Just completed week 8 - and within that had two attempts at run2. All 3 runs had the same outcome in terms of time and distance, I can’t see week 9 taking me much further and I’m nowhere near 5k. I’ll be lucky to get to 4K. If I go any slower I’ll be walking - what can I do to try and improve ? Thanks 🙂
Written by
ItRunsOrItGetshosed
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi there, fairly new to this c25k stuff myself but I have been stuck on week 7 for a couple of weeks but I’ve just kept going and trying even though the result has been the same! Lots of having to walk / run but today I managed to run it. Sometimes I’ve had to repeat weeks until I get confident! Keep going, you’re doing amazing to get to week 8 😊
as several people on here will tell you it should really be called couch to running for 30 minutes as not everyone gets to 5k in 30 minutes. I did my first couch to 5k in 2018 and have never yet got to a 30 min 5k…37.42 was my PB but my usual is about 45 mins. BUT I have gone on to run for an hour, then to run several 10ks, then I ventured further and eventually ran a HM…. Still not very fast but I could run for 3 1/2 hours without having to stop or walk , so don’t give up. At present I am having to content myself with walking as I have fractured my little toe. But I have started back at C25k many times after injury or illness and it always gets me running happily again.
Noone says you have to run fast and you’ll find that once you have run for 30 mins several times you will be able to go a little further or maybe do bursts of faster shorter runs.
Have you read the pinned post on here for beginner runners? If not I would—- some very good advice on there.
thank you, this is very encouraging, and I agree it should be called couch to 30mins, or at least take the training to 40min if required . I’m amazed at you managing a half marathon now - I will definitely take heart!
It's very common to have a bit of a block in these last weeks. It's not just about the misunderstanding created by the name but the notion of the nature of the end goal at all. Sure there are other C25K programmes but this one is about building a sustainable habit... and that means experiencing all the mental and physical ups and downs... and sticking with it.
The majority of people who do this programme will never achieve 5k in 30 minutes. My guess though is that most of us do achieve a 5k. Lots do more - they work on upping their pace or their distance. But just keeping running regularly is all the programme is design to achieve. And you are on track!
You are doing brilliantly - and we have all been there! In addition to the comments above, remember you are now doing all longer runs, and I think there is a slight cumulative effect on your body as you get used to the pattern.
Have you tried using a running mantra to help outwit the gremlins? They really can help - ‘ I am strong..’, ‘I can do this..’.
Also, we have had a few hot days recently and this can really interfere with our running - not just that running in it it is harder 🥵but our sleep is often worse the night before.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.