a time.

As an extreme example, it took me more than 6 weeks and somewhere between 12 and 18 outings before my 'Week 1' was in the bag. First time out I managed the first four runs and worked my way up from that. But... I never needed to do an extra session for the rest of the programme. And I spend most of my life in bed due to illhealth... still.

It's not weight loss magic at this point, you'll need to do other things as well, but you are acquiring a tool which will help you lose weight and keep it off and a sense of empowerment and achievement that will also help you lose weight and keep it off.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and I would recommend following the link to the post about mental approach.

You are in control. You go at your pace, but how do you know that you can not do the next run until you try.

Enjoy your journey.

[Ckj06 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m going to try and see what happens! Fingers crossed and watch this space, thanks everyone for their advice 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Ckj06]

You have nothing to lose. You only fail this programme if you head back to the couch permanently.

[Eky1 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

So true! The biggest hurdle is a mental one. I'm a previous C25K graduate who was very overweight at the time. I did it and you can too!

I've been shielding through lockdown and I've desperately missed running. I drank all the gin and ate all the crisps, too! Starting from scratch and I completed wk1 again this morning.

We got this!

'Doing not doubting' 👍

[Moz2407 Graduate]

6 weeks ago the thought of running for over 30 seconds made me break out in a sweat. I remember week 1 very well, I was SO out of breath and never in a million years did I think i would be were i am now. Yesterday i ran for 25 minutes. Yes it was slow, yes i was out of breath but i did it and i know that if i can then anyone can! Keep positive, drink plenty of water, listen to the people here and you will be just fine

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Good on you for trying this. I started close to 53, 4 stone overweight, learning to run slowly was my first lesson - your brisk walk can be faster than your run! If you’ve completed a week you’re ready. I did it, you can too!! But if you want to you can repeat a run or a week. But try W2 - you’ll be surprised and amazed!!