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Original poster

Do you hate running and want to be mercilessly bullied into it? Cod's couch to 5k

256 replies

iCod · 23/10/2026 14:08

If so I am your woman!
You might remember me from other successes as ' Potty training boot camp with Cod' and ' the Horned Hoofers". But now, in a Moment of Madness, I decided to do 5k, my reasoning being that all sorts if idiots can run, so so can I.
I finished it a week ahead ( GET ME) and now after not wanting to run, ever, and being unable to do 5 minutes, I can run for 35 without stopping

What is in it for you?
You will do couch to 5k in the 9 weeks and no slacking
I will bully you

Result
You will end up loving running as much as I do now. Its free, its quickly over (!) and its transportable.
If I can, you can.

What do you need?
Trainers
A sports bra
Music if that is your thing
The Couch to 5k app
Its even better if you have a smart watch ( can plot the incredible change to for eg your heart)

What I can't allow for
Lazy fuckers who don't STICK TO THE PROGRAMME
anyone with health issues - soz, am not a doctor, not interested in your wonky knee..

We start NOW

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Thread gallery
7
ImNotAsCooperativeAsYouMightWantAWomanToBe · Yesterday 16:30

IzzyLeng · Yesterday 16:24

@ImNotAsCooperativeAsYouMightWantAWomanToBe you are my short legged twin! I also hit the dizzy heights of 6km/hr for my run sections and did the walk sections at 4km/hr. I’d rather be slow and steady and injury free. Want to concentrate on running for longer periods at the same speed until ultimately I can do 5km run non stop. Can work on the speed later if necessary.

Aha! A shorty twin 😃

Yes it's the running (plodding) without stopping that is the goal for me. If I get to that point in one piece, injury free, then I can think about speed.

And it means I don't have to bugger about with too many buttons and risk flying backwards off the treadmill 🤕

Belated thanks to @iCod for this thread, I needed to be bullied a nudge.

Original poster
iCod · Yesterday 16:45

6km is great @IzzyLeng. Met my son for lunch "mum stop being obsessed by speed"

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HalleLouja · Yesterday 18:14

Gloriia · Yesterday 06:57

I hate to rain on your parade but women of a certain age, and by that I mean anyone over 30, need to be kind to their knees.

You don't want to be thundering about on hard surfaces when oestrogen is on the decline.

Swim, walk, row or strength training yes. Joint bashing? Nope. You'll thank me in 5yrs when you aren't on the waiting list for knee replacements.

I started running in my mid thirties. Have run a lot of miles and have never had a run problem with my knees.

I do lots of strength work but don’t regularly stretch.

Also as per other posts running is supposed to be good for your joints.

ps I am not a smug runner as have only just got my mojo back.

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michealsmum1998 · Yesterday 22:06

TragicTess · 23/10/2026 18:18

Does anyone think this will good for my dodgy hip?

Surprisingly it might be mine have mainly been better since starting couch to 5k in December. Just make sure you do some strength training targeting them before you get to week 5/6

michealsmum1998 · Yesterday 22:10

iCod · 23/10/2026 19:53

lol. @HippoPottyMouth I found the app fantastic even at the week five run three

Even if you love running now we all know you are lying with this. We all hated this run lol.ond you the run after this feels so much harder. 😀

SirChenjins · Yesterday 22:21

I have a dodgy hip, dodgy knee and dodgy achilles, but even if I didn't I wouldn't join you - far better things to do than run in the cold, rain and darkness. Instead I shall raise a cup of coffee to you all from my window as you go by - chin chin! You've got this, slay queens, etc etc. 👏👊🫶💪

SausagesAndBananas · Yesterday 23:03

I'm in ! Will start first thing tomorrow morning. We'll, after I've downloaded the app and dug out my trainers.
Not looking forward to it as I really hate running, and I run more like a tellytubby.
Definitely need the accountability.

Original poster
iCod · Today 01:04

@michealsmum1998 ha ha. I didn't go back to the short runs afterwards ! I KNOW

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unhappybutunsureofwork · Today 07:40

I used to run, mainly as it was cheap and easy - gave me 30-60 mins to myself when kids were young. Went back to work full time ( clinical role NHS) constantly
knackered - now going part time so up for the bullying that @iCod can provide.
I started yesterday - managed 2.63 klm mix of run/ walk. Now just need to do it again tomorrow ( and keep it up) thanks @iCod.

Original poster
iCod · Today 08:30

Oh you're welcome @unhappybutunsureofwork it's a team thing!

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rainbowsandcloudyskies · Today 09:15

I JUST DID IT!!!

Week 1. Day 1. In the pouring rain!

What fresh hell is this?

Original poster
iCod · Today 09:25

rainbowsandcloudyskies · Today 09:15

I JUST DID IT!!!

Week 1. Day 1. In the pouring rain!

What fresh hell is this?

RUNNER OF THE DAY! 🛶
God well done.!! Is week one run for a minute walk for 90 seconds?

OP posts:
SkyBlueAndTired · Today 10:09

Miss, Miss I’ve started! Due to lack of planning had to do my first run from the gym which is at the bottom of a very long hill..

Original poster
iCod · Today 10:25

Excellent!

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LeahCariad · Today 12:22

I fucking hated it. My ears hurt from the cold, I got wet, and my trainers are soaking.

Will do it again on Wednesday if my trainers are dry.

Original poster
iCod · Today 12:30

LeahCariad · Today 12:22

I fucking hated it. My ears hurt from the cold, I got wet, and my trainers are soaking.

Will do it again on Wednesday if my trainers are dry.

Yeah. You've done the worst weather. That's crap.

it'll only get better now!

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Original poster
iCod · Today 12:31

Special hello to my friends from the subreddit! Are you going to start running too? 🙃

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tonsattingforbjudes · Today 13:50

Ha ha! I've been reading this fabulous thread with a big smile on my face. I did C25K at the ripe old age of 57. Fell off the wagon around 3 years later due to caring duties. No longer have that responsibility so am back on course about 5 years after that (so old-ish). Perhaps shuffling would be a better description of what I do now but I'm well and truly re-hooked in.

And...for @LeahCariad I have two words. WATERPROOF SOCKS! A revelation (although bloody expensive). Trainers still get wet but scrunched newspaper sorts those out.

rainbowsandcloudyskies · Today 16:41

@LeahCariadfucking hated it too but also going to try again on Wednesday. This is mostly thanks to @iCodfor awarding me runner of the day. I have literally never been anwarded anything ever (especially for anything sports related!!). Thanks for motivating me!

Original poster
iCod · Today 17:14

@tonsattingforbjudes 57 a great age.
went to get my mum's Alzheimer's diagnosis today (not great) but doc quite emphatic how exercise helps prevent it.

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Original poster
iCod · Today 17:27

Has anyone else been out today or is planning to go?

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Original poster
iCod · Today 17:48

I bought two warmer tops to add to the other one and largely because they're not football tops like the other one was by mistake
not sure why they've tied them up with that white thing

Do you hate running and want to be mercilessly bullied into it? Cod's couch to 5k
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Appaloosa2000 · Today 19:02

Going tomorrow as my first run was yesterday. The first top looked fine and like the idea of a higher neck .

watchPhone · Today 19:18

I was in on Friday, then I was out Saturday and now I’m in again. Week 1 Day 1 done. Whoop Whoop. Off to program Week 1 day 2 on my phone.

Original poster
iCod · Today 19:21

WELL DONE @watchPhone. Incredible !

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