Running club going too fast...

[Bakingcupcake]

So I'm back trying C25k again after injuring myself 2 years ago. I've joined a club with a school mum, but the runs they do are completely different to the C25k app and unsure if it's too much. So week 1 was 2 mims run, 2 mins walk. I then did the C25k app from home week 1. Went back to run club last Thursday and they did 3 mins walk 5 mins run (so 3 x5 min run in total) I did it and was pleased but this felt quite a jump compared to the app. Next week is apparently 5 mins run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run! Just unsure if I should be going this fast not having run for 2 years???

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏🏃‍♀️👏Well done for getting going again! If it feels too much too soon you may be better off doing C25K first & then joining in with the club later.. it’s hard to run with others before you have gained the fitness and the confidence to keep up with them. You also don’t want to injure yourself again!

Have a read through the guide as you make this decision! Let us know how you get on. We are here to support you all the way through!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Bakingcupcake in reply to Annieapple]

But the this is the clubs "c25k" it's meant to be aimed at complete beginners but if I was a complete beginner it would have totally put me off! X

[Gthants in reply to Bakingcupcake]

I do think there should be some sort of TM protection with C25K! When I was getting back to it after injury, I downloaded a guide from a different website and only later realised that the intervals looked all wrong. The graduation from week to week with the "official" C25K is carefully calculated to lead you to 30 minute running after the set number of weeks.

Maybe if you're young, fit and basically used to lots of exercise the club's system will be okay. But how many tens of thousands of people KNOW for sure that C25K works? It's tried and tested. It's gradual. It will ease you back into the flow. If you push too far, too long, too fast, there's more chance of injury.

I'd do the one we know and then do club running afterwards.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Well done on re-starting C25K, or at least the version which has previously worked for you.

To me it's a no-brainer - if the running club version of C25K isn't working for you, then don't do it. If your previous injury was related to overdoing things, I can't see any good reason why you would want to risk that again.

In any case, what's the point in going along to a club if you're not enjoying it and you're concerned that the progression rate is too fast for you? It's not likely to get any less demanding over the weeks, so choosing to to opt out now and do C25K by yourself is perfectly possible and a valid choice. (I'm biased, as I always run solo and personally I'd absolutely have hated to do any form of C25K in a group.)

If you do choose to leave the club, you might want to tell them why. Giving them constructive feedback could help them rethink their approach, or confirm that it's the right one for them.

Happy running!

[Bakingcupcake in reply to Cmoi]

Yes last time I did it I ran on my own and think I am more of a solo runner but like the motivation going with others gives but feel I maybe need to pace myself with a slower progression

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Assuming the run club is run by qualified coaches, I don’t think there’s necessarily anything wrong with the way they’re doing it. The Couch to 5k programme on the app is brilliant but it isn’t the only valid way to start or return to running. The Couch to 5k app programme doesn’t suit everyone and it’s good there are other options out there.

The key thing though is whether this run club works for you or not. If it doesn’t, you absolutely don’t have to carry on. Some running clubs really suit people and others don’t. It’s totally fine for you to decide to move on to something that’s better for you. Yours doesn’t really sound like it fits well for where you are right now if you’re worried about the increases-it’s supposed to be helpful not a source of stress!

How would you feel about having a conversation with one of the club leaders about how you’re finding things so far? Do they know about your injury history? It sounds like you’re not enjoying it and it would be really useful for them to know that.

Really good luck with whatever you decide to do next-whatever it is I hope you keep posting and keep running!

[Bakingcupcake in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Good idea i might have a chat with them and see their thoughts x