I've tried C25K a few times, but I think the jumps from week to week are a little too much for me, I've always tended to give up because of it.
I know I can repeat weeks on C25K, but I think what I really want is a programme that takes longer with a transition week. Is there anything good out there?
Hi Cooper27 I'm tagging moreless , PippiRuns and Hidden who are runners and may be able to shed some more light.
You may have done this already, but have you looked on the c25k forum for some advice regarding this matter? healthunlocked.com/couchto5k
Hope this helps 
I'm almost scared to go to the C25K forum, I'm going against their foundings 
No not at all. There will be many runners there whom I'm sure will be able to advise you better than many of us non-runners 😁
The C25K forum is lovely...Lots of fantastic advice and support and encouragement...Why not join it and just read some posts... They've really helped and encouraged me and I'm now ploughing through week 3...It is tough but I keep getting helpful words of advice...It is so non judgemental too... Come over and be welcomed
Hi Cooper, how about sorting yourself a playlist you enjoy, and doing the run a lamppost walk a lamppost method building up the running sections as you feel able..
I'm on a treadmill, I'm a bit nervous about running outside! I did some self-motivated running before, and I tended to do 15-30 second increments. I feel like I could benefit from a running programme, just so I can see e.g. I'm halfway there! Just 2 more weeks! Etc... But better to go back to self motivated than to stop altogether.
Hi Cooper, I don't know of a specific programme that offers what you're looking for, but 'm one that doesn't stick to programmes anyway!
I'm a great believer in listening to your body and doing what feels right. Honestly, if you do 6 weeks of running for a minute, then walking for a minute, good on you!
I was different, because I actually found it harder to do walking and running and still do! I'd rather just keep running.......slowly! Very, very slowly!
I don't plug into anything. No-one telling me when to stop, start, run, walk and no music pounding away in my ears. I just poodle along, lost in thought and at one with nature
Just do your own thing, when you feel like it
That's sort of what I've been doing, but I wasn't sure I was pushing myself hard enough, I jumped in to C25K to push myself, but it was a bit too much... I might just go back to self-motivated running, but I would like the structure at the same time.
Maybe I can do my own programme - C25K in 15 weeks!
Why do you feel the need to push yourself? Why not do what feels right, because speed/distance is for somewhere in the future, if at all
I just like something to measure myself against - it's more motivating! And I need motivation!
I run for fun and it makes me feel good. Having said that, I've only just got my mojo back, after weeks off the running wagon!
I did a 'fun' run, where I felt honour bound to go faster, because I was last and everyone was waiting for me. I ended up hurting my hip!
Now I run by myself, for myself
I'm a C25k child myself and unfortunately don't know of a different programme that I could recommend. C25K worked perfectly for me even though I agree that the progression from week to week is quite steep. But I enjoyed seeing that much progress! I'm sorry that I can't really help you but don't be afraid of asking your question in the C25K forum. We are nice people over there too and even though we all love Laura, we are not fundamentalists
I would recommend going on the c25k forum. It's full of people feeling exactly how you describe. Having likeminded people going through the same thing is massively motivating. I posted after every single run (go back to my very first posts to see...). The advice I got was incredible, and really supportive, totally nonjudgmental. The main advice was to go really slow. It's about building up stamina not speed. Oh, and listen to your body. If it's a struggle, it's normally because you're going too fast. Literally, think walking pace, super slow, but in a running motion. Speed comes later on (after you 'graduate'). Good luck
I totally agree with you Ruth. Fantastic forum. When I reached the first real hurdle - the 20 minute not stop run (in week 5 I think) - I cried out for help and it was overwhelming how forumsters - some experienced runners, some newbies like myself - offered advice and encouragement.
I followed the running forum for a while, and definitely follow all this advice from over there. I slowed right down and run at barely above a fast walking pace. I had to stop following the forum for a while though, but I'll pop over again.
I am doing c25k on a treadmill too (I can't stand running in cold weather) - I don't know if this helps, but I also find the jumps overwhelming, & phycologically I can't get my head round "run for 5, walk, run for 8" -
So I have been using either week 1 or 2 and over riding some of the walks, as seeing a minute at a time makes it more manageable - I'm now running for up to 10 minutes at a time and also running longer as I'm covering 2 or 3 programmes in 1 go - so covering 5 k but doing it as a walk/run.
It feels good to over ride several walking sections and feels much more manageable than seeing I HAVE to run for 5 minutes / 8 etc.
I'm positive that this way will work for me as the minutes I am running for are getting longer.
Yeah, I had a programme called Zombies 5k, which had 15 minute free-form runs. They worked because you ran for as long as you could, and walked for as long as necessary too. I got up to running 15 mins spread over a 50 min period (including warm up and stretching sessions). I got to week 7 of their programme, then realised I had 2 weeks left to be able to run a full 5k with no stopping though, so came to try C25K instead. I might just go back and keep with this programme!
An extra special reason to stick with the programme 
Zoe programme 
TV Programme 
Programme on BBC1 tonight (23.05 till midnight) \"The Truth About Calories\"
C25k advice please 
