The Couch to 5k 2011 thread :0)

Rosie, does the NHS assume we are all after weightloss?

I, for one, would hate to lose weight. I am too scrawny as it is. I am using the programme to help treat my depression, and to improve my stamina/fitness. It seems to be working well so far

Hi ladies,

I am the User Generated Content Manager at the NHS Choices website.

You may already be aware, but we also have a community for people trying out the programme. It allows people to compare notes and talk about their experiences. We'd be delighted for you to drop by. Good luck with your weightloss!

talk.nhs.uk/forums/67.aspx

Rosie, NHS Choices

What was I saying about being a techno idiot? too prove a point I see there is now a new thread Doh!

I'd like to announce that I'm a techno idiot. I attempted to do w6r1 on Monday.Time was flying by but I was on a different route so unable to use my usual distance markers. My nano was playing up - Laura was sounding funny and the podcast kept skipping to different runs, I got a bit naffed off and called it a day early. Tonight I discovered I had somehow set my podcast to play at double speed - IDIOT! no wonder I was running so fast .

I managed w6r2 tonight (at normal speed)

It's all big runs from now isn't it?

I play netball but given my technical deficiencies I don't think I should be starting the new thread - we might end up in style & beauty!

We have a new thread to move to, so everyone, go and mark your place!

We don't want any runners left behind!!

Our new thread is here

GO AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW HOME EVERYONE!!!

Yorkshire - 25 mins non-stop week 6?
Shrrrriiiieeek! Well done!

Am only at the end of W1 (went out in the foggy drizzle, and it was ok really, quite refreshing) and still can't quite believe that I might will be able to run 25 mins in 6 weeks time ...

Sybil- 10 days on a row sounds vile!
Supersal- hope you feel better soon, get some lemsip in you and you'll feel better before you know it.
Tiffany- nice!

The weather may be foul but I went out and just done week6! Yay! Last 5 minutes were vile but I did it- 25 mins!
Mind you don't blame anyone else skiving off as it is horrid drizzly fog.

Piste you are now head of netball team! Was rubbish at sport at school but as I'm so lanky I was always goal keeper. So wanted to be goal shooter...... sigh.....

Ooh have just looked outside as I'm about to venture forth on W1R3 and it is gey dreich and miserable out there. Yuk. Think I have the makings of a fair weather runner :)

Hope you feel better soon supersal, and hello Piste, Captain of the Netball Team (I was rubbish at that too ).

yes piste...i think you should !!!

i have been running 3 nights in a row....each time pushing myself a little further...had to test the running app

i wore a light grey long sleeved t shirt last night...got home and dd and i were admiring my large sweat patches!!! i had patches on inside of my arms near my elbow,and down my back! i was so proud! it did dawn on me that i was probably a very sad sight...

Still no running for me. This has been my 10th day of going to work with only one day off though, so I am cutting myself a bit of slack.

DEFINITELY tomorrow. Promise.

I have a buff for skiing and I have used it on my bike.

Shall I be Head Girl/ Captain of the Netball team and start a new thread?!

I don't want anyone to get lost!

I like the buff thingy idea. Ds bought one last summer in Scotland and wore it like a headband all holiday. He had longish surfer boy hair at the time and looked super cute. Don't think I will look cute, but definately now need to work on the wardrobe aspect of running.

Am soooo in detention! Off out tonight now- dh was late home from work and I had to have tea- chunky chilli was too tempting . Rubbish excuse but off out tonight as dh is working from home.

I want one of those buff things that you can wear as a scarf or headband to keep my hair off my face but keep full swishyness.

Will post on the old thread quickly before we change!!

W3D1 this morning, nice run, good to run for a bit longer before a walk and still had a bit in the tank at the end; do I had an extra 90 seconds run at the beginning of the cool down! I find it really odd to end on a walk so cheeky bit extra!!

Cubscout - sounds to me like you did it, how frustrating of your phone!

Tiffany - I can't manage without music either, I find it really hard to keep going in silence!

Ran yesterday and was aiming to get to 5k within the 30 mins - so far 32 mins has been my fastest. Felt a bit as I saw 2 teachers from ds school (one the sports co-ordinator) who both gave me funny looks!

Anyway, checked the app near the end - 2.85 miles, 28 mins so, yes, thought I might just do it...and then the phone conked out. So I still don't know if I can do it. Will try again tomorow.

