w7-have i cheated?

[ShaneM]

started off w7 this morniing and as per lauras recomendation, i changed my route (without any planning)This led me to finish my 25 minute run further away from home. I was comfortable to run so I did and completed 30 minutes My question is do i continue with week 7 or do i move on? By my calculations, i covered just over 5 K too.(5.1K)

[Manicfodder]

I'm in the exact same position.. Week 7, Run 3 I ended up doing 5.5k in 35minutes by accident. Not idea what to do now.

[swanscot Graduate]

I'd do the same again, ie set off planning to run for 25mins, but continue if you feel like continuing. I think the programme is a little rigid for the final few weeks - as we all are different and should know our bodies by then. I can't see me stopping after 28mins (in Week 8) for example; if I still have any energy left at all, I'm sure I'd go an extra two minutes!

In fact I 'cheated' today in Week 5, Run 1. On the final 5 mins run I felt fine and simply kept on running to the edge of the wood - an extra 4 mins.

Not too sure about when to call yourself a graduate... maybe after 3 x 30 minute runs?

[happierswimming Graduate]

I think the last few weeks where there are 9 long runs are just intended to help your body and mind become used to longer runs. If you do 9 runs of about 30 minutes you should be able to rely on your body meeting the next demands you are going to make on it, whatever you decide those demands are going to be: (regular runs, c5k+ podcasts, parkruns etc). Fewer than that might affect your confidence levels so it's best to do them and feel that you now have the degree of fitness and stamina needed for the future. Happy running

[ShaneM Graduate]

thanks for the advice.I will continue through the programme. If I am comfortable to run beyoned the requirements i will do so and just make a note of it. I cant believe that 8 weeks ago i got out of breath after running for 60 seconds!