Only running twice a week? Show-stopper? - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,413 members158,564 posts

Only running twice a week? Show-stopper?

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate
16 Replies

For unavoidable reasons I can only run twice a week.

What’s best - a ‘week’ taking longer, or only doing two of each three runs then moving up?

Or is neither going to work?☹️ I’m only on week three currently having never previously run, so am a total novice.

Many thanks in advance for any advice...

Written by
Piaffesal profile image
Piaffesal
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
16 Replies
NearlyMan profile image
NearlyManGraduate

Don’t skip any runs - it’s important to properly prepare for the next run ahead by doing all the runs.

In this plan the word “week” refers to a set of a three runs, it definitely doesn’t matter if it takes you longer.

And if you’re getting through two runs a week then 3 runs in 10 days is absolutely fine.

Keep going and enjoy the journey 👍🏼

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to NearlyMan

YEY, thanks!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

Definitely not, I ran 3 times a week up to about week 7/8, kept getting overuse injuries - planter fasciitis, etc., I then gave myself a break and ran twice a week , still completing each run, sometimes taking an extra rest day, took me longer to graduate, yes, but, now I have run several half marathons, I’m not quick, granted, but that’s not the point.

The plan is just a guide, we’re all different, fit the program to you.....

Good luck, keep going, it’ll be worth it, I promise.

Mx

Ps - I still run twice a week

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to Madge50

Brilliant, thank you!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

As others have said, do every run before moving on. Two runs per week is just fine.

Enjoy your journey.

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Such good news, thank you!

Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

If you can fit in 2 runs per week then that's what to do. It's better that way as you can't skip run. You've also got to wk3 so well done . 😊😊

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to Buddy34

Thank you :-)

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

Remember there are lots of non-run exercises that you might be able to fit in on your non-run days. Even just sitting and squeezing the glutes for 10 seconds 10 times makes a difference. Good for you to do C25K when you are so constrained!

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to theoldfellow

Thank you! I do horse ride 3 times a week & do a private advanced pilates session once a week so hopefully they will help also...

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey5000Graduate

Just do the runs in order and don’t move on until you can do the latest one successfully. I have not consistently got three runs in in seven days either but that’s the beauty of this....it flexes to you. I found as long as I got at least two in a week then I continued to progress ok and if I didn’t I sometimes had to repeat a run which makes sense as it’s about building stamina. Consistency and routine are the key and you’ve achieved that so well done....awesome work!!

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to Sparkey5000

Thank you! :-)

Supermeisty profile image
Supermeisty

I was just going to post a similar question so thank you for doing so. I am in the same boat as you and was worried about only doing 2 a week. Might take a bit longer but at least we are running rather than sitting on the couch :)

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to Supermeisty

Exactly that!!! I’ll be doing run 2 of week 3 in a couple of hours!😀

Supermeisty profile image
Supermeisty in reply to Piaffesal

Nice one! I am heading out this evening to do w1r2. Have fun on your run :)

Piaffesal profile image
PiaffesalGraduate in reply to Supermeisty

You too!😀

You may also like...

Is it a disaster to only run twice weekly after graduation?

I’m one run away from graduating. I’ve noticed this week that Jo is particularly adamant that I will

Getting there - any advice if run only twice a week?

I am only able to run twice a week (tues / weds after work) and Sat am due to a change on work /...

Should I run more than twice a week?

Will running more than twice a week or even only twice a week improve my chances of getting faster...

3 or twice a week run after 5k graduation?

coach. I am running 30 minutes twice a week, so 4 days rest then 3 days rest. The app advices to...

Week 9 run 2 - only 1 to go 👍

believe I’ve only got one run left as definitely didn’t think 9 weeks ago I would be here 🤗. I’m...