Running 5k at week 8.

[Kirky1967]

Hi, I've been doing couch to 5k for 8 weeks now.. I struggled at week 4.. Got it together in week 5.. Week 1 I couldn't run for 1 minute without stopping.. My point is... If you're just starting out and finding it hard, keep going you will be amazed at what you can achieve... I started week 8 with the 28 minute run.. At the end if the podcast I didn't want to stop. I carried on until I reached 5k, it took 34minutes.. I have just ran another 5k for the second week 8 run... Without this podcast and the encouragement of others on here I would never have thought this possible... I will continue with the podcast til the end week 9.. I will be booking my official 5k in the coming days..

Cheers, Dave. 👍

[Hidden]

This is so lovely to read. I think for the beginners like myself it's always comforting to know that we can achieve if we keep on keeping on. Congratulations mate. Good luck with your future runs.

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi, when I started the C25K I was 19st 7lb.. I thought I was too big to run... I started anyway cos I had to do something. I struggled with motivation for the first couple of weeks and the paranoia of people watching me and laughing, as I said more paranoia on my part.. 😊. This certainly isn't easy but I can't stress enough, if I can do it then anybody can.. I'm now 2stone lighter and loving the running.. Keep it up, you will definitely achieve your 10 mile goal alot sooner than you think. 👍

Cheers, Dave.

[Hidden in reply to Kirky1967]

Brilliant mate. I think you are right, the first couple of runs you have to break through that fear of how you are perceived for whatever reason. Each step is a step for yourself though and a step nearer all the things that you work so hard for. I am part of a 4 person team running the Hull Marathon in Sept 2020 and would like to be able to run either the 5.2 or 6.4 mile leg. I'll do the programme and look forward to how I am at the end of Week 9.

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Good luck mate. Having a goal is great for motivation.. Hull marathon.. Brilliant 👍🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Kirky1967]

I can relate to this, I have about 3 stone to lose and really thought I couldn’t run. Just about to start week 3 now and feeling as though it is actually possible 👍

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

It is definitely achievable, I had my doubts when I was struggling to run for 1 min.... Now I'm running for 34mins in week 8... I haven't had to redo a week as some people have so it hasn't taken that long to get to this point.. I haven't ran since school and I'm 52 now.. I can't believe where I've got to... Anybody can do it and I sincerely mean that. It isn't easy, but can be done with commitment and will power...

Cheers, Dave..

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Kirky1967]

Thanks Dave, I’m 54 and haven’t run since school either. I used to hate running but now I’m starting to really enjoy it. Each run completed feels like a real personal achievement.

Tim

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

Brilliant mate.. Took me a while to find the joy in running.. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Cheers, Dave. 👍

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done that’s such an achievement

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you so much.. 👍👍

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just shows you if you put in the hard work and have lots of determination you can get to where you want to be. Well done you 🤗🤗

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you... I'm finding the joy in running people talk about.. It took a while. 😂

[damienair Graduate]

Very well done Dave. You are doing great. I finished the C25K plan over 2 years ago. I was running 5K like you in around 34 minutes. This year I concentrated on diet and interval training. As the weight came off I fell in love with running and it became so much easier. I also got faster and was able to take 8 minutes off my parkrun finish time. Weight loss helps greatly, less pressure on your joints, less weight to carry. You naturally get faster. You want to run more and run further. The more you run the more calories you burn. Combined with healthy eating it becomes a very healthy circle. Enjoy the rest of your C25K journey and happy running afterwards.

Damien

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks Damien 👍 I do need to work on my diet. I am enjoying running, something I thought would never be possible..

Cheers, Dave.

[Caley67 Graduate in reply to damienair]

I'm loving the running and hitting 5k in around 28 mins but it's the diet that's problem, daily raspberries n ice cream ain't going to reduce cholesterol level of 8.5! Behaviour change is tough, though I have stopped boozing.

[damienair Graduate in reply to Caley67]

Great running and great times. One step at a time. Diet is very tough. This time last year I was at my fittest, I was in a healthy BMI, running 26 minute 5K’s and feeling great. A year later it’s a different story. Since lockdown without any parkrun or 5K and 10K road races to train for I’ve slowed down. Also I have not been as good on the diet front and have gained 12 pounds in weight. So it’s time to shift the weight again. I’ve also committed to doing 100 kilometres in September. I’ll do it again and so will you. Good luck, it’s not easy.

Damien

[Caley67 Graduate in reply to damienair]

Thanks, am looking forward to my first park run ....will keep working on the diet...I'm aiming for 3 x 30 min runs per week.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Great post. Well done you 👏👍

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you 👍

[Annieapple Graduate]

👍🥳 Excellent progress!! Not many of us could do 5K at graduation!! Well done Kirky

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annie 👍👍 it's much appreciated.. Not all reach the 5k but if your running more than you ever thought possible then I'd take that..

Cheers, Dave.

[Huwj]

Blast! W8r1was 4.85 for me.... I've been at it since July and repeated some weeks. Today my legs are aching but i feel really good about it. Will it be 5k on Saturday? Maybe, but i still feel so much better than i did before i started. Well done you for cracking it and well done whoever thought this up. I'm 62 and feeling good. Thanks to all the inspirational people who post here

[Kirky1967 Graduate in reply to Huwj]

So close 4.85k.. Keep it up and you will get there.. 👍👍

[Huwj]

Totally f***** it. Got half way and my calf went. Will start again at week 5 I n the new year

[Raggnerdrac Graduate]

Yup. I have to agree with you! I cant believe I run for 28 mins I couldn't hold it together for 1 min at the beginning lol