Wk 5 Run 3 Done

[284ever]

Just completed Week 5 Run 3 & really enjoyed it. No problems with it at all & felt like I could’ve kept going. Tbh I’ve felt for a few weeks I could increase my running times. I do run really slow though. My question is do I keep going with the plan or should I just start running myself & try to pick up my pace & distance naturally? I have had hip pain over the last week thats settled down & have no other injuries or health issues. Im not getting cocky, Im very new to running & have a lot of learning to do but friends who are experienced runners are telling me to just get my trainers on & get out & keep going. I see some great advice on this so all is welcomed.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Excellent progress!Very well done .

I would absolutely advise sticking to the program though .

It's so easy to get carried away and push a little too hard ... That's when as a new runner you are in danger of coming unstuck .

Just trust the program, it's got you this far (and quite a few others as well 😁)

It's a well proven and tested method of progression .

It takes a long time for you body to get accustomed to the rigours of running and there is absolutely no rush .

Just take your time , enjoy the program and stay injury free 😁👍

[GTFC Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

This 👆🏽👏👏👏

[284ever Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you, I think I really needed to hear this. You’re right, the programme has taken me feom steuggling to run for 1 min to running easily for 20 in only 5 weeks. I’ll stick with it & see where I am in 4 weeks. Thank you 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 284ever]

Great plan!

[GTFC Graduate]

Really well done so far. It's lovely to read how you feel. Running is such an elexir and you've just achieved an important part of the plan. I always think that running could be there for many years to come if we can stay healthy; there are so many types of run, distances and memories you've got to come. Maybe consider seeing the programme through and then things open up even more? Pace and distance will all come but they'll come on the back of miles in the bag and time on feet. C25k progresses you nicely onto the next platform.

Best wishes though and keep on keeping on 😊

[284ever Graduate in reply to GTFC]

I love this comment, thanks so much. Im so chuffed at being where I am & more so that Im actually loving it. I’m going to keep on & see it through - bring on week 6 🏃🏻‍♀️

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you 284ever on completing run 3 of week 5, that is a milestone run with C25K, when asked about their running past some marathon runners look back and say that run 3 of week 5 of C25K was the run that they regard as their first longer run that set them up to eventually get to marathon distance.Onwards and upwards to run 1 and 2 of week 6 of C25K but be careful about those two runs as they have caught out a few runners with their interval walks and runs after the non stop 20 minutes of W5R3 which you have just ran 🏃🏾.

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'm delighted that W5R3 went well for you 284ever and that you're enjoying running so much.

However, bearing in mind that only five days ago you were posting about having to delay W5R2 due to hip pain that was agony, I'm going to be the boring old bat who tells you that the advice of your experienced running friends really doesn't sound that great. I'd genuinely like to know exactly what experience they have with C25K that would prompt them to suggest you'd be better off ditching the programme and doing your own thing.

You're only 48. You potentially have decades of running ahead of you. As GTFC says, C25K can be just the first small step towards achieving more than you ever thought possible.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Hi 284. I think the arguments have already been made and you are clearly listening, so I won’t cover the same ground 🙂. I started C25k at 66 years old, so I come at this from a slightly different perspective, but what I found post C25k is that a three runs per week regime, one short but quicker, one 5k and one longer run, increasing in length week on week took me to 10k, then10 miles and then HM. You will find plenty of plans in Bridge to 10k and the Marathon Running and Race support forums. The structure of those plans helps to keep your developing leg strength (hips too) and cardio vascular development in sync with the extra loading your are placing on them as distance and pace extend. Some people might get away with short cuts. I know that I ended up with more physio appointments than I had planned through pushing too hard too early. Interestingly my hips were the first thing to complain as distance increased…..so I did strengthening exercises on rest days to beef them up. You will gather I am a fan of structure 😂, but only because it works for me.

[284ever Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

hi Beachcomber thats really helpful thank you. I’ll have a look at the Bridge to 10k. I think the general consensus is to continue with the programme & then build on that when complete. Im happy to take that on board & then sounds like your 3 runs a week plan seems like a good next step for me. Thank you for this really useful input 🏃🏻‍♀️

[Frenc Graduate]

Well done on completing w5r3! That run is such a good feeling.

Definitely stick to the program, there‘s loads of time in the future to think about pace etc. I have a cautionary tale - a friend of mine joined an organised C25K group a few years ago, and the coaches encouraged everyone to pick up their pace run after run, and my friend developed a bad Achilles problem because of it. She hadn’t developed the leg strength and stamina yet to cope with it.

Anyway, now I’ve probably scared you silly, (apologies) but best of luck with your next run! 😊😊😊

[284ever Graduate in reply to Frenc]

No thanks for the cautionary tale, last thing I want is an injury. I’ll keep at my slow & steady pace for now & build when I’ve completed tge programme 😊

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

The magic plan is on a pinned post in Bridge to 5k in case you want to do a bit of advance reading whilst you are completing C25k. 🙂

[284ever Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Aw fab thanks, I’ll have a read

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate]

Well done. Just stick to the plan. You can worry about pace and distance later, (or not).

There is nothing a frustrating as wanting to run but being unable to due to injury.