Hi, Jessie,

I was a non-runner until March 21, 2011, and I've also been following C25K.  Actually, I started out following the plan in a handy little book called "Run Your Butt Off."  I switched to C25K only because of the awesome apps I could get for my iPhone...but that's beside the point.  C25K does not tell you this, but RYBO beats you over head with a very important tip...when you switch from walking to running, do NOT try to increase your speed.  You should be able to have a conversation with your partner (or sing along with your iPod) while you're running.

Does it work?  YES!  I ran a 5k race today in under 37 minutes.  I finished C25K week 7 yesterday...and I didn't switch to walking for the whole 5k.  I was dang glad to see that finish line, and next week I hope to see it a little sooner than I did today.

Bottom line...don't worry about speed AT ALL for now.  It will come.  Just relax and trust the system.  Back off or repeat a run if you need to, but you WILL build up your stamina and speed will come over time.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND reading "Run Your Butt Off", not so much for the training plan, but for all the other advice.  It's a short book, and definitely worth the couple of hours it takes to read.

Best of luck....There's a 5k in your future!

Kathleen

Stockton, CA

There are a few jumps that are quite difficult.  Just out of curiousity, what was your pace?  Sometimes slowing it down a little can help you get through the tough work out, and you can always repeat a week to increase the pace back to where you want it.   Good Luck!