Who knew...week 5 complete!

[beardymcbearderson]

In the middle of July, prompted by a Wellbeing Week at work, I took the plunge with my better half and downloaded the Couch to 5K app. Felt absolutely wrecked after W1,R1. Who knew, 5 weeks later, that I’d have just completed week 5, have run 20 minutes without stopping or the first time in about 15 years...and feel incredible.

Not only am I loving every minute of the program, I think I’ve found a genuine love for running and I’ve lost a load of weight too (16lbs and counting)!

My biggest problem at the moment is avoiding over-exercising and managing my eagerness to go for another run. I’m sat here now, just starting my working day, eager to go for another run this evening; but it’s a rest day!

I’m currently tending to use my rest days to go for a longish evening walk and I’m trying to include a bit of core strengthening most mornings when I get up.

What are other CT5K-ers doing on rest days to satisfy the urge to run without over doing it?

Well done to everyone who is achieving/has achieved their goals. You are all a great source of positivity and encouragement.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

20 minutes non stop that's brilliant. I was like you resisting the urge to run on a rest day . I constantly read on here about how important they are and if you did run on consecutive days you risk injury that can put you out of running and I didn't want to do that as I was enjoying running too much. For me I walk my dog 7 days a week anyway , just something to keep everything moving . Good luck 😊

[beardymcbearderson in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy. That’s it isn’t it - just finding something to keep moving. I love walking and it does help to dampen the urge to run.

The temptation will be great this evening though. My better half and I started this journey together. However, I’ve been working away this week so our runs are now out of sync. She’s due to do W5R3 this evening. I’m not daft enough (I think/hope/tell myself) to try and smash our back to back 20 min runs, but it’s so tempting to go for a little trot and perhaps redo W5R1.

Maybe I’ll just treat myself to a beer instead...I’ve gone 6 weeks without a drink. I deserve one right?!😂

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to beardymcbearderson]

Yes you definitely do 😊

[islandrunner Graduate in reply to beardymcbearderson]

Once you've fininshed week 9 and after a few consolidation weeks. Start couch to 5k on your rest days, so that you can slowly build it to running more than 3 times a week. Obviously athletes etc run more than 3 times a week, just a matter of building up to it. I've done that before, and it worked fine, got myself up to running 5-6 times a week. Don't do it now though, I ended up stopping running about a year ago, and have recently restarted, and been doing C25K again, about to finish week 9. On the rest days, I do another workout, strength/cardio (30-60 mins), there's loads to choose from on youtube !

[Dalmorangie Graduate]

Fantastic achievement and another one bites the first re becoming a running addict 🤣😂. Stick to the programme and don’t overdo it, you’ll be graduating before you know it!

[Annieapple Graduate]

Love my rest days!! I walk at least 30 mins if not longer & plan tomorrow’s run as I like doing slightly different routes each time. I watch other runners and can’t believe that I will be running 30mins one day! Walking or running I just love being out in the fresh air!

[steviej99 Graduate]

You are doing the right thing. Running on rest days is a really bad idea for all us folks on here who are all non athletes! Walking, cross training and strength training are all good ideas - dont over do it though - rest days are as important if not more so than running days for building strength in your legs. It is when you rest that the muscles repair the microtears that occur when running and it is this process that makes them stronger over time - hence the importance of rest for athletes. Keep on running!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.