After completing C25K last week I have so far done two more runs. I’ve been reading new graduates’ posts about how they are already running 5k in what seem to me incredibly fast times and I am a little envious 😳 I tell myself they are much younger than me!
I am planning to spend a month running 4Ks which take me about 33 mins before attempting something quicker or longer. I only run outdoors, on our quiet country roads, and I am not sure how I will cope with colder weather but I am determined to progress, albeit slowly. Japanese slow jogging sounds good to me 🤗
Written by
Chocolatedog
Graduate
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Please don't feel like you need to compare your running journey with anybody else's! You run your pace, don't feel pressured to go faster.
If you'd like to cover more distance you can gradually increase your running time, but not until you've done W9R3 for a good while yet. If you're happy running for 30 minutes, stick with that. What you choose to do is entirely up to you.
As far as cold weather running, it's really not too bad. Unless it's actually icy, an added later here and there will be all you need to keep going!
Many congratulations on your graduation fellow runner.
This guide to post C25K running may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and may give you some ideas for the future.
The graduates on this forum come from a vast range of ages, abilities and disabilities and fitness levels. Unless someone matches you in all those respects then there is little point in comparing yourself to them.
You are doing better than you think. Do you remember how hard it was to run for 60 seconds in wk1. Be so very pleased of what you've achieved its amazing. You will be fine with the colder weather because if you're out running every week your body will gradually get used to the temperature falling. Also when running you will heat up anyway. So be very proud , just think you could be someone still sitting on that couch. Well done you 😊😊😊
Try not to be disheartened. I'm on my second month of consolidation and my runs and times are still highly variable. I had a great run last Tuesday then Saturday's felt like really hard work. I try not to be in competition, even with my own times and distances. The real competition for me is with the side of myself that would stay indoors and forget all about running. Once I get out and start moving, I've already won! 😄
There are plenty of us who are still running and not at all doing fast times! Welcome to the Tortoise & Snail Running Club. 👍🐌🐢🎉 We celebrate stamina, perseverance and cheerful jogging, and we totally welcome new members. 👏🏼😄
Do keep running at whatever speed suits you best. Enjoy your progress, from those days when one minute seemed soooo long. And as your legs get stronger, you will find your own way to the next bit of your running progress. 👏🏼👍
Your doing great Chocolatedog. It takes time for us older runners to build up our running strength and stamina. Important thing is to enjoy your runs and don't go too far or too fast or you'll get injured. I graduated 9 months ago and only now comfortably running 5k in about 33 minutes
As others have already said, this is your personal journey. My aim was to get a bit fitter and hopefully lose some of the excess weight I was carrying. Mission accomplished! I now run for 30 minutes 2-3 times a week (pretty much W9R3) and now swimming 2 times a week too. I've trimmed down about 18 pounds and am probably as fit, if not fitter, than I've ever been. I don't really want to do more. My average pace is around the 7 minute/km mark but I do vary the pace sometimes. I usually cover about 5.5km in total (including 5 min walking each end). I have seen gradual improvements in pace over time. Oh, not that it's particularly relevant, I'll be 60 in November. Keep doing what's right for you.
I'm 59 and "slow", took me "ages" to finish a HM last week - but I was over the finish line before a few "fit" young Marines
I will never be "fast" and doubt I'll ever do 5k in 30 minutes - too many physical defects - but I can keep working on my stamina and distance Mainly though I don't go out to "work" but to "enjoy" and enjoy it I do
I forget who posted it a good while back, but it's so true - "Comparison is the thief of Joy"
More fun being dead last in a race than being found dead of sloth and indolence on a Couch LoL To me that's the only comparision that counts 😁
You keep up the good work and some speed will come. When I was younger, I did long runs a lot (over 5 miles) on weekends, so 3 miles was faster than my longer runs. There is sometimes a "race magic" when you are in the midst of it but I don't think I will see it at 60 now, I just want to enjoy it and not get hurt. When I was in my 40's I got third place at a small race and didn't even know it since everyone was slower, lol. I went home and got a call. Still treasure that trophy. ; )
As you run more, you might run longer or faster and not even notice it. I see on my app, that my faster pace is sometimes 30 seconds or so more on some days but it always seems hard. My body is adjusting and yours will too. I"m starting over again and wonder if I will ever not feel like I'm struggling but my daughter reminded me how I looked week one vs five so I guess it was pretty bad. lol
Try as others have said to run your own race, your own workout. Challenge yourself but don't compare. Be proud of what you have done.
Congratulations on graduating. It’s a great feeling, isn’t it? There’s no point in comparing apples and pears and we C25Kers are every type of fruit plus a good variety of veggies. Set yourself a target if that works for you. I graduated at the end of August and I’ve signed up for a 5k run next week but my over-riding target is joyous. This should be fun. Enjoy your running and don’t worry about anyone else.
I love your user name. Does your chocolate dog run with you? 👏👏👏😊🏃♀️🐕
Alas the chocolate dog is 15 and her running days are a memory, so my runs are balanced with some very slow dog walks with Her Ladyship. No loss of attitude with advancing years, though (either of us)...
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