Up and down, and back to... where exactly?

[RunningNoobs]

Hullo everyone,

Now, first off I know that this is going to sound a little bit silly, but vanity eventually got the better of me -read until the end...

So I first started C25k four years ago, ran regularly for 6-7 months, and then in September a new position at work made me too exhausted to run regularly... and I somehow never managed to run again. Until one year ago - tadaaaa! 🎉

So I started the plan again in April last year, and my running anniversary is coming up soon - this time I stuck with it, even throughout the winter months, which was a first! 🔥💪🏿

This forum has helped me loads, I have found lots of support and brilliant advice, have been able to find and share strategic tips and tricks to beat the gremlins - and even some funky shoe porn 😜

However, and this is where my vanity makes its appearance, not having followed the plan exactly (twisted ankles, COVID, bouts of anxiety and depression...), I never felt legit to claim a graduation badge.

So, my question would be, what does it take for me to be able claim the 'graduate' badge? Do I need to tell you my PB, my longest run, my furthest distance?

Or are there no badges for rogue runners who are incapable of sticking to a plan anyway (in which case I would have made myself look like a fool for nothing) ? 🤪

Gosh, I'm so vain, you'd think this song -sorry post- is about me... 🎶

Love to all you fellow runners and supporters out there! 🥰😃✨

Edit: BTW, to not make it sound like I am expecting a badge, I am not quite comfortable running 30 mins, let alone 5k yet. So currently my aim is to keep running, twice a week plus doing stretch and flex work (and that includes two weekly stretching classes and one weekly Pilates class). At the moment I can't seem to get past 20' or 2,5-3km max.

I'm happy to pick up a plan anywhere to actually earn that badge! 😉💪🏿🔥

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hello! If you followed the C25K plan... however long it took you and you got to running three times a week for 30 minutes...the badge is waiting...( there is no need to run 5K in 30 minutes.)

If as you say you are not able to run for 30 minutes comfortably , then maybe.. head back onto the plan... say at Week 6 or 7 ... refresh and recharge and then move on... week 8 and week 9...?

[Cmoi Graduate]

Or are there no badges for rogue runners who are incapable of sticking to a plan anyway

If having to complete the full C25K programme exactly as prescribed is a requirement for a "Graduate" badge the admins can take mine away immediately. Same applies to my "Graduate10" badge over on Bridge, and my "Marathon" badge over on Fun Beyond.

When it comes to training plans and running programmes, personally I think it's far more important to understand and apply the principles that lie behind them, than to follow them mindlessly.

On that basis, if you've used the C25K approach to go from not running, to completing three non-stop 30-minute runs in roughly a week, it seems to me that you can claim a "Graduate" badge without stressing about it. Even more so when you've had to deal with problems along the way.

Incidentally you're doing far more cross-training than I've ever done.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator]

We’re really not strict about badges! If you’ve done something that you feel is equivalent to graduating, absolutely pop on to the thread below and say so. It doesn’t even have to be exactly the couch to 5k programme.

I didn’t do every couch to 5k run. I started at week 4, I skipped runs, I had gaps, I didn’t always (ever!) run at a conversational pace…. I’ve never properly stuck to any running plan. Adapting is not a problem at all, although being sensible and not pushing too far too early is importantly,

You also don’t have to be “comfortably running 30 minutes” to qualify. I didn’t figure how to do that until months after graduating and I still don’t often feel all that comfortable running for half an hour. It’s just not my favourite time for running !

Honestly, don’t overthink it. You don’t need to “earn” a badge. Just tick off the final runs on the programme. That’s it,

We’re not an exam board! When you want a badge, just say and we’ll give you one. No proof required.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[nowster Graduate]

"Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"

imdb.com/title/tt0040897/qu...

[RunningNoobs in reply to nowster]

😂

[RunningNoobs]

Thank you all for your encouragement and support. I guess I was just feeling a little low yesterday and needed some sporting on.

Thanks Oldfloss for sending me back onto the plan, I suppose it won't do any harm, especially since I (very lightly) overstretched my ankle on my last run.

So back on the plan it is. I guess I was more looking for guidance than for a badge! 😜

Thanks CMoi for reminding me that I might be doing things my way, but I'm still doing them! I'll take that as an incentive to keep up the good work 😇💪🏿🔥

And thanks to Misunderstanding, who is encouraging as ever, she's always happy to help 💖

It makes me feel like I'm doing ok, which is nice, and I guess this is what I was looking for posting here!

Have a brilliant day everyone! 😘

P.S. I will be back for that badge once I'm happy running 30' again!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You're doing just great x

[RunningNoobs in reply to Oldfloss]

🥰