Any Couch25K new starters?

Back from W4R1. It was hard. The first 3mins and 5mins were actually fine but halfway through the second 5min run I had to stop and powerwalk for 30 secs to catch my breath. I did then continue to run and the final 3 min run was fine.

What was amazing was when I was running 3 mins I was thinking, "Wow, this is much easier than the 3 mins last week." I was powering through it.

But the final 5 mins. Hard. It didn't help that the recovery walking intervals are now getting short.

So exhilerated that I completed W4R1 though.

I found it hard but doable. I have a head cold so thats probably why it was a bit of a plod this time. I had a short swim today when DD was having a lesson so a good exercise day.

finished week 4! loved the runs; have SO much energy now!!!

I'm off to do Run 1 Week 4 wish me luck!!

well done vanimal and bssh. If a running b elt is too dear/hard to find in the shops think I will resort to bra for ipod and keys!

Total I take the house key off my keyring, and then stuff it into my bra when running.

I have just completed W3R1, and am really pleased with myself, as Laura the lovely podcast lady said I would be.

I am abroad for work for the week, and brought my running stuff with me, I am amazed I managed it.

It definitely seems to be getting easier too, I was really worried about managing 3 mins, but the slow and steady rate of progress is amazing :)

I definitely need some new running gear, at the mo I am in some weirdy capri length beachy/running bottoms, and my 10-year old uni graduation t-shirt.

Any magic clothes out there to hide my bumps and stop me wobbling so much?

W3R3 done! Hurrah!

thanks ladies! so I guess I should look in a sports shop then!

I have a hidden pocket in my lyrcas!! Never used it though because I run at 6.30pm when DH is at home putting the Dcs to bed .

I've got a running belt that my DH bought from a running shop. It's elastic and clicks around my waist; it has a credit card sized strechy pocket where I put my keys and a five pound note (as you never know). I also clip my Nano onto it. I clip the belt on beneath my ti-shirt. Not bulky at all, unlike a "bum bag".

My DH wears running shorts with a hidden pocket in the back and I know you can also get women's running capri pants or leggings with a similar hidden pouch.

thanks for the encouragement and welcome. stupid q. alert, but what do you do with house keys while running (I tend to be virtually surgically atached to my handbag, but this isn't going to work with running,is it )

I did run 3 week 3 today and felt the same Bsssh. I did 5 circuits of NMTZs one of Jillian Michaels DVDs this morning so I was a bit stiff so on the last run I was plodding a bit but was very proud of myself for doing it right to the end.
I think we will try to do another run before starting week 4 on sunday.

Total, go for it! I run with my eyes firmly fixed to the pavement as I am still shy about running in public. You know what? It does the trick. If I don't look at passersby it's as if they can't see me - just like a child hiding their faces thinking because they can't see you you can't see them .

Well, I completed W3R2 today though the last 3 minutes I was running with a stitch which slowed me down but I kept on running to the end. Laura, on my podcast, says that the sense of achievement once you've successfully completed a hard run is so much better than giving up. She's so right.

Can't believe I've been running for nearly 3 weeks!

Total- Just do it- put on your ipod and go into a zone you won't even notice anyone- running is great for that. I have lost 30kg (4.5st) and am still 14st 10 so still quite overweight and I was unfit but am really impressed with my fitness levels now. I have been shredding since February and then other Jillian Michaels DVDs at home before starting c25k 3 weeks ago.

Hello, I'm new, overweight and unfit. Have done W1R2 but have been doing it in the house as too shy to run in public, I'm going to have to get a grip and start doing this properly, aren't I

febes - a running club sounds a good idea! I've just done W4R1 - very proud of myself; haven't run this much in 20 years!!!!

I'm up to run 3 week 3. Will probably do 4 runs this week.
I like running on my own but my brother in law decided he also wanted to do the programme so he joined in in week 2. This week our Japanese student decided to join in and a friend I went to school with (16 years ago) who I know live near and we found each other on facebook also wants to join in. We will be our own little running club!! I still listen to my podcast and just pull one ear out during the walk part so we can chat so its working out quite well.

Jezabelle, I find it distracting to run with another person (I like to be in my own world) however I can't run in complete silence (listening to my heavy panting puts me off my stride and makes me very embarrassed) so I use a C25K podcast and later on will use music. I guess the music is company of a kind.

By the way, Jezabelle, thinking back to another one of your threads, I'm still reading a daily paper and still reading better quality books (thanks to my new Kindle!) Self-improvement is still go go go .

Well, I completed W3R1 this morning. The leap to 3 mins non-stop running was a shocker as I don't look ahead to future runs (might put me off!). So when my podcast told me I was now expected to run 3 mins I nearly toppled over.

Did it though! Feeling terrific.

Currently running a 16-17 minute run which I reckon is about 1.6 miles. I have a 2 mile run in mind I plan to be running in a week or so. I'm really pleased with myself for keeping it up as I've never managed to in the past. I do sometimes find it difficult to motivate myself and wonder if it would be easier to run with a friend. Anyone run with someone else? Do you find it helpful?

finished week 3 - nearly died from exhaustion when I walked in the front door, but am SO pleased with myself for doing it! Week 4's programme looks really challenging!

Just did week 3 run 1 tonight! I loved it. It felt easier than last week somehow. Its such a brilliant programme!

Bssh, well done for running with a headache, that sounds painful.

I did W2R2 today, and surprisingly find it easier than W2R1, which was really strange as I haven't run for a week. But I was pleased, and am looking forward to the next one - not sure how I will manage to run more than 90 seconds at a time but I will think about that later :)

I also bought some sports earphones with ear hooks, making it much easier to keep my fiddly headphones in.

I feel much better having been for a run - a week off was making me feel very lethargic and generally crappy, it's nice to feel active and energised after a run.

idealism that is a great compliment - you must be chuffed!

well done Bssh - headaches not the best with running! Good luck with week 3, definitely more of a challenge; get those running tunes set up to spur you on

vanimal I would continue where you left off as you may as well push yourself. You were only off for a week. Try it and see how it goes.

W2R3 completed today. This time I found it hard work because I was running with a headache but I pushed through to the end and was very exhilarated at the end.

W3 commences on Saturday.

idealism what a compliment, no wonder you feel motivated :)

week 3 run 2 done! Bumped into someone today who said I was looking slim - told them it was my new running regime; first time I've ever said that!! definitely motivating!