Running extra

[Millertime83]

I set off for Wk6R3 feeling like I was ready to run it and boy was I.

The sun was shining and it was a beautiful morning for a run. I was intending to do the 25 mins but when Michael told me I was done I was far from home so carried on. In the end I ran for 40 mins and did exactly 5k!

I know we are running the programme but if I feel up to it I do more. I only started this 5 weeks ago and to go from zero running to 40 mins in 5 weeks I am so damn proud of myself(not the fastest time but something to work on). Is it wrong to want to push myself with 3 more weeks to go 🤔🏃🏼‍♀️

[Hidden]

Well done! By running beyond the programme, you increase the risk of injury. It probably depends on how fit you were already, Many young folks can just go out and run! I would say though, that there is no rush and you learn so much by following the discipline of a programme, not just about running but about yourself. Better to finish safe and strong rather than doing yourself a mischief. But your decision...

[Millertime83 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

A year ago I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I was 3 stone heavier and so unfit. I walk everyday and do the exercise bike everyday so I feel pretty fit and the running was pushed in to mix it up a bit. I feel ok doing the extra minutes but don’t think I want to push past 40 mins at the moment, 5k was my target just to see if I could do it. I am 37 so not that young anymore 🤣

[Hidden in reply to Millertime83]

Of course cycling and walking are great. However, I think you should still be cautious about your approach

[Hidden]

Hi Millertime83, from my experience and What I have read, you can feel like running further before you have finished the program. The C25K is worked out in such a way it allows for muscles, tendons and bone become stronger at a steady rate. My understanding is if you push yourself to quickly before finishing the program, an injury is more likely. Having an injury will put you out for weeks. I hope this helps and I’m loving you enthusiasm. 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

We are all different and we are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits, whilst gently increasing our resistance to injury.

It is not a matter of what we can do, rather what we can safely do.

Injury strikes out of the blue and can halt all your enthusiasm in its tracks, for days, weeks or even months and if it happens when you are pushing well beyond the 10% rule used by most experienced runners to increase their weekly training load, as you have just done, then I suspect you would feel very foolish if it happened to you.

Well done on the achievement and your enthusiasm, but please for your own sake, stick to the plan.