So near but yet so far....

[Nicky_F]

I’ve just finished W7R3, after not running for just over 3 weeks (events and injury conspired against me!), and it was tough. I couldn’t get my breathing together until about 10mins in and my legs felt like lead. Basically, I felt like an elephant thudding round the park!!! But, all to be expected I guess, given the break I’ve had. But I did it. However, that elusive graduation run still feels so far away; my C25K journey started back in March and with various obstacles that have been thrown at me since then, I still haven’t finished. I just wondered if anyone else has found it’s taken them a lot longer than the suggested nine weeks? I keep feeling like giving it up (especially in the extended injury breaks) but something keeps dragging me back....

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You're doing great . It took me 17 weeks just because having to repeat runs or weeks. But I don't care I did it , I'm still running 10 months on from starting c25k. Good luck 😊

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you 😊

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I can't remember if we've done a poll, as we have done to demonstrate that the majority are *not* running 5k in 30 minutes by the end, but it is certainly very common for it to take longer than 9 weeks, whether that is due to 'missing' runs due to life, illness, injury or not completing each session successfully, so having some to repeat.

But if people are embarking on the programme aligned with its mission, the nine weeks are unimportant as you are not all about just getting to some goal (and then stopping!) but embedding a habit. Better to take months and still be running a year later than nine weeks and fizzle out altogether!

As I am always saying, at least one of those 7-9 week sessions is almost invariably grim. Yours has come after a bit of a layoff so you've done especially well that it just felt grim rather than you not completing the session. Keep calm (and proud) and carry on.

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you for your support 😊

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Don’t be hard on yourself - you’re doing it and that’s what counts.

I run using the Japanese slow jogging technique - it’s low impact, designed to avoid injury and sorts the breathing out.

So as you get back into your groove yih could give this a whirl & see if it helps.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?)

You can always address pace later if that’s what you’re interested in. But I love this style of running because it makes the running pleasurable while you’re doing it. It’s worth watching a few times to catch it all. Hope it helps!

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thank you 😊

[Redcat19 Graduate]

Took me more like 20 weeks due to running only twice a week and holidays. Please don't give up, you have come this far. Stick with it you can do this.

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to Redcat19]

Thank you. I’m definitely going to try....

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

Took me longer than nine weeks too and there were some hard runs in there when I really struggled. Somebody on here said that there is no such thing as a bad run, they are all runs and they all build the running miles in your legs. I thought that was great advice! So put that one behind you and just keep turning up. You are showing so much grit and determination. Really impressive!

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thank you 😊

[Debston Graduate]

Something keeps dragging you back, that'll be the running bug!

[Nicky_F Graduate in reply to Debston]

I think so!! 😂

[Nicky_F Graduate]

Thank you everyone for your messages, they mean a lot. This is why I find this forum so fantastic, everyone is so friendly and supportive. I don’t post very often but I enjoy reading everyone’s posts and find them all so inspiring. We’re all in this together, right? 💕