Almost halfway!

[Newbierunner96]

Hi everyone 👋 Newbie runner here.. kind of... I actually started C25K back in August as I wanted to gain some fitness back after having my little girl in May. 5 months later I'm still going (welp!)

I enjoy doing the guided runs as it helps to keep me motivated but I've been stuck going between weeks 3/4 for ages as I keep getting side tracked and going a long time between runs. I need to keep going but I think a part of me is scared of week 5 as I don't think there is any chance I could run for 8 minutes, let alone 20!

Anyway long story short and rambling over, I just wanted to make a post to say Hi and hopefully keep myself accountable whilst keeping in touch with others in the same boat!

[Roxdog Graduate]

The programme does work, honestly! Many people can't believe they'll be able to run for 20 minutes, but it will happen, honestly. My advice would be to not overthinknit and just go out there with whatever coach you are using and take it step by step, literally.You'll be fine! Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

[Week7 Graduate]

Keep going!!!!! Week 5 really isn't as bad as you think it is. If you have been following the plan you are ready for it. Trick is to slow down - I mean really slow- and just keep going. Take it literally one step at a time -you can always manage one more step. You can do this . Its 2023- Think of it as a New Year gift to yourself!

[Sidmouth203 Graduate]

I think everyone feels like that at some point but just bite the bullet and go for it! you will be able to as it's how the programme is designed and it works we are all testament of that Go for it !you can do it! 👍🏃‍♀️🙌

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

Hello! When they say week 5 is more of a psychological than physical challenge, it is totally true. I think I attempted w5r3 about six times before I actually completed it and I think that was totally ok. It really is mind over matter - I promise you that you can do it!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

Welcome to the forum! Lots of us have been finding difficult lately with the craziness of Christmas and the weather being challenging. That makes it trickier to get into a routine. It’s great that January has come around and given us all a reset.

Where are you at now? You don’t need to be scared of week 5. There’s a great post about it linked below. The programme is well tested and you’ll be ready when you get there. Perhaps commit to starting at week three and aiming for “regular” running. That will put you in the best position for running what for many of us is the best run of the programme! It doesn’t necessarily need to be the three runs a week or on specific days but try not to let it go more than a few days between runs. It really helps with the motivation and the fear factor if you did your last run two or three days ago instead of two or three weeks ago.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.  Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping.  Most of us go too fast! Recovery days between runs are absolutely essential too. healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Really good luck to you. Come back with updates, questions, anything really! We’re a friendly bunch who have all been a newbie before! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Newbierunner96]

Wow, thank you everyone! I'm going to do W4 R1 this evening when my husband finishes work for the day. I know I can do this so hopefully I can commit to doing the three runs quite close together so I can be ready for W5 along with all your supportive words 🤞💛

[Clarkee12 Graduate]

Hi, I'm in a similar position. I started c25k to regain fitness, although my little boy is 2 now! 😅I'm on week 5 and redone the first run twice as I've had a bout of sickness. But I am also worried about the 20 minute run! Think it's just getting out there and doing it. But it just feels like a big jump!

I'm sure you will have smashed it!

[nowster Graduate in reply to Clarkee12]

Don't fret over that 20 minute run. You've already done almost that much running in a session in week 4, just not all in one chunk. It's a common concern, but very few people actually have problems with it.

Trust the programme.