C25k, 2 weeks in one?

5ladybugs
5ladybugs Posts: 135 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
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?

Replies

  • czmmom
    czmmom Posts: 236 Member
    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
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    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. :wink:
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    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
    carmenstop1 Posts: 210 Member
    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
    lotte24601 Posts: 14 Member
    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
    cmm7303 Posts: 423 Member
    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
    MandaJean83 Posts: 675 Member
    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
    usedasbrandnew Posts: 300 Member
    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
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    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
    5ladybugs Posts: 135 Member
    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!
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