C25K - who has done or is doing this?

kae_blah

I am doing the 'Couch to 5 km' challenge on a treadmill - http://www.c25k.com/c25k_treadmill.html though since I am starting from a beginner level I am more focused on time than distance.

It would be great to connect with other Kiwis that have have worked on or are working on this challenge.

My first attempt was last year. I got to Week 4. I was struggling and I got a cold. I decided to repeat Week 4, then decided to take a break for a couple of week until I was better. The gym I was training at changed their class timetable so I cancelled my membership and that is where my first attempt ended.

I started my second attempt this year. I have just finished Week 4. It was the first week I really struggled. On the 5 minute runs I thought to myself that I had to stop and could not make it. Then I realised I was on a treadmill - if I really could not do it I would simply stumble and fall of the back to until that happened I needed to keep going.

Next week scares me! To help with my motivation I thought I would ask here if anyone else has competed all 9 weeks, and if anyone else is new to this journey.

I am posting under the NZ group as I prefer to talk about speeds on km/hr rather than mph.

bjdw1

I done C25K early last year and yeah, weeks 4 and 5 are probably the hardest. I used the program off the Cool Runnings website and did on the street before work in the mornings, I also did it by time rather than distance simply because it was easier to measure. (I wasn't aware of the smart phone run tracking apps that are available, now I love MapMyRun).

It's was definetly worth doing for me and I'm sure it was a big part of my success in losing 18kg.

When I completed the C25K program I made a BIG mistake and tried to advance my runs to 10km to quickly and injured myself. I couldn't run for 4 months and when I started again I'd lost a lot of form that I'd worked so hard to gain, I had to start building up from 8 minute sessions again.

I'm up to 7km now, I just finished a run in 38:31 which is just under 11km/h. I intend to build up to 10km runs over several months now, not force it into a few weeks.

Stick at it - you will feel so good about yourself when you hit that 30 minute or 5km goal!

kae_blah

Thanks for posting/replying.

I am feeling quite motivated starting week 5. It is going to be different than the other weeks in a few ways since I will be running before work (usually go after work), it is the first week where all 3 days are not the same, and I am going on different days of the week due to Waitangi Day.

Right now I am focusing on the 9-week program. The next step for me will be trying to improve my speed in the same time frame - maybe just repeating the last week or couple of weeks at faster speeds.

I know I am using the excuse of living in a hilly area to put of running on the footpath rather than on a treadmill - but that battle can wait until March.

Right now I usually walk between 5-6 km/hr and my running for the last week has been between 7.5 - 9 km/hr.

Hjbaker

I did about 6 weeks worth last year and then I got sick too, I only just got better and then a member of my family died while at the gym... so took a few weeks off because I didn't feel right going back. Next thing I know it was 2 months and I was out of form and it was too hard. I think I might start it again soon

shrinking_me

I've only just completed week 1 . . . not sure i started t at the right time to be honest lol - I'm in the procss of packing to move but will try very hard to fit it in!

I did it outside but so have a treadmill if needed lol

kae_blah

It was hard for me to feel like there was ever a good time to start the 9-week programme.

I did not start in December due to Xmas, last week I found Auckland Anniversary Day a challenge (as Mondays is one of my usual days), and this week not only is Waitangi Day on a Wednesday, but I am also on the later shift at work.

I am trying to focus on the sense of achievement I will have at the end. There are other milestones that are boosting me along the way like my first 5-minute run, and I think I am even looking forward to W5D3 - the first 20 minute run.

Give it another go.

Hjbaker

I like that you have broken it down to mini goals, I'm going to try this too. I have a few family and study things going on this week but....

I will start next week.

There I said it, so I guess I need to do it now hahaha

kae_blah

:laugh: Good luck!

I think C25K works for me in a few ways.

I can focus on different goals whether it is "just another 2 minutes until this run is over", or "this session is 2/3rds done", or "Week 5 is over half way."

I trust in a programme that has worked for many others. I can just trust that I can make each milestone.

I don't need to think. I am not used to exercising and find setting reasonable goals and knowing when to push myself very stressful.

In short - I think it counters for my laziness and tendancy to take short-cuts.

Hjbaker

In short - I think it counters for my laziness and tendancy to take short-cuts.

What a funny/mature way of looking at it... I think I fit this category too

bonjour24

Im a very proud c25k grad. I did it 2 years ago. I was really focussed and motivated. I worked on time rather than distance. And i broke every run down to be its own challenge. But for me the pinnacle was running for 20 mins. I just followed the plan, and stopped rewarding myself with early breaks. I figured that with thousands of unfit people completing c25k, tgere was no reason i should fail. Also, when i wanted to stop i remembered why i wanted to get fitter. For me, i wanted to be able to play wuth my kids. That thought kept me going wheb my head was telling me to stop.
When tge day came for me to run for 20 mins, i was scared. But i did it. Then i sobbed in tge street.
Another thing tat helped me was the right music. I like the chemical brohers- they have a good solid beat to keep you moving.

And fwiw, c25k is a gateway drug! Tganks to it (and my own stubbornness and determination) ive lost about 35jgs. Ive also ran about 8 halves and 2 full marathons.

Dont let your head spin you out. It will try to convince ou tat you cant possibly run for 5 or 8 mins. But im letting you know you absolutely can. Just dont stop and youll succeed.

