3 days a week question
besdais
Posts: 76 Member
I know the program tells us to run just 3 days a week, and I understand that it is optimal to only go every-other day in order to let our muscles rest. What would happen if we ran 2 days back-to-back occasionally? I ask because if I go every-other day (I am just on W1D3 tomorrow) then I won't finish until Dec. 22. There is a Christmas Lights 5K on the 14th I'd like to sign up for, because I'm sure here in KC there probably won't be any more runs until March. I have read that several people completed the program in 4, 5, or 6 weeks, so I know it can be done. I just don't want to hurt this old body, and I sure don't want the c25k police after me 
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Replies
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I would stick with the program with the 5K run in the back of my mind. Having that goal in mind may keep you focussed and accountable to your routine.
There's nothing that says that you have to finish the program before you can enter a 5K. I don't know how fast you are running but chances are that after completing the program, you will be running 30 minutes but not attaining the 5K in that time. If you enter the 5K you'll still be able to run as much as you can and walk the rest. When the time comes closer, make your own personal goal for the 5K run (ie: "I'll run for 25 minutes" or "I'll run for 3K").
Enter the 5K and do your best at that time. It'll be a wonderful achievement.
Congratulations for starting C25K!0 -
Good advice above.
I think an occasional back-to-back might be OK, especially if one is a morning and the next one is an evening workout. And if you are used to exercise. But, I think I'd just stick with the program and do your 5K on the 14th. I think that I ended up doing mine about a week before I finished b/c I had something medical come up that put my progress on hold for a couple of weeks. In the last couple of weeks, I was running longer than the program said, anyway.0 -
Thank you. You've convinced me to just stay with the program. Instead of 3 days a week, I'm going every-other day. I'll just wait and do a later 5K. There are a few in January, but we often get snow and ice, so we'll just wait and see what happens. I believe I can finish this, but I do worry a bit about injury and my knees (I'm 52 and have had surgery on one knee twice - it likes to act up.) I appreciate the help!0
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We're in the same age bracket, besdais. We are awesome for getting out there and running.
I kept with the program and, after finishing it, started running every second day over the summer. I'm now back to 3 times a week because of weekly tai-chi lessons over the winter. Come summer, I'll be back at every other day of running.
I graduated last February and have yet to run a race. One day I will but haven't felt that urge to do so yet. I'm working on stamina and pacing. I'm still a bit slow and would like to get my 5K time to 30-35 minutes (it's currently around 40).0 -
Yes, we are awesome to start something like this! I have never been much of a consistent exercise-er, but I have been doing much better, and this is something that I want to do - to accomplish. I am so impressed that you are working on running a faster 5K. I think that when I finish this, I want to run a race, even if I come in last! I am hoping I can do this, my knees hold out, and it is something I can keep doing for awhile. I like how it makes me feel so far. Tai-chi sounds fun!0
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Just remember to take it slow. Push yourself to do the program but don't push your body too far. It'll rebel. If you feel tired or winded, slow down. It will happen and you will do this.
I was (am?) a sporadic exerciser. I'd be all gung ho about exercising 3X a week for years on end and then go to being a couch potato, then back again. I tried running a few times and failed miserably. I now know I was pushing myself too hard and my body didn't have time to adjust. C25K and this group taught me to take it slow and believe in myself.
Tai-chi is fun. I really enjoy it.0
