Would love your stories of being a 2 x couch to 5k champ.
I found the first 7 weeks of the program really tough last year but then grew to really enjoy it and kept up my little routine for about 3 months after I finished the C25K officially. Then, winter hit, and I was not ready.
Now, I'm back after a 6 month break and, this first week feels just as hard as it did the first time, which makes sense. I'm slowing down and using all the tips and tricks I got from last time around but it is still such a slog.
So my question is, if you've done this more than once...did you feel comfortable in your routine quicker? Or is the first 7 weeks going to be just as hard as last time?
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anthony_jeannot
Graduate
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You know you can do it, you did it 👍, does it make it easier hmmmm tricky question, it should, maybe it will, but try and detach from the previous adventure on couch to 5 k, treat it as a brand new thing therefore lessen the expectations. I'd definitely suggest run in different locations from the last time 🤓
This is great advice. I guess the combination of starting at the start of lockdown last year and then starting again in lockdown this year has meant these first three runs have definitely come with an extreme sense of deja vu. I will switch my route up from now on!
Yes for me it was easier. I knew I could do it. I didn't have the whole body acclimatising to running. Yes, I had the usual gremlins, but I had the experience to complete it with out the anxiety of the can I do this mental challenge.
It was also a good way to reflect on what I have done and to experience with other people on the same journey. this made it feel familiar but still new and fresh.
I also felt like a dumbass for stopping and repeating though!
That's interesting. I feel like my whole body is acclimatising to running again, from scratch. But as you and lmc50 have both mentioned.... knowing that 'this is normal and you did it last time' does actually help, so maybe, it is easier, just not as much easier as I would have liked
Initially I found it difficult to stop and start with the app. I could not get into my pace so after a couple of sessions skipped a couple of weeks to a longer bit of running. It was easier, but was glad of the rest between.Knowing that I have done it before did help me.
Tried different routes but I have my favourites and seem to find it easier on them. A good audio book helps.
I am so jealous of the fact that you were able to skip a few weeks ahead, I don't think I'd manage that. Curious about how long the gap was between your C25K journeys and how active you stayed in between.
Not very active between stopping and starting again. It was just not working for me as I would get into my pace and have to stop again, and again. So I tried, very slowly at first but fell into my pace and started getting back into it.I find certain routes suit me better than others. I don't like crossing roads, so try to find long stretches of pavement. I don't like built up areas on my right, strange but true. And I don't like running after 8 a.m. so am usually up and out by 6 ☺
Just try different things to see what works for you.
I have just completed C25K for the third time and for me it has become easier each time.
I had a nine (ish) month break after a knee injury and a four month break after chemotherapy. In those time scales you still have some residual ability, if you have kept reasonably active.
If it is a slog then you are probably going too fast. Can you speak aloud, clear, ungasping sentences as you run?.........if not, you are going too fast.
Slowing down to the recommended easy conversational pace makes it more achievable and for most, more enjoyable.
I found I could be easier on myself the second time round. The first time round, when I found I was struggling I would pair it with very negative self-talk and shame, mostly due to comparisons with others - one of the runners I compared myself to was a man who has spent decades running! Total nonsense, being a novice and female! It robbed me of any enjoyment. I ended up getting to W9R1, then stopped completely because once I was 'done', and ran for 30 mins, that was it.
The second time round I allowed myself the time and headspace to enjoy the process more than the numbers or comparisons. I listened to my body and approached my 'bad days' running with a lot more compassion. I ended up completing the programme with a lot less stress, and realising the benefits of running instead of the pain.
So I think there's an element of knowing what's in store when doing it a second time, but also a big part of the success was recognising and fixing what stopped me the first time round. Ultimately, C25K gets you into the habit of running but there's a whole world of running to enjoy, and by allowing yourself the space to love it, you're much more likely to keep it up!
I think it depends on why you are doing it again? I graduated a while back and then continued running although I decided that 10K was my limit, but I know a few folk in the bridge to 10K forum who used it to improve their technique or start again after injury.
I'm starting again now (just starting week 4) as I had covid last year and am only just up to attempting exercise again. Its different this time as I am listening to my chest (heart & lung issues) instead of worrying about my legs. I have lost a lot of fitness over the last year so my main focus is to not get frustrated that I am a lot slower than I was but then I remember that the programme was designed for absolute beginners with a whole range of health issues. I believe the mantra is still "trust the programme" so that is what I am trying to keep in mind!
Good luck with it & try to remember what you enjoyed about it last time. Also be kind to yourself!
Hello, I’ve just done W3R3 and am finding it easier in one way (psychologically), coz I KNOW I can do it. However at only 3 mins running, I’m not getting through the ‘toxic 10’ and into a more comfortable place. I ran for longer today to get home faster, and it felt like a slog, but doable. I can’t wait to get back to previous fitness levels. I would definitely say I’m finding it easier 2nd time round. You’ll get there 👍
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Week5 run2 second time round
Stepping Stones second time round
second time round Run 1 week 1 !!!!
now I've done this route a hundred times or more
Doing a week more than 3 times