Hjbaker

Im a very proud c25k grad. I did it 2 years ago. I was really focussed and motivated. I worked on time rather than distance. And i broke every run down to be its own challenge. But for me the pinnacle was running for 20 mins. I just followed the plan, and stopped rewarding myself with early breaks. I figured that with thousands of unfit people completing c25k, tgere was no reason i should fail. Also, when i wanted to stop i remembered why i wanted to get fitter. For me, i wanted to be able to play wuth my kids. That thought kept me going wheb my head was telling me to stop.
When tge day came for me to run for 20 mins, i was scared. But i did it. Then i sobbed in tge street.
Another thing tat helped me was the right music. I like the chemical brohers- they have a good solid beat to keep you moving.

And fwiw, c25k is a gateway drug! Tganks to it (and my own stubbornness and determination) ive lost about 35jgs. Ive also ran about 8 halves and 2 full marathons.

Dont let your head spin you out. It will try to convince ou tat you cant possibly run for 5 or 8 mins. But im letting you know you absolutely can. Just dont stop and youll succeed.

Well done you! thank you so much for sharing your experience. I look forward to completing it and sharing my story

kae_blah

Thanks Bonjour24.

Week 5 session 2 was a lot easier than I expected (2x 8 minute runs) so I am actually looking forward to tomorrow's 20 minute run.

Hjbaker

Week 5 session 2 was a lot easier than I expected (2x 8 minute runs) so I am actually looking forward to tomorrow's 20 minute run.

That's great to hear. I am going to start at week 1 tonight even though last time i started it, I started at week four... but I will just see how i go.

kae_blah

I am repeating week 5 this week. Did not manage day 3 so will try again this week.

Good luck to everyone else.

The earlier weeks felt harder than the first 2 days of week 5.

Hjbaker

Good luck with your repeat kae_blah. I managed day one really easily, so pleased about that. Day 2 today (which is the same :grumble: )

I am tempted to skip ahead a week or two to get to the more challenging parts (I am impatient)... what do you all think?

kae_blah

If you are new to running (like I am) I would suggest you follow the program.

The intensity ramps up quick enough! If you follow the plan you have the reassurance that you can finish that next run, and can reach that next goal, and will finish the C25K.

Different things work for different people but I saw the first weeks a building a foundation.

Hjbaker

I think you might be right there I am impatient at the best of times but I will stick with the program. Thanks for your advice. :flowerforyou:

Leanz

I completed C25K last year. And loved it!

I have since completed a 5k, 10k, half marathon, 6k and am training for another half!

I started on a treadmill as I didn't want to upset people on the street! I now run outside all the time and it is wonderful! Except on the extremely hot days!:laugh:

The most important body part to manage is your head!! Your thoughts will keep trying to tell you that you can't possibly do.....whatever todays run is!

I had my 61st birthday 3 weeks after the half marathon!

Keep it up - you will feel fanatastic!

Hjbaker

The most important body part to manage is your head!! Your thoughts will keep trying to tell you that you can't possibly do.....whatever todays run is!

What a wonderful way to put it!! Congrats on your achievements

shrinking_me

Wow! Lots of inspiration here!!!! I did w2d2 yesterday and will do d3 on Saturday (going for a 6km walk tomorrow with friends) - so far I'm loving it!

Hjbaker

Wow! Lots of inspiration here!!!! I did w2d2 yesterday and will do d3 on Saturday (going for a 6km walk tomorrow with friends) - so far I'm loving it!

Glad you are enjoying it Enjoy your 6K walk

ZL9685

Currently running week 3 myself, it has its good and bad days.
Finding it a good method though, I may pass my fitness test for volunteering after all!

Hjbaker

Currently running week 3 myself, it has its good and bad days.
Finding it a good method though, I may pass my fitness test for volunteering after all!

Good on you for getting on the C25K bandwagon. What are you voluntering to do??

kae_blah

Had a few days break this week (migraine yesterday) but will get back into it tomorrow after work. It means I will do day 2 and 3 one day after the other but it is workable.

Good luck to everyone else on their progress.

Hjbaker

Had a few days break this week (migraine yesterday) but will get back into it tomorrow after work. It means I will do day 2 and 3 one day after the other but it is workable.

Good luck to everyone else on their progress.

Sucks about your migraine! I did mine 3 days in a row and was fine (although week one is the easiest week)

Keep up the good work everyone!

ZL9685

Currently running week 3 myself, it has its good and bad days.
Finding it a good method though, I may pass my fitness test for volunteering after all!

Good on you for getting on the C25K bandwagon. What are you voluntering to do??

St John Ambulance, goes along with my Paramedics Degree, but I can't do a single push up to save my life, so should be interesting. Have 12 weeks to get up to doing 20, should be ok though
C25K is certainly kicking the running in the butt

kae_blah

Good luck - sounds like a great motivation.

kae_blah

Yay - finished week 5 on my second attempt.

I was expecting to feel some excitement, sense of achievement, or event just relief when it was over - but it sucked . I felt ill and all I was thinking was "I never want to do this again".

Oh well - week 6 starts tomorrow!

Hjbaker

Yay - finished week 5 on my second attempt.

I was expecting to feel some excitement, sense of achievement, or event just relief when it was over - but it sucked . I felt ill and all I was thinking was "I never want to do this again".

Oh well - week 6 starts tomorrow!

Well done, I am so glad that you got through it! Good luck with week 6. Remember to breathe deep (that helps me with nausea)

mytman

I am just about to start and i am hoping that it will go well

Hjbaker

mytman- welcome and goodluck