Real runners ahoy! : Hi everyone! I’m still... - Couch to 5K

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Real runners ahoy!

Spilla profile image
16 Replies

Hi everyone! I’m still going!!

I’m about to start w4 r1 tomorrow... while I was running on the local cycle path yesterday some ‘real’ runners passed me, as there is a park run close by. At what point could I join them? I’m not confident enough yet really, do I need to be able to do 5k non stop before I join them?

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Spilla profile image
Spilla
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16 Replies
primaballerina profile image
primaballerina

You can do Park runs any time - lots of people walk them, so you could do walk run intervals if you wanted to!

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toprimaballerina

Ahhh ok... I thought they were timed runs. I’ll look into our local one. Thank you x

primaballerina profile image
primaballerina in reply toSpilla

They are timed... and so what if you take an hour! doesn't matter! : )

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toprimaballerina

Ok great, thank you 😊 Perhaps I’ll join in when I feel a bit more confident 🏃🏽‍♀️😉 x

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Those "real runners" you saw were once like what you are now 'a trainee or a under graduate runner'.

You can run/walk a parkrun at any time, you do not need to wait until you have graduated from C25K to run at a parkrun, however, if you wish to run, run 3 of week 9, your graduation run at a parkrun which many do here on C25K you may do so.

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toAlMorr

Thank you... I really didn’t realise I could walk/run🤦🏻‍♀️ I think I’ll let my confidence grow a little first. I thought they were timed x

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply toSpilla

At a parkrun, yes they are timed , however, most people once they get into the longer runs, particularly after run 3 of week 5 or 6 feel they are confident enough to take part in their first parkrun.

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toAlMorr

I’ll aim for that then 👍🏻 Thank you x

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

We recommend that you stick to your C25K programmed workout and walk the remainder, if you want to do parkrun, just to avoid being tempted to do too much too soon.

If you look at the finish times for your local parkrun you will see times from mid teens to an hour or more. Some walk all of it.

Anyway, what do you mean 'real' runners.........you run, you are a runner.

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toIannodaTruffe

Lol 😂... I don’t feel like a ‘real runner’ yet!! I’m still self conscious when I’m out, not for how I look.. but if I’m doing it right. I watched the slow jog but I still have to concentrate to do it 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️ I’ll get there. Thank you x

Moz2407 profile image
Moz2407Graduate

I can attest to what others have said, you can join them at any time. I did mine towards the end of week 5. Very welcoming and I could have walked it if I needed to and they would have still welcomed me. Go for it!

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toMoz2407

Will do.. I’ll aim for after week 5 😉

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

Go for it if you are interested. Perhaps you could go along for a look-see first so that you can see what happens. You can always volunteer too.

All you have to do is register and print off a barcode. For your first time taking part start at or near the back, that way the “racing snakes” are on their way and out of yours 😀 (at some PRs there are bottlenecks right at the front during the start).

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toAnnieW55

Ahhh I never thought of that! Brilliant thank you x

Spammachine profile image
SpammachineGraduate

Not park run related but at week 4 I joined a local running club! I don't really push further than what I can run in C25K, but I find it motivating to have others to run with. The group I'm in has people of all abilities - a few groups near by also run C25K sessions.

Spilla profile image
Spilla in reply toSpammachine

Thank you, I think in time I’ll enjoy the company of others... I’ve looked into our local park run, I’ll definitely be joining them. As you said the motivation of others will help x

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