Can I miss a week?

[Ado1]

This is my first post so thanks in advance for any help/advice. I am doing week 7 and have felt good so run 2 I did 27 mins and today (run 3) I completed 30 mins. Should I jump straight to week 9?

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

One word NO, congratulations on completing week 7 of C25K, you must run the 3/28 minute runs of week 8 before you can go on to week 9.

[Sedge Graduate]

I would just urge against pushing too much and causing yourself an injury. Clearly you have progressed at an above average rate! I dont know what your fitness levels were like prior to you starting, nor details about weight etc; if it was me (I was 8 stone overweight, now nearly 6, my BMI is the equivalent to a Pork Scratching) I would stick to the plan because of the impact I have on my body during every run.

If you are at an average weight, and this is purely about fitness, I'd say go for it.... It may have only taken you 8 weeks to run 30 minutes, but it'll take me 12 we are all different, so I'll use one of your weeks if you dont mind?!

[John_W Graduate]

No.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

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.

Doing too much too soon is the surest route to the injury couch. You might get away with it, but why take the risk.

Enjoy your journey.

[John_W Graduate]

To expand on my brief reply above, what's the rush?

Are you intending to carry on running? Lets' assume you plan to run for many years to come... why miss an important week? Why not embed a little discipline now and see the program through in its entirety?

[Ado1]

Thanks for the advice, I’ll carry on with week 8 in a couple of days. For the record I am 68 and diagnosed with COPD, weight approx 82k, 5’9”. Although reasonably fit this is the most consistent running I have done for a long time. Really good luck Sedge, I’m sure you will make it!