Page 3 | Couch to 5K- join us if you dare, running is highly addictive!!

cinnamongreyhound · 2013-05-31T20:51:50+00:00

Another thread for us long termers and a new one for those just starting. Whatever stage you're at come and join us for lots of advice and moral support. [[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/sports_and_exercise/1701473-Couch-to-5K-the-first-day-of-the-rest-of-your-life?msgid=39412036#39412036 Old thread here]]

hairtwiddler · 16/07/2013 09:01

Well no sign of this heat abating folks. Now very stressed about race for life on Sunday. It's at 11am! Running at the gym this morning. Should really try a practice run in the heat but can't face it.

Original poster

cinnamongreyhound · 16/07/2013 07:06

I struggled with w6r1 too! A lot did, don't know if its because you expect it to be easy because you've done 2mins or because you speed up a bit because its back to intervals or something else.

I struggled wirh one w7 run but it was heavy snow and i got lost, the next one was fine. I also had a wobble when I finished, found I couldn't carry on and was totally deflated! I had it in my mind that I had to get to a certain point in my route or 20 mins whichever was further and then built back up. Sometimes you're just a bit out of sorts, dehydrated, hormones all over the place, more tired and it doesn't quite go right but that doesn't mean it's always like that! I'm running up to and beyond an hour now usually once a week and had all the same doubts you all did. I'm never going to beat any records but love it.

Re sausage fingers, being well hydrated before you go helps to stop fluid retention in certain areas and make sure your hands are relaxed. I get swollen hands if I go for a stroll when it's hot but faster walk or run doesn't seem to have the same effect.

Welcome back UmBongo and well done!

OP posts:

Original poster

cinnamongreyhound · 16/07/2013 07:04

I struggled with w6r1 too! A lot did, don't know if its because you expect it to be easy because you've done 2mins or because you speed up a bit because its back to intervals or something else.

I struggled wirh one w7 run but it was heavy snow and i got lost, the next one was fine. I also had a wobble when I finished, found I couldn't carry on and was totally deflated! I had it in my mind that I had to get to a certain point in my route or 20 mins whichever was further and then built back up. Sometimes you're just a bit out of sorts, dehydrated, hormones all over the place, more tired and it doesn't quite go right but that doesn't mean it's always like that! I'm running up to and beyond an hour now usually once a week and had all the same doubts you all did. I'm never going to beat any records but love it.

Re sausage fingers, being well hydrated before you go helps to stop fluid retention in certain areas and make sure your hands are relaxed. I get swollen hands if I go for a stroll when it's hot but faster walk or run doesn't seem to have the same effect.

OP posts:

Chopstheduck · 16/07/2013 06:48

UmBongo! Lovely to see you back, and that was a fantastic time! I always speed up if I see other runners! I really should do parkrun now, but it's quite far from me and very early on a sunday morning so not got motivated to do it yet!

Chopstheduck · 16/07/2013 06:47

the beetroot red cheeks and puffiness DO pass! I can remember once heading home as everyone was heading out on the school run, looking EXACTLY like that!

Tinasurrey - try the runkeeper app. You can set your own playlist and get it to chirp in at intervals with updates so you know how you are going. I use that now, keeps an eye on my speed for me, and I have a couple of running playlists on my iphone.

TinaSurrey · 15/07/2013 23:38

Who mentioned music? That's given me an idea. Going to put enough songs onto my currently empty iPhone to cover the time needed for w6r3. Usually run in silence, save for the Get Running app lady, but think I need to try something different to get me through a 25 min run! Worth a try...

UmBongo · 15/07/2013 23:08

I'M BACK!

I haven't run for a month due to sore foot, but I decided to go out for a walk this evening with perhaps a bit of a run, and managed 30 minutes running and 4Km which was about the distance I did on my first 30 minuter, so I'm OK with that. I was battling with the little demon on my shoulder who mutters "you can't run, why are you running, why don't you just stop and walk" all the way round!

I was about to give up and walk (it would probably have been quicker ) but I turned a corner and saw someone else running my direction. I was determined not to walk so I was at least running when I was overtaken. By the time she had overtaken me, I thought I might as well keep going til home!

Yes, I struggled with w6r1 too bakingnovice the little demon on my shoulder is very chatty and is determined that I can't run and shouldn't! I am still very bright pink - I matched my pink t-shirt when I did the race for life a few weeks ago (but I did it in a record 32 minutes with the help of my super-fit friend almost literally dragging me round!)

