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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

OP posts:
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IzzyLeng · 23/10/2026 21:12

I didn’t know I needed an app that talked me thru it. I just thought I warmed up, then ran 90secs, walked a min and repeat for 20 mins. What does the voice do? Offer encouragement.? I’m going to do it on a treadmill indoors due to the storm tomorrow so don’t particularly need a countdown type voice in my ear.

IzzyLeng · 23/10/2026 21:14

My one top tip for running without injury is RunBetterWithAsh on YouTube. I don’t even run but I love doing his videos a couple of times a week. Ultra marathon runner dh swears by him and I’ve got all my running friends into him.

fastgin · 23/10/2026 21:22

Be warned!
C25K is a gateway drug.

Before you know it you will have morphed into a running bore, obsessively checking your HRV, debating your zone 2 range, you will obsess over finding the perfect shorts, and will be planning your holidays around nice places to run.

(But you will feel fantastic).

Ask me how I know ..... 🤪

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SevenYellowHammers · 23/10/2026 21:25

👍🏻

SwedishEdith · 23/10/2026 21:33

I'm definitely not doing it but it's on the One Day list. But I'm following to find out what running shoes everyone has got if they're not yet committed runners.

EverlastingPeace · 23/10/2026 21:38

iCod · 23/10/2026 14:50

week 6 is pretty good - you did run three week 5 which is the KILLER

I'd love to complete couch 2 5k which I tried several years ago and didn't get past week 5.
Is using a treadmill an option (I was outside last time but it was earlier in the year)

Menonut · 23/10/2026 21:40

EverlastingPeace · 23/10/2026 21:38

I'd love to complete couch 2 5k which I tried several years ago and didn't get past week 5.
Is using a treadmill an option (I was outside last time but it was earlier in the year)

Show quote history

I’ll be using a treadmill (once I’ve moved all the junk off it!)

WhyPig · 23/10/2026 21:46

I did this! Yes, it feels so great when you complete it. I would love to do it again. Need to stop making excuses!

mumof1or2 · 23/10/2026 21:46

I’m in! Also starting Monday. I’ve tried to do it twice this year and not got past week 5. I need COD in my life to poo poo all of my “I don’t have time” excuses.

MrsDeaconClaybourne · 23/10/2026 21:51

Ooh I would love to join - I did C25k about 10 years ago and finally learned to love running. Even did a couple of 10ks - had a couple of shortish breaks but mostly been running 2/3x a week every since... until about 9 months ago and have just somehow stopped and never started again. I definitely can't do tomorrow but if I make it out on Sunday or Monday I will report back..if not I will back away slowly and you'll never see me again!

Cheesegal · 23/10/2026 22:03

I'm in from Monday.

I've downloaded a zombie running app. If you run too slowly the zombies eat you. This is the sort of motivation I can work with.

Almahart · 23/10/2026 22:05

Alright then. Does the app tell you how to warm up? Or does the walking bit do that for you

fivefoottwowitheyesofblue · 23/10/2026 22:06

But Cod, you were super fit and active to start with. Thinking it will be harder for us mere mortals.....

hmmmwhattoeat · 23/10/2026 22:08

iCod · 23/10/2026 19:06

Okay, could anyone give a reason why they're not starting tomorrow?

I am away at the moment and haven't bought trainers with me so can start yet but I am home on Tuesday and can join in then!

Piggypiggyoinkoink · 23/10/2026 22:10

@Cheesegal what is the zombie app please? I think they may be more effective than Navid from Still Game for me

fudgecat · 23/10/2026 22:33

I'll join if that's ok? I've already started and I'm on week 6 at the moment. Tripped over running last weekend so confidence dented

LoudSnoringDog · 23/10/2026 22:34

Yes I definitely need inspiration. I’ll join if I may

watchPhone · 23/10/2026 22:41

I’m in: will start tomorrow. here just to be shouted at 🤣🤣🤣. I am a sodding slow runner. Steve Cram all the way 🤣

calypsosails · 23/10/2026 22:41

BIWI vs Cod is setting up the mother(snet) of all boss battles

Original poster
iCod · 24/10/2026 01:57

@plumstoprunes I can't stand Millican soz

OP posts:
Original poster
iCod · 24/10/2026 01:58

IzzyLeng · 23/10/2026 21:12

I didn’t know I needed an app that talked me thru it. I just thought I warmed up, then ran 90secs, walked a min and repeat for 20 mins. What does the voice do? Offer encouragement.? I’m going to do it on a treadmill indoors due to the storm tomorrow so don’t particularly need a countdown type voice in my ear.

Oh it's far more than that. Three runs per week by week ? 4 they all vary

OP posts:
Original poster
iCod · 24/10/2026 02:01

You can treadmill
I just have boring trainers. Keep saying I don't want to expend until Ive decided if I'm serious...

OP posts:
Original poster
iCod · 24/10/2026 02:02

fivefoottwowitheyesofblue · 23/10/2026 22:06

But Cod, you were super fit and active to start with. Thinking it will be harder for us mere mortals.....

I was active and went to the gym but running? Nope

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 24/10/2026 02:19

I completed C25K about ten years ago, OK more than that, it was during the 2012 Olympics. Ended up able to plod around the park non-stop for 30 minutes, out running the local yummy mummies, which was gratifying. I may not have speed, but I've got stamina and can plod forever. Then I caught a nasty viral bug and work got stupid busy so I stopped. Regretted it ever since, tbh.

So, if I can find my sports bra to keep the girls in check (though it might not fit as I've lost weight and boobage) and can ignore my dodgy right knee - see, I've got ALL the excuses - then I'll give it another go.

I will need to be shouted at on a regular basis to keep me going, because I'm fundamentally a lazy old moo who likes wine and her comfy couch a bit too much. I'm also 62 so don't expect miracles. I'll need to leave two days between runs like I did last time, so it'll take me a bit longer to complete the programme. But I think I'm in.

<<I suppose I should put down the wine glass and go to bed. God, I dearly hope I don't regret this...>>

Upwaytooearly · 24/10/2026 02:30

Okay - I’m in too 😊