c25k stalling

ox45
ox45 Posts: 90 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
Hello,

Has anyone else had there progress completely stalled on the c25k program? I was never what you would call a runner, so it's not like I am building back up to running. The first few weeks were tough, but I was always able to move up to the next level pretty much right on pace. But now I am stuck on week 5 for the past few weeks. I know there is no way I am going to be able to jump from barely doing the 8 minute sessions to the 20 minute session. I'm starting to worry because I signed up for a 5k at the beginning of the c25k, and it is now 2 weeks away and I am nowhere near in shape to run the whole thing.

Anyone have any tips to get me ready in the next two weeks?

Replies

  • EZGruv
    EZGruv Posts: 215 Member
    Go back to the last day of week 4. Dominate that, then move back up to week 5.
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    Just try it! I didn't think I'd make it either, but I did!!!! Get over your fears of failing... if you never try, you already fail!!!! Just go for it! Stop making excuses!!!!!!

    Oh, and nobody at the 5k will mind when you walk... just make sure you don't slow anyone else down (move to one side) and you'll finish just fine!
  • carolynnjoy
    carolynnjoy Posts: 18
    Are you working out on the treadmill? I got stuck at the 20 min jog part. I gave up, but a couple of weeks ago I decided to start jogging again. I went to a track and started jogging. I went slow and if I got tired or winded went even slower...but I didn't stop. Next thing I knew, I had done 40 mins. I have done this for two weeks now and one of the days I did 50 mins and tomorrow I am shooting for 60 mins. I can't change my pace very well on a treadmill and I get stuck on the speed I started at....getting on a track has really helped me. My father-in-law has done 20 + marathons...he says if you can't talk to someone you are going to fast, and also the first 10 mins are the hardest....I found that true (except the last 5 with my 50 min jog were really hard...but I stuck with it and finished).
  • mamato3inca
    mamato3inca Posts: 168 Member
    Have you actually TRIED the 20 minute run? I did C25K a few years back and thought there was no way I could do the 20 minutes when that day came, but I DID! I pushed through and thought I couldn't make it the whole way through, but I pushed through.
  • Flocker1979
    Flocker1979 Posts: 96
    I really didn't think I could do it, either, but if you lower your speed and don't look at the clock (either set the treadmill to just that amount of time, or set an alarm if you are outside) you will get through it and be surprised! Good luck! You can do it!!!:drinker:
  • Kath712
    Kath712 Posts: 1,263 Member
    What do you mean that you can't jump from 8 min. to 20 minutes? Have you tried something in between, like 12 or 14 minutes? I had to do that. I think I started with 10, then 12. Going from 8 to 20 is huge, in my opinion.

    I think you will surprise yourself when you get to the 5K. I did. My first 5K, I had only completed 6 weeks of C25K. But the excitement and energy of the other runners had me jog the whole thing! And my time was 36 minutes, not bad for a first time. The most amazing feat to me was that I jogged the whole thing, no walking breaks. I had never done that before, nor am I doing it now (I'm back to 10-12 minute intervals). There is something special about running with that crowd. Good luck! Let us know how it goes!
  • therealangd
    therealangd Posts: 1,861 Member
    Keep doing week 5 or go back to week 4 until you feel more comfortable. As for the race, don't worry about walking a little bit. The energy and excitement are going to get your adrenaline going. The most important thing is to have fun.
  • Melissaol
    Melissaol Posts: 948 Member
    Well im only on W3D1. Im repeating this one again. Today i just signed up formy first 5k. Im scared but mostly excited... i did a 5k walk about 15 years ago, after being out all night. Not a smart idea. Wish me luck.. When i start getting tired i just keep telling myself that ITS OK! I CAN DO IT!!!
  • sarah_ep
    sarah_ep Posts: 580 Member
    Are you working out on the treadmill? I got stuck at the 20 min jog part. I gave up, but a couple of weeks ago I decided to start jogging again. I went to a track and started jogging. I went slow and if I got tired or winded went even slower...but I didn't stop. Next thing I knew, I had done 40 mins. I have done this for two weeks now and one of the days I did 50 mins and tomorrow I am shooting for 60 mins. I can't change my pace very well on a treadmill and I get stuck on the speed I started at....getting on a track has really helped me. My father-in-law has done 20 + marathons...he says if you can't talk to someone you are going to fast, and also the first 10 mins are the hardest....I found that true (except the last 5 with my 50 min jog were really hard...but I stuck with it and finished).

    So I have very mild asthma and started doing this program as well. I can almost never "talk" and run though I can get words out.... I am not wheezing or gasping for breath. I walk when I need to and as far as the first week goes there hasnt been any problems. I was hoping this program would help increase lung capacity and get over the "I can't run" mindset. Any advice?
  • runlorirun
    runlorirun Posts: 389
    I was training on the treadmill but when I switched to outside I had to start over. I have kind of switched it up to slower increases. Instead of going from 2 mins to 3 I am going 2 to 2 1/2 then to 3 ... I know for my body that is what I need to do in order to succeed. I would try just adding even just 10 seconds ever other run interval.

    You will get to a point where you don't feel like you can run another step and that is when you push yourself just that tiny bit more each time. Any increase is good.

    I know when I started on the treadmill I was walking my warm up at 2.5 and running at 3.2. Now when I have to hit the treadmill due to weather, I am starting my warm up at 3.3 for one minute then increasing to 3.5 by the five min mark. I have also added a few one minute runs at 5 mph. Slow but sure! I have done it the other way and broke out to early and ended up injured. This time I want to do it right, even if it takes longer.

    My first 5k in two years is on the 4th of July, back in my hometown. I am excited but know I may not be ready to run the whole thing so my goal is to run as much of it as I can as long as I finish it running.

    You are going great though! Running with out injury is the best way to go, even if it takes you longer to get to where you want to be in your fitness journey.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories