To 5K and beyond........!!!

[Fionamags]

I've seen lots of posts from people anxious about their progress, pace, distance, etc who think they are going to 'fail' to do 5K during the programme, so I thought I'd share my journey. I started C25K back in January (well, February really - I had a false start...) and graduated in April. I've since done a few weeks of consolidation runs of 30 minutes interspersed with some interval training using the C25K+ podcasts. I hit the doldrums for a bit, finding the runs getting a bit of a bore with the restricted routes I have access to during lockdown and then one of the admin suggested I try the 'Magic Plan' over on Bridge to 10k. So now I am happily plodding away on that, gradually increasing my running time. I certainly won't be hitting 10K when I graduate from the 60 minute running challenge - but its given me new purpose and I am enjoying the challenge of extending my running.

Today was special because it marked hitting that 5K. It was particularly lovely since I was plodding along in my usual snail-like fashion when I spotted a couple of young people, one wearing a graduation gown and the other taking photos of him. Graduations are all cancelled so he must have managed to hire a gown somewhere and no doubt those photos will be sent to his proud parents - a shame for them not to be able to celebrate together. So as I ran past I clapped and gave him a big cheer and I was still smiling away when my phone buzzed to mark that fifth kilometre! So the smile turned into a grin and next thing the snail turned into a gazelle and I loped along for the final few minutes of my run. Happy days!

PS I did the 5K at somewhere around 42:30. A long way off 30 minutes - but I'm delighted with that!

[dijep Graduate]

Well done on your 5k🍾🎈

I felt the same thinking I'd have to be able to run 5k by the end, that is until I started reading the info on here.

It really needs a better name 😊

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to dijep]

You're right! They need to think of something a bit catchy though. Couch to running for 30 minutes doesn't quite trip off the tongue, does it???

[pinkpigeon]

Well done! I’m a little envious as I started around the same time but have been thwarted twice now with first back, then knee pain. I haven’t yet managed to get to w5r3 but today was delighted as I went out and walked/ran 5k. Not following C25k, just about 50 paces of each alternately with a few longer running bursts interspersed. It felt great! I’ll keep going inthis vein and eventually pick up week 5 again. I like having a bit more control over when I feel like running at the moment, ie not up the steeper bits! 👍😀

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to pinkpigeon]

You'll get there. I'm very lucky not to have suffered any injuries along the way. Apart from the incident where I nearly threw up on some otters, its been plain sailing for me (well, not sailing exactly...)

[Allbarron Graduate]

Fionamags that's absolutely fantastic!! You've done it and I know how hard you've worked to get there!! I am sending you a virtual round of applause and cheers to you. What a result 🎉🏅💪👏👏👏👏👏

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Allbarron]

Awww thanks so much AllB. You are literally about a minute behind me. Looking forwards to giving you a great big cheer as well in a day or so!!

[Allbarron Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Hopefully my next big run on Saturday!! I think this switch over to the magic plan is doing us both good!! 💪💪

[Nilsam Graduate]

Great post, Fionamags. Good to explain and great to read. 👣🌈🙋🏻‍♀️

[Suestudy Graduate]

Well done to you and your progress. I think it was a lovely gesture to clap as I’m sure it was heartfelt. I thought I was the only person who would do that! I bet you have been in a happy place all day. Thank you to for the advice on what to do after 5k 😃 will be looking into that as soon as I manage to get to 5 K 🙂

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Suestudy]

Or 30 minutes? If you get to 5K in 30 minutes then you will be flying indeed!

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done Fionamags! It's a milestone isn't it! Sounds like a great run well done you!

[Hidden]

Fantastic 5k run Fionamags! 🎉😀🤸🏻‍♀️ . I loved your post.

I'm still cruising along at around 3.9k within the 30 minutes run time, but from this week I to start lengthening my runs, so I hope to join you and celebrate a magic 5k of my own soon.... 🤞🏼😊

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I'm sure it won't be long. You're doing great - going a bit further than me in 30 mins so you might even crack the 40 mins!

[Joanney69 Graduate]

Well done Fiona ☺ 👏 that's a very similar time to my first 5k on Saturday 😊

It's my aim to look at the magic plan to give me something else to work towards, although I am quite enjoying running as much as I feel like 🏃 👍

And lovely of you to applaud the graduate 🎓 I bet that was appreciated 😊

Happy running 🏃 ☺️

Stay safe

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Joanney69]

Thanks! Come join us on the Magic Plan!

[Joanney69 Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

I'll be there this week ☺️ 👍 🏃

[Runjilly Graduate]

Lovely post and well done on reaching 5k Fionamags that's brilliant! Well done going forward on the manic plan too !

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Runjilly]

Was that deliberate? I rather like the idea of a "manic" plan. 😉🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Runjilly Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Lol no! Well spotted ⭐😀

[Crittermad Graduate]

🙌 well done on your 5k milestone!

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Crittermad]

Thanks!!!

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

I’m just starting consolidating so it’s really interesting to read your experience. I did my first run today without the programme and I plan on getting comfortable with 30 mins before I chase the elusive 5K which will probably be about 40 mins for me too. I’ve got few new routes planned to keep it interesting as I’m worried about losing motivation