Feeling motivated

[De48]

Hi guys, I’m into my2nd week running and I’m feeling really motivated determined like I want to run more than 3 times a week but I don’t want to not go by the program, is this not wise ?

[Hidden]

I know how you feel! 🏃‍♀️ But.... stick to the plan, make sure you have 1 or even 2 rest days between runs and take each run slow 🐌

[ScottUK33]

Hi De,

Well done, how did you find it?

I am about to head out the door to start week 2 run 1. Feeling a bit apprehensive as last week went so well I'm kind of expecting the extra 30 seconds to come as a shock.

Hopefully it will be OK.

[De48 Graduate in reply to ScottUK33]

I’m really surprised as to how well I’ve managed it ! As my first run was a wake up call 60 seconds run and I really struggled but stuck to the plan, took my time and now onto my 2nd week 2nd run and honestly I feel great ! Love seeing the improvement with this plan 👍🏼 good luck.

[Beach_runner Graduate]

I was same but as I have a tendency to push through and end up injuring myself I stuck to the plan 100%. Was very chuffed to finish in just under the 9 weeks, (you can run every other day), with not only no injuries but actually feeling stronger. Stick to the plan - it's worth it - plus if not you'll get people on here telling you off 😁

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Beach_runner]

yep, like me

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

I think it really is best to take those rest days. If you're feeling very motivated, you can do other types of low impact exercise on your rest days e.g. strength training, cycling, walking. It will all help with your running and general fitness.

[Stewy87 Graduate]

Hey de48!

I too share your sentiment.

What I have been doing is 4 sessions a week with 1 rest day between runs.

This is a cautionary tale though as at the beginning of week 2 I ended up injuring myself (Patella Tendonitis) and had to take 3 weeks off before I could resume the plan. I still have a slight niggle in my knee, groin and shins but everything is getting easier with each run I complete.

I also added in cycling and body weight exercises on those days between runs. Both seem to have helped my fitness levels tremendously. I'd recommend adding low impact strength/cardio for your rest days if you are wanting to run more. It helps keep the injuries and boredom away!

Good luck on the rest of your journey!

[Wwps Graduate]

Keep the motivation but I’d say stick to the plan! It’s only an extra day in between one of your runs - you could use it to do stretches/strengthening exercises so you still feel like you’re doing something towards it but aren’t pushing too fast. Keep at it!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

No, it is NOT wise. Your motivation is lovely to see but ...

You and your body are new to running and running is a tough impact exercise. The overwhelming amount of runners get or are injured at some time or other and when you start running is when you're most vunerable - hence why C25K is such a good and gentle introduction ... BUT ONLY IF DONE CORRECTLY - at a very slow pace and using the rest days as laid out.

It takes 1-2 years (yes, years) of regular running for your body to become fully adapted to the impact of it.

Do NOT neglect your rest days - at all.

3 runs a week, with a rest day in-between each run (eg Mon/Wed/Fri) and then a 2 day rest (eg the weekend) is absolutely fine.