Dingle · 15/07/2013 21:58

Did W6R2 tonight and struggled again, I think it's the heat rather than anything else...at last I hope it is. I can remember reading this thread in awe of everyone further on in the program and cannot believe I am now midway through week 6 myself.
I managed to stick to 4.5 walking & 5.1 mph plodding, burnt 348 calories and covered 2.9 miles.

I don't get sausage fingers but sometimes I do get itchy /tingly forearms. I just put that down to increased circulation.

watchingout · 15/07/2013 21:27

Also - you've DONE 20 mins already so you know you can do it physically

watchingout · 15/07/2013 21:26

Baking, I'm struggling too but planning to change my listening for next run. I'm getting quite distracted by the "easy listening" music on the podcasts so have downloaded some radio shows.
Worth a go?

nextphase · 15/07/2013 21:24

The beetroot cheeks and steam train puffing are standard for me tho. The sausages are a newer addition in my whole 7 weeks of running!

There were quite a few people saying w6r1 was hard going, and I really don't think this heat helps. Can you try w6r2? Think its just the 2 runs. Might that help?

Or, can you change the route (don't think your a treadmill runner?). I've got 2 routes I've been switching between, and after a switch its mentally easier, even if I've gone to the "tougher" route.

I honestly beleive w6/w7 is a mental barrier to get over. But you CAN do it - because I have, even tho I weigh 3lb MORE than when I started......

Bakingnovice · 15/07/2013 21:13

I'm losing my confidence. Redid w6r1 and although my breathing and chest felt fine I struggled mentally. I don't know if its the weather or just me. I just can't see myself getting to the point of running for 20-30 mins.

Next - I have sausage fingers too. And beetroot red cheeks.

nextphase · 15/07/2013 21:06

Hello Ladies!

Is anyone getting "sausage" fingers when running in this heat? Mine seem to be getting big every time I run. Can get them to go down a bit by holding above my head and wiggling, but can't run and do that, so its waiting til the cool down.

Any other suggestions?

For the folks with dodgy knees - I'd been having a few twinges on my flat, paved, easy for long running times routes, so went back to my hilly, half on cinder tracks, and knee feeling much better for it. Anything in it? Or was I just slow tonight? (done that route faster with much less running!)

pennygallops · 15/07/2013 20:35

Wow! That was a hot one! Went out with my DS for a little run - 4k, but it was so hot it took us nearly 30mins! At least my new Garmin Forerunner has arrived and I got to use it!

watchingout · 15/07/2013 20:22

Ooo a baby on the thread!
Just go for week 2, go on...
Fingers crossed for a peaceful evening. Keep us posted!

TallyGrenshall · 15/07/2013 19:58

Well I was going to go out to start wk2 (had to go to Scotland so no runs since Tuesday) but my brothet just called and his girlfriend might finally be in labour so I have to stay in now cos I'm taking them to hospital
I might start wk1 again on Wednesday, or I might just go for wk2. I can't decide

Chopstheduck · 15/07/2013 17:30

watchingout I would have the rest day as normal and try again on weds. It does happen though, don't beat yourself up about it. :)

hairtwiddler · 15/07/2013 16:59

Don't kick yourself. I had a run like that in week 7. Got a stitch, walked home feeling rubbish. Next run was back in track. No reason for it, just a bad run .

watchingout · 15/07/2013 14:56

Really kicking myself today I just couldn't keep going on w7r1 this morning and I don't know why. I was giving myself severe talking to from about 5 mins in but bottled out at around 13/14 min stage. And I did this run last week! Grr.

Had another short burst on the way home but nothing to speak of.

So try again tomorrow ( as I only did about half) or leave normal rest day and boot backside out on weds morning?

So with myself

BIWI · 15/07/2013 13:26

DramaAlpaca · 15/07/2013 12:52

The big one... gulp!

DigWeedSow · 15/07/2013 12:44

Hi Drama

Good luck with W5R1, I didn't find it too bad it was just the heat that got to me. Hopefully we'll be able to offer each other some moral support for the big one later this week

spaceal · 15/07/2013 11:55

Thanks hairtwiddler - having a two-day rest afterwards sounds like good advice and would work well.

I saw your link to the improvers' programme - it looked quite tough! I think I'm going to keep going with adding a few minutes to my run each week, and trying to get closer to 5k. My goal was fitness really, and running for 30-40 mins 3 times a week is good enough for me I've got no great ambitions to run fast or get to 10k (yet!)

hairtwiddler · 15/07/2013 11:32

Hi space
I think you'll be fine - take it easy and maybe leave two days until next run.
You are at a similar stage to me. I also recently finished and am now doing 5k improver's prog. The hills section I did yesterday was tough! There's a link lower down if you would like a look.

spaceal · 15/07/2013 11:25

Thanks chop!