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Original poster

Anyone fancy starting Couch to 5K on Monday 5th Aug?

690 replies

workatemylife · 30/07/2013 10:39

I have not run for YEARS. In the last 18 months I have lost a lot of weight through diet and exercise (walking), and, it would appear, breastfeeding. But I'm back at work, LO isn't drinking me dry any more, my diet is not all that it could be, and the weight is sneaking back on. I don't have the opportunity for long buggy walks with a gurgling baby to toddler groups and playparks, but I do try to cycle to work to get a bit of exercise, although probably not enough. A couple of friends do Park Run eack weekend and I'd love to join them, but at the moment I suspect it would be Park Huff and Puff before Collapsing rather than actually a RUN Blush.

I'm planning to start a C25K plan on Monday next week, and would love some (virtual) run buddies until I feel brave / fit enough to run with real people as well. I've seen some positive comments about the plan on here, although I think I'm still a little Hmm about whether it is possible to progress like that through the weeks and actually get as far as a 5K. Still nothing ventured nothing gained.

I have running shoes somewhere at the back of the wardrobe, but might need to invest in some suitable clothing, and have a weekend of overindulgence lined up. So Monday is the day I think. First Monday of the month, and counting. I'll put a big ring around a late Sept Park Run on the calendar and start counting.....

Anyone care to join me?

OP posts:
Tinwe · 04/08/2013 13:40

Go for it Pineapple!

ImpulsePineapple · 04/08/2013 13:08

I think I'd like to join. I may bring the DDs too, as we all need the exercise...

Tinwe · 04/08/2013 13:04

Ilove- definitely runners... I have new trainers and everything! Wink

Tinwe · 04/08/2013 13:03

V impressed you're enjoying it Dotty! Can't say I am but I'm enjoying the chuffed I've done it part Wink

Tinwe · 04/08/2013 13:02

Hi all! Well done especially to those just starting or completing week one and moving onto week 2. Basically well done everyone doing this! Grin

I completed W1R2 this morning. I'm pleased to say I started with a 5 min warm up walk up the local v steep hill so I could enjoy the views running along the relatively flat road at the top. I think I'm going to need a few different routes to stop me getting bored. I thought I'd avoid most people by being out early but of course I met a lot of dog walkers! I ran down hill for part of it but have learned my lesson as it was very hard on my knees so will just keep on the flat next time and slightly extend my cool down walk to cover all the downhill section. For the person who said her run ended with a big uphill bit Shock have you considered staying on the flat to run and walking back up to home as your cool down?

Quick question, does anyone know a c25k podcast which allows you to play your own music and then just fades in with instructions etc? I'm sure I heard of it somewhere. I like "Laura" from the NHS version but I hate the music!

dottypyjamas · 04/08/2013 10:58

Took a gamble on the rain easing off this morning...and lost spectacularly! Just got back from w1r3 looking like a drowned rat! And my GPS dropped out twice so the stats are wrong, grumble!

Still, It's got easier I think over the week - bit nervous about 90 seconds next week but onwards and upwards! How was it in comparison ilove?

Are there many starting out next week?if it helps I'm actually enjoying it Smile

iloveaglassofwine · 04/08/2013 10:09

Just done w2r1 and pleased to report that I'm still alive! Anyone else running today? Tally, well done for heading up a hill. I would be crawling up - i live in flat Cheshire so few hills here, thank goodness.

Can we be classed as runners yet or do you think that'll be when we run for 8 mins or more?

TallyGrenshall · 03/08/2013 20:02

w1r2 just done. A little further, a little quicker and no less sweaty Grin

I really need to move house. I live at the top of a frickin hill (in norfolk ffs) so the second half of my run is uphill and it frickin hurts Sad

TallyGrenshall · 03/08/2013 19:59

w1r2 just done. A little further, a little quicker and no less sweaty Grin

I really need to move house. I live at the top of a frickin hill (in norfolk ffs) so the second half of my run is uphill and it frickin hurts Sad

alwaysinamuckingfuddle · 03/08/2013 17:24

I did W1R1 this morning... Grin

Tinwe · 03/08/2013 08:30

Sorry, not read back much as the girls are grumbling but re: keeping up motivation since a 5k/10k run target seems to inspire you could you not sign up for other ones and try to beat your times?

Tinwe · 03/08/2013 08:25

Plus, am slightly demotivated by seeing DH easily running 7K up the local huge hill route pushing the girls in our double buggy while I struggle to keep up on a BIKE! Hmm

Tinwe · 03/08/2013 08:22

Hiya! Can I join? I've done W1R1 but am on a rest day today. Also very unfit and post baby (just over a year though). Have had knee trouble doing aerobics everyday so I'm trying to alternate my exercises, hence c25k and will try to get some Pilates or yoga or similar in between cos I want to tone my upper body too. At least, that's the plan mutters: "wonder how long that will last with a 2 yr old an a 1 yr old"

MrsReacher85 · 02/08/2013 20:04

Ah, was dressed and ready to head out for w1r2, and the heavens opened! Full on thunder storm, so there's no way I was running in that. Postponed until tomorrow unfortunately. Fingers crossed for better weather!

lurkingfromhome · 02/08/2013 10:37

Am back! W1R2 complete. It was so hot, though ... I was struggling a bit towards the end and trying to find shady bits of street to run along. I'm thinking it might actually be better to go out in the rain and not wait until the sun comes out.

