C25k, 2 weeks in one?

5ladybugs

What if you want to do more than 3 days a week? Would you start a new week or would you redo the week? Or maybe the last day?

czmmom

I had a friend who did 2 weeks in one and aerobically she was fine. She was very active anyway. However she ended up hurting her leg - don't know if it was because she did too much too fast or if she needed better shoes. And now she can't run anymore. I would be careful with doing too much too fast. Were you thinking of running 6 days a week?

LorinaLynn

I mostly did every other day, instead of three days a week. So some weeks it would be three, some days four.

Personally, after more than a year of running, I prefer to not run on back to back days, especially after developing a stress fracture. Don't want another injury to put me on the bench for weeks on end because I was too stubborn to rest.

AmyRhubarb

There were weeks (early on) where I felt I could sneak in another run day, but everything I read from other runners was 'stick to the program' - you don't want to overdo it. My biggest fear thought in the program has been an injury, and I'll be starting week 8 on Tuesday, happy to say I've not had a single issue - no shin splints, sore feet, sore knees - nothing! Sore muscles, yes, but no injuries! :bigsmile:

If for whatever reason I was going to do more than the planned 3 days in a week, I'd repeat one of the days from that week rather than going forward with the next one.

carmenstop1

I wanted to progress faster when I started, so I tried running every day! Big mistake....I ended up burning myself out completely, I had to take time off running and start the c25k all over again, running 3 days a week and made much better progress. A friend of mine runs half marathons and she told me running every day is a big mistake. I would stick with the program, it is tried and proven. If you want to do more, crosstrain on the off days.

lotte24601

I don't think there's a hard and fast rule on that one. C25k-ly speaking, I define a week as the amount of time it takes me to get through the three workouts. Since I have a couple other non-running workouts (my attention span is short, and variety is important for me), a C25k week can last 8 or 9 days. On the other hand, if I'm really in the groove, in can be done in 5. To make a long answer short (too late!), listen to your body. If you're moving through more quickly, and you're feeling good, I say go for it. If you find yourself struggling with a particular session, then you might want to repeat it.

cmm7303

I tend to do every other day as well (gearing up for a half marathon in May). In that case, I just keep to the previous week (4 days at week 5, 3 days at week 6, 4 days at week 7, etc...). I'll notice my speed will improve greatly.

MandaJean83

I try to take a rest day between official c25k workouts. On my off days I just do some walking, without any jogging...gives my legs a rest! I've heard too much about injuries from pushing too hard, and that's the LAST thing I want...so I think I've been scared into submission!! LOL

usedasbrandnew

I JUST started so I'm not sure if it's a good idea or not, but I did day one yesterday. And today I rode my bike, but only for about 1.5 miles... just to get my heart rate up, but not too much stress on my legs. I read that the bike works different muscles, so it's good for runners... which I am not yet, but trying. My quads are sore, but nothing too terrible.

froeschli

i try and run every other day. just switched fromc25k to a similar program that goes to 10k in 13 weeks. it starts out much slower, but the runs end up being 45-65 minutes long. i am giving myself a few weeks to build up to that time, reading about all those things like stress fractures has me give the slow approach a bunch more respect...
i ran 2 days in a row at the beginning once, then ended up taking 2 days off because i was sore - so nothing gained anyways...

if you're interested in more than just a training plan, i recommend reading "the beginning runner's handbook - the proven 13 week walk/run plan" - it actually explains issues such as why not to run every day, alternatives to running on off days, injuries and treatments, nutrition, motivation, a list of stretches, etc. even if you're not going to change to their 13 week plan, the background info is well worth the read...

5ladybugs

Thanks everyone! I've been running for almost a month, I just run as far as I can then walk. That means similar to week 5 for me. I was thinking of starting the program but at about week 5. I ask about every day because right now I tend to go 2 days, 1 off, 3 days, 1 off etc. the rest days are FORCED. I don't enjoy working out, exercise DVDs etc, but love running!