Opinions?

jsandie76

Hi Guys
I started C25K in August... when I started I couldn't even run for 30 seconds solid at any one time. Last week I finished the W5D3 20 minute run. It wasn't pretty. I was gasping for breath at the end. I am really slow when I run but I complete the runs.
This week I started a Learn to Run Clinic where I live. A good portion of the reason I took the class was the social aspect, as well as the weekly lectures. Part of the class is a group run, in which we are separated into four groups. The first group started at (w2r1x4), group 2 was (w4r5w2r5w4), group 3 was running 16 minutes start and group 4 was running 25 minutes. Since I had already done W5D3's 20 minute run I took group 3... but by the end I was ready to DIE! I was the slowest runner in the group. I have been considering dropping down to group 2 next week. I am able to do the five minute runs fairly easily, but I was wondering if maybe doing the lower group it will help me building my breathing. I would still be continuing the C25K with my husband, and when I am done I want to continue on with the c210K.
So my question to you all is what would you do if you were me?

Just_Ceci

It wouldn't hurt for you to drop down to group 2. That will give you a good workout, but allow you to socialize. You could always go back to the other group if you wanted to later. HAVE FUN!!!

PaytraB

Have you talked to the group leader?
I wouldn't be concerned about being the last person or being worn out at the end of 16 minutes. I'd rejoice in being able to do it and knowing that I'll get better with next week's run.
I'd stay in Group 3 and keep running at my own pace. You'll speed up over time and only get stronger.

LOL! Ceci similposted.
As you can see, either way will work over time. LOL!

Just_Ceci

LOL! Ceci similposted.
As you can see, either way will work over time. LOL!

Just our way of telling her she has to make up her own mind! :laugh:

RBXChas

LOL! Ceci similposted.
As you can see, either way will work over time. LOL!

Just our way of telling her she has to make up her own mind! :laugh:

I agree! Either way is fine, so you have to do what's best for you.

Don't worry about being "slow." Speed will come in time and sort of on its own. I'm doing a half-marathon in December with a small group of friends who are all WAY faster runners than I am, so when we all signed up, I told them, "You'll all be sub-2-hours, so you better get very comfortable waiting for me at the finish line." I don't care how quickly I finish, just that I get that finisher's medal. They're my friends, so they will be happy for me that I finished, and vice versa.

As for what I'd do in your running shoes, I'd probably switch to group 2, and if my C25K runs on my own make me feel like switching back to group 3, then that's fine. I'd prefer the camaraderie of walk/runs as compared to feeling like I'm lagging behind an entire group.

upsaluki

Since you are also doing couch to 5k I would suggest going with the second group. That should fit in with your current training really well, and give you access to the social aspect of the class. Since this is work on top of your existing training there shouldn't be any pressure to push it too much and take the enjoyment out of it.