Learning the hard way: I have finally completed... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,117 members159,474 posts

Learning the hard way

darktier profile image
6 Replies

I have finally completed it, at probably the 4 or 5 attempt, (I normally end up straining a calf or achilles because of impatience, try to go to fast, and simply not taking the right precautions)

I like to think I've have leaned a few lessons along the way.

I'm a bit heavy (BMI currently = obese), and I'm trying to do something about it but I weigh quite a bit more than I did when I played on the wing 30 years ago.

So I warm up for 5 minutes on on a non impact exercise machine before I start, then gently stretch the parts I know can be problematic, then I start, and after the warm up walk, I jog slowly and try and focus on my breathing.

It currently takes me about 37 minutes to cover the 5K, but it's a big achievement to do it without stopping, and as I slowly reduce my weight and my fitness improves ..., well at the end of the day does the time really matter, who am I trying to beat.

Completed my first park run on Saturday and looking forward to doing many more.

Written by
darktier profile image
darktier
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Congratulations on completing c25k you must be so pleased well done 😊😊👏👏

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Many congratulations. Patience is the skill we really need to progress safely, as you’ve sadly discovered. When the time does come to work on pace, it’s not every run... 75-85% of elite athletes mileage is at a comfortable pace, and if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us! Eliud Kipchoge was speaking about his training a couple of weeks ago and I was surprised to read that he runs at 9:30/mile often, partly because that’s about my best 5k pace, and partly because he runs marathons at 4:30/mile tops! Slow gentle running develops the endurance and aerobic capacity we need for the speed sessions and race days. To put your 37 minutes into perspective, that was the time for my first 5k too. I was delighted with that time. Who are you trying to beat? Just yourself... maybe once a month you can have a go at lowering that parkrun time, in between you can have some nice relaxed parkruns of course.

Anyways, celebrate well and enjoy consolidation and your future running adventures

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.

This guide to post C25K running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Keep running, keep smiling.

damienair profile image
damienairGraduate

Congratulations on your graduation. And well done on your 5K’s. I lost 2.5 stone in weight earlier this year. I’m in or around a healthy BMI now. I still go up and down by a 3-4 lbs. It made a huge difference to my running, it became easier, much more enjoyable and as a result I got faster. As I got faster I became more determined to shift the weight. Well done to you for all you have achieved so far. I wish you every continued success.

Damien

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

That’s brilliant - what a sensible approach, and great for building overall fitness. Well done you 🥇⭐️⭐️⭐️ !

Congratulations and very well done! Learning the hard way is better than not learning at all :)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Do you include your 5min walks in your distance log?

Hi all, I have just completed Week 6, Run 1 - A fairly relaxed schedule of 5/8/5 minute runs after...
che130 profile image
Graduate

Week 9 run 2 and still finding it hard

Just completed week 9 run 2. I expected it to be easier than the previous run but still found it...

Oh the frustration

So, W9R3, here we are. Get out the phone, set up Runkeeper and start up Laura, as I've dine many...
Unfitdad59 profile image
Graduate

Not a great start to week 8☹️

Not sure what’s been up with me the last few days but my energy levels have been at a big fat 0!! I...
Ellaloux profile image
Graduate

The dreaded W5R3 - defeated!!

I cannot believe it... this morning we completed week 5, run 3! I have been trying desperately...

Moderation team

See all
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.