You’re probably not, but if you are, it doesn’t matter at all. I started C25K in May last year, and graduated in August. I was nowhere near 5K in the 30 minutes (nowhere near 4K if I’m honest!). I carried on running, although I had a number of health issues over the last year which meant I had a couple of longish breaks. However, I’m back at it now, and I did my first competitive 5K this May. Nowhere near last, but still very slow. It was an amazing experience though. I have done some Parkruns recently (not last, but very nearly!!). Anyway, I’ll probably never achieve 5K in 30 minutes, but I don’t care. I’m proud to call myself a runner. Had a lovely gentle run this morning, and really enjoyed it. It’s hard to remember the person I was last May doing W1R1 - terrified that anyone would see me, all the wrong gear. Now, shopping for running stuff is great fun, and I wear bright Lycra without a care! So, all you new runners - keep at it, it works, you can do it - if I can, anyone can (73 years old, still overweight but much healthier).
To all newbies who think they are the slowest ... - Couch to 5K
To all newbies who think they are the slowest runners ever!
A year on and you're still running well done 😊😊
Wow that's very inspiring. You're right in not caring what others think, who cares! I've just started and am really slow but I'm determined. Happy running 😊
So so true. I too am slow, and lycra does my bulges no favours, but I don't care.
We're enjoying ourselves!
Lovely post! I will never run 5k in 30 mins but a year after graduation I'm still running 3 times a week. Slowly. Always slowly. I have a parkrun pb of 36 mins and it just hurt so much I will not try that again!
Fantastic I love the sense of personal achievement and I am the same did 4 k in 35mins tonight and I don’t care either as could t run a mi ute not long ago it’s so much better to be off the sofa
Fantastic post! Speed and distance aren’t everything! I’m sure you look great in your running gear, because you’ve got such cheeky grin! 😁
Thank you! I always hope the grin will detract attention from everything else!!
Hi Betty, i remember we did this around the same time last year, and you were a source of inspiration to me, keeping me going with your run updates, when sometimes i was close to giving up. Glad to hear you are still keeping going too. I'm also still slow, and fear 5km in 30 may never be achieved, but like you am amazed at how much I've enjoyed this, how healthier I feel, and that I'm still "running". 
Thank you Bettyb719, that’s a lovely post! I embrace slow - can’t imagine ever running 5k in 30 minutes but if I can run properly for 30 minutes I’ll be happy!
You will, never fear! Be happy! X
Thanks for a great post. It’s lovely to hear these success stories and that you’re still enjoying running now after completing this wonderful programme.
Speed and distance is irrelevant. It’s all about getting off the sofa and being healthier!
Happy running!
Indeed it is! Getting off the sofa is the best thing!
Wow this is a wonderful post! Loved reading it Even if you have not reached 5K in 30 Minutes did you find your distance improved with continued running after the c25k programme was over? How much are running now?
Thank you! I’m sure if I had not had some health issues (severe chest infection was the latest one) I would have increased my distance. At Parkruns I often have a couple of walking breaks, especially on hills... However, I am now embarking on Ju-Ju’s magic running plan - healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...
- and I hope to run nonstop for 60 minutes at the end of it. And that should make 5K very easy to achieve 😂. Did 35 minutes this morning - not even 4K but it was comfortable!
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