Marnie - reading running magazines???

Piste - I give up if I don't have music. What kept you occupied.

So who is going to start the new thread? I was never Head Girl material so I'm out . Come on newcomers - who's going to take up the baton?

piste......without music,thats something for me to think about!! i dont think i could tho!!

i'm at same stage as you.....nowhere near 5k tho,so busy trying to up my pace a bit! but i am now considering:

a cap to wear.....with my swishy ponytail pushed through the gap at the back!!! (important for it to still swish!)

and going without my jacket/fleece,just a t shirt

a first run at the weekend in DAYLIGHT

i'm sure these little tweaks will keep me entertained and focused!! i've upped my 30 mins to 31 mins,and will add on another minute weekly i think,see how it goes

i think the thread baton bearer should be a new girl!!

Marnie - thank you. I will try to figure out what it means

Did you do it Yorkshire?

Thanks gormers, will make sure I stretch more tomorrow and see if that does the trick.

So pleased I found this thread, you're all so friendly and encouraging - tis a pleasure to make acquaintance with you, fellow trotters!

Will keep eye out for Head Girl's new thread ....

Well that was totally weird.

Because I have fallen off the end of the programme and now do 30 minute runs I decided to go without my music/ app. Completely au naturel. Well nothing in my ears anyway!!

I know the route which is sort of 5K and I did a bit less Cos I needed the loo but it was quite nice to not listen to anything.

We do need a new thread my fellow trotters!

I haven't managed to go out and run this week as DP is away with work and i've no one to watch DS. I was going to be taking longer than 9 weeks as it is as I can only run twice a week at the moment but this set back is annoying. Mind you i've used this down time to buy some running gear now I know I love it!

Hmm! We're none of us Headgirl material are we?

Maybe Cubscout'll be along to do the honours.

Midtowner - From Runner's World Feb 2011 p27. When time is of the essence, these 20 minute workouts will keep you fit.
To build speed
Go to a local track or jogging trail with distance markers. Jog for 5 minutes. Run at an easy pace for half a lap (or one-eight of a mile). Note how long it too to run the distance. Walk the remainder of the lap, then continue walking for 2minutes. Repeat the sequence two to four times, each time aiming to complete the run portion of the lap one to two seconds faster. Do this once a week adding segments as you feel comfortable.

Let me know if it works, sadly as I'm quoting I can offer nothing as to what a segment is but my guess is segment = routine. (I wouldn't bet my life on it though).

Sadly I often don't understand what they're talking about in this running magazine (I swear I am usually I am a competant person who can understand basic info). I haven't done this myself (week off!!) but it caught my eye.

Well done all of you who are getting out there.
Calamity Kate - that's just the sort of post that needs to go on here!I remember that feeling. (I still feel it if I honest with you, I can't believe I've done ths in just over two short months). Hopefully it'll provide motivation for those on the first two weeks as I don't think anyone would believe (I certainly didn't) that weeks 1 and 2 are the hardest and your fitness and mental state improve so quickly that the rest of it becomes a different sort of challenge.
Keep at it everyone.

Oh bum! I'm several days overdue for a run but feel like a bit like I haven't revised for a really big exam. Honset miss, my dog ate my homework!
Went on saturday- w6 d2
Too rainy on Sunday morning so decided to go in the afternoon.
DH had vile migraine and went to bed at 6pm so I couldn't go with noone to look after DDs. He didn't make it out either cos of his head so am beating him (hahaha)
Couldn't face it yesterday evening as I had walked for miles with buggy and dds in the afternoon looking for ducks, bears, gruffalos and fairies at the park.

Hmmm see if I can finish week 6 tonight?

Prunnhilda did you do your run? I know what you mean about cold and greyness putting you off. At least here it is cold but usually bright.

Our clocks changed at the weekend so it's dark again in the mornings so I'm back to running along, rather than in, the Park for another few weeks.

I went out this morning and it was really hard - cold, dark, my chest felt really tight as soon as I set off and my leg hurt. Once I got into my stride I felt like I was really motoring, but it was (only! can't believe I am complaining!) 4.46k in the 30 mins. Not sure what else I can do to up my pace as I was certainly not hanging about dawdling this morning!

Well done gormers and Livinginoz, and welcome Unwind!