W1R3 on Sunday then will be moving on to the scary prospect of running for 90 seconds at a time!

lurkingfromhome · 02/08/2013 09:13

I'm just about to go now. Was pelting down with rain when I got up but it has stopped and the clouds are clearing so I'm just getting my kit on now. Get me, with the "kit", eh? Grin

msmunch, I am 5 ft 7 and would love to be 9.8. Have been there before and hoping this will help shift the extra stone or two currently clinging on to my middle section and thighs. I do agree, though, that it's not so much about the weight as about the health.

Well done everyone else who went out last night or this morning. I wish we could fast forward a few weeks to the point where we're all casually running for 20 minutes at a time.

Sun out properly now. I'm off before it gets too hot and I'm even more of a sweaty, panting, purple mess than usual Smile

dottypyjamas · 02/08/2013 08:01

Phew it's getting warm out - w1r2 done this morning, was ok but was still stiff and a bit achey from weds!nice one ilove - next run Sunday?

Off to a buggyfit class this morning too - I must be mad!

Although main priority is to get fit, I've taken my measurements and weighed myself so will weigh in again on 1 Sept to see how I'm doing, hopefully this'll keep me going!

Anyone else out for a run today?

iloveaglassofwine · 02/08/2013 07:25

Just back from w1r3 , I really do hope it gets easier as i get fitter.

MsMunch · 01/08/2013 21:36

Well sitting here eating Pringles and downing gin tells you my preferences but yeah yeah don't want to be 40+ and unfit gasping after the kids. So can I join please?

Started this week, done the first three runs and am enjoying it. Kind of. Injured my leg yesterday in an unrelated incident but hope to get week 2 on track.

Plan to do the odd gym session and maybe shred. Am 5 ft 7 and 9.8 after dropping nearly two stone. Been this weight before and was fit and looked great...no longer am made of crepe paper and it is trying to contain a landslide. Maybe running will help with age and gravity...

TallyGrenshall · 01/08/2013 21:22

I'm just back from my first run. It's bloody hot out there still, I don't think I've ever been so sweaty! Grin

Stilk, thats the hardest one done so onwards

JamEyelid · 01/08/2013 21:04

Hello can I join?

I have done week one day two so far (using the run, zombies c25k trainer.) I had to buy a sports bra after the first run. Ouch!

lurkingfromhome · 01/08/2013 17:50

Good luck to everyone venturing out tonight, especially if it's W1R1 Grin. I'll be going tomorrow morning and will report back.

My tactic is to leave out all my running gear on my desk, piled in front of my monitor, so that I have no choice but to put it on, just in case it's raining and my motivation fails me ... Grin

Maggietess · 01/08/2013 11:06

Thanks shotgun I'll see how I get on tonight!

ShotgunNotDoingThePans · 01/08/2013 09:18

I'm a 30g and wear an Enell sports bra; it's like a straitjacket by the time you fasten all the hook and eyes down the front - but my boobs are rock-solid and I even look normal-chested in it!

Maggie, if you're worried about the c25k being too much, there's no shame in starting with 30 sec runs. That's the programme I'm supposed to be doing. I'm 50 with scoliosis and an arthritic hip and I've been a lazy arse for years.
The difference is that, from the start, you always make sure your session lasts at least 40 mins including warm-up and cool-down walking. PM me if you'd like more details.

lurkingfromhome · 01/08/2013 09:09

Well done berniebennett - sounds like you're way ahead of us already if you're actually running a full 3K Grin.

And welcome RhondaJean

Maggietess, I think going out when it was raining enough for sandbags might have been above and beyond the call of duty!! I'll be going out tomorrow so join me then Smile

I must admit my willpower hasn't been tested yet as it is usually warm and sunny in the mornings here, then clouds over and starts pelting by the afternoon. It will be interesting to see if I'm so evangelical about it all when I have to go out in the rain...

watchingout - thanks for the tips! What do you plan to do when you graduate? I ask because the first time I ran seriously, I worked up to a 5K, kept going until I did the Race for Life, then literally the next day I lost all motivation and didn't run again for 2 years. The next time, same again but worked up to a 10K, did the race, then didn't run again until this week. And that was about ten years ago. How do you stay motivated to make it a habit and something that you just do for fun/exercise, rather than a goal to work towards to? I am determined not to give up this time!