20 minute run

[Gwenllian1]

Well I've reached a milestone in my second time through c25k: just ran the 20 minutes. I did it first in 2019 but was derailed by health problems at the end of last year and have been getting back to it over the last few weeks. I'm very slow and am moving through the programme quite slowly too but it's interesting to find that it's not as hard this time. Even after three months of not running somehow some residual fitness must remain. I think I'm even slower this time through though! Never mind, I just want to get back to running reasonably comfortably three times a week, not very far, not very fast but just looking after myself a bit. Starting to feel possible!

[moopo]

Your plans chime with mine, I move slowly though the plan and slowly on my runs. I had a few weeks off for the Christmas close down and was pleased to not be beat the first time I went out for a run.

Getting out 3 times a week, every week regularity I find most difficult. I run often enough to keep the fitness as I progress but I have not cracked the habit. It's just my motivation and with force of will I do get out, good just I'm strong willed. I'm off to the shops then an afternoon run in the wet and wind I expect.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to moopo]

The thing that works for me is to put my next run time into my diary as soon as I've finished one. If I wait until I feel like it that makes it drag out a bit!

[Madwife60 Graduate in reply to moopo]

I try to run Monday, Thursday and Saturday. I go first thing in the morning and get dressed in my running gear so I have no excuse or distraction. Once I’ve done something else I’m doomed to put it off or not go at all. Routine is key for me

[moopo in reply to Madwife60]

I understand those of you that make regular committments, set days, times, getting runs in the calendar, having special running kit and routine.

My life lacks schedule and a preference for spontanity means I run ad hoc. I don't expect I'll take on an organised approach, I run as and when I fancy it, that gets me out often enough most weeks just not all, the program progresses and I'm becoming a better runner but I doubt I'll be a schedulled runner. Still , you never know.

I went out yesterday, just caught the downpour for the last couple of ks, so I know I'm not going today.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to moopo]

I think it's really important to find what works for you! You clearly know that scheduling doesn't suit you! For me, what works isn't a commitment on regular days, it's just putting the next run in my diary so I can see it's coming up. Everyone finds their own way by trial and error I suppose! I do very much find that it helps me to put my running gear on when I get up on mu running day! I would feel such a fool to take it off without having done anything!

[Madwife60 Graduate in reply to moopo]

🤣I definitely don’t have a special running kit or times - T-shirt and leggings, trainers from Vinted and a beanie! I long ago stopped worrying about times too. I have a playlist and decide more or less the time depending on the songs. I only have the set days as I’m a great one for putting things off and finding something more attractive to do like sitting in a deckchair with a book. I’m retired now so a bit of structure is good for me. Definitely best to fo what works for you. The great joy of getting older is not caring a joy what other people think of you and realising once you are over 40 so long as you don’t run naked nobody notices you at all. Good luck and enjoy the ride

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Madwife60]

This invisibility is the superpower of the over (insert age here)s 😂. Never tried running naked but definitely dressed in ways that would have induced mortal embarrassment in my 20-something self.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Not far..not fast...resonates with me right now.. You're on the way...Well done you!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

There is a lot to be said for just doing it, not very far, not very fast, but just moving along!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Gwenllian1]

Isn't there just

[drl212 Graduate]

Well done on your accomplishment!

Wonderful goal: Comfortable running 3X/week - not very far and not very fast!

Keep us posted...