Is it Cheating? (Couch to 5k)

I just started the "Couch to 5K" running program last week. The first day I did the first 16 minutes, the guy on the podcast said "Ok you're half way there" and I said HALF WAY?? Are you kidding, I'm about to die! And I quit. Then I made it all the way through the second two days (you're supposed to do it 3x a week). It was such a struggle to finish each time. I was gasping for air when he was saying "you shouldn't be tired or out of breath."

So I thought I should do Week One again. So I ran the Week One run again yesterday. It was much better this time, i didn't get out of breath until almost half way through. Is this cheating the program? Should I have gone on to Week Two even though I felt like I was failing miserable at Week One? I'm running again tomorrow and I need to know whether or not I should run on Week One or Two.

 Anyone else doing the Couch to 5k?

 I'm not doing it myself, but.. nah, it's not cheating. You're supposed to work your way up gradually, if you need to repeat a week (or even two) to give your body time to adjust to the new demands you're putting on it that's totally fine.

 You're not breaking the rules by listening to your body and only increasing the challenge by however much it can handle; you might delay your first 5K run by a week, but in the long run that doesn't matter as much as sticking to the program will, neh?

I did the c25k plan last year and I repeated several weeks. Its not cheating.  And if you ever want some run specific support check out http://www.runningahead.com/forums

I did C25K last year and now run up to 6 miles at a time.  The most important thing is to slow down!!!  Don't worry about speed, just time (or distance.)  You will eventually build stamina and be able to go longer and farther.  Congrats on your commitment!

I'd like to add a little perspective here, too: cheating WHO? You're not getting graded on this. You don't owe anything to anyone except maybe yourself.

I assume what you're going for is a good workout, and progress. I'm thinking if you were gasping for air you worked pretty hard, and if Week One felt better the second time around, that's progress. By that logic, you've achieved both of your goals!

its not cheating!  it even says in the plan that it is OK to repeat weeks, they just say not to skip ahead.  its much better to complete the entire session and build your stamina than to quit because the program seems too tough, you did more than A LOT of people would do...and you kept up with it even when it felt really hard instead of bogging out of it and never doing it again.  so keep going!!!!  You have to build endurance and that takes everyone a different amount of time, so keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, thanks everybody. I feel better about it now.  I guess I just felt bad about not being able to do it right away. I'll let you know how next week goes!

If it helps at all, everyone's right - it's not cheating.  I'm training for my first ultra this year - a 50 mile run.  I've been running for a long time and if I get to a point where I feel I need to stay at that point for a bit before I bump it up - that's what I do, just like you did. You want to push yourself, but no so hard that you risk an injury that might set you back 2 or more weeks!  Keep it up!  If this is your first 5K let me tell you - you will be SO glad you did this!  Races can be so much fun!  Plus, hey, who doesn't love a FREE t-shirt!?

Yeah, it's most def my first. I've always been a crappy runner. I was that kid in Elementary School that everyone had to wait for while I huffed and puffed through the Mile. I'm absolutely terrified, but I know that running is THE best way to get in shape and with this program, it's slow enough that I'm actually kind of enjoying it. I feel so accomplished once I finish!

you're a superstar for even trying! good luck, you can do it!

Its not cheating at all!  Do what you can and don't be afraid to push yourself.  You've already noticed improvement, and just imagine how much change you will see if you keep up with it.  When I did the program I repeated weeks quite often.  Good job for starting something new :)  I think the coolest thing about running is just the accomplishment of doing it (esp. for people who have never run before and never thought they would) and of course the cardiovascular benefits.

Lisa

edit:  speaking of grade school, it took me 20 minutes to do the mile so I feel you there!  Now I can run 2 in that time! 

I think everyone agrees, it isn't cheating. Its only quitting if you don't get going again. The guy on the Podcast has no idea where you're starting or where you've been, he is trying to support your effort, sight unseen.  The best guide is yourself. Get to know your body and how it feels so you know where your limits are and when it is time to cut back or try even 10 more seconds.

And remember, near the end, when it feels the hardest, or the struggle is the worst, that is when it is the most beneficial for your body. In its recovery, is when you build the stamina and strenght. So when you're about to hang it up, remind yourself all the pain and agony has gotten you to this point, so you might as well take as much advantage of it as you can.

Good luck on your 5k! I hope you experience the joy of the journey! You might pick up John Bingham's "The Courage to Start", it is very motivating and he's been down your road and explains it all with humor and it will help get you through it. He's a hoot, and his penguin analagy is right on!