C25K in principle this time around

[Chris--B]

I have completed the C25K program (and then lapsed) a number of times. The lapses were caused by a variety or reasons, holidays, work, covid etc. Each time it has been a little easier to get back in to it and so some times I have started at week 2 or 3 if was not too long since I last completed it.A few weeks ago it was time to start again. Everything was set, the only problem was that I have misplaced my headphones and phone carrier so following the plan exactly was out. For my first run I thought I would just see how it went. Five minute walk completed and I started to run. I managed 3 minutes before deciding that was probaly enough. After a minute walk I felt OK so started to run again. That time I managed 5 mins then did 90 second walk then repeated the same again. Once home, I checked and that was a bit like week 4 so thought that may be a good starting point.

With no sign of my headphones (I am sure they will turn up) I decided to continue with the principle of the C25K plan rather than follow it exactly. I would run until I got to the point where I felt I would normaly be waiting to hear I was nearing the end and run to round up to the next full minute. I then walked for 1 to 2 mins then ran again. Surprisingly, this process followed the same pattern as the C25K plan within a couple of minutes for each section.

The main differance was that on the longer runs, I started with a 5 minute run section, followed by a short 1 min walk the the longer run, finally cutting out the walk.

I am now up to 5k. On friday it took 32 mins 55 sec and today 32 mins 28 sec which surprised me as I thought I had run slower.

All I have to do now it keep it up!!

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

As you've completed it I'd think you can do what feels good for you and it sounds like you are doing brilliantly, run at conversational pace, you only have to run slower if you are out if breath, it's your run your pace

[Chris--B Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

This time around I seem to be running more consistantly. My heart rate, although it increases over the run, the graph is a lot flatter than previous attempts and the peak and average are lower. Also, the split times are very close where as before each mile increased quite a bit.I am also reaching the end of my 5k route relatively comfortably and the uphill sections do not seem as bad as before. Hopefully I can keep it up.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Chris--B]

Sounds like you've cracked it 😃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Very well done you, and if you disappear, we can always come to find you!

[Chris--B Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I may need to rely on that, thanks. 😀

[Chinkoflight]

Fab times, I did 4k in 34 today, and I'm not complaining!!!! Well done.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Excellent! Sounds like you’re in a really good place.

I’m trying to get out for more short runs rather than telling myself it’s not worth it for a quick run round the block. It’s so much easier to start when you ran a couple of days ago instead of a couple of weeks ago.