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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:
nextphase · 01/08/2013 08:37

I've recently taken delivery of this Goes to a hh in some back sizes. Any use?
Not the fastest delivery in the world, but no complaints about the company.

Maggietess · 01/08/2013 00:46

redbelly I swear bravissimo go up to bigger than the whole world size in sports bras... I've been there... Give them a go!

Maggietess · 01/08/2013 00:40

Ok nobody phoned my ambulance Angry Angry... In all seriousness, the flooding got pretty intense here (nect door had sandbags) so I didn't want to be the wimp that wussed out on her first night but it was chucking it and then some.
So ive postponed starting til tomorrow night and instead had the sisters bros and in laws round for the night with takeaway and wine... Ooh the shame I know!! promise I'll start tomorrow

redwellybluewelly · 31/07/2013 22:22

Um. Houston we have a problem. Baby welly is breastfed and I can't get my giant breasts into my sports bra! In fact I think it's going to take major new £££ to find a suitable reinforced bra. Any suggestions?

RhondaJean · 31/07/2013 20:47

I'd like to join you starting on the Wednesday!

I'm not a great runner usually but I love the gym and kickboxing and I was doing really well with my running til 8 weeks ago when I tore my calf muscle. I'm ready to get stuck back in now (all clear from Physio yesterday) but I am being taken away Monday/Tuesday for my birthday so Wednesday will be d day. That ok?

nextphase · 31/07/2013 20:45

Hi Watching, yes, that sports bra is vital...
I really should have known that....

watchingout · 31/07/2013 20:25

Waves at Nextphase!

And don't forget a sports bra Levantine! I was running on the spot in a changing room last weekend until I realised I could just bounce my knees and avoid the squeaky floorboard

Berniebennett · 31/07/2013 20:16

Well I've been good, my first run since having my little mister (although I didn't use c25k, please don't throw me of the thread) 3k in 21 minutes, so this is my starting place now!

I forgot how hard it is but feel so good when u get home an u can sit and relax without feeling guilty!!! congrats on everyone that's don't the first run....good luck to everyone else. Keep us updated!! xx

redwellybluewelly · 31/07/2013 20:08

Just another app for the app hungry crowd - I've downloaded one called hydro which promotes good hydration. I find that really helps me to drink enough and without drinking enough I simply cannot exercise efficiently.

nextphase · 31/07/2013 19:47

Levantine
Uncover a pair of trainers, shorts and teeshirt.
Download an app or pod cast for c25k - I've got the free NHS one, but others use apps which allow you to choose your own music.
Have a think about where you can walk for 30 mins, find some time, and off you go!
Trust the program. It builds up to keep you stretching yourself, but with improved fitness.

Levantine · 31/07/2013 17:20

I'd like to do it. What do I need to know?!

watchingout · 31/07/2013 17:18

Can I just butt in and offer some inspiration to any doubters?

I am 45 and two months ago couldn't run a bath... I started c25k on 1st June and I am now running between 4.5 and 5 km. Just about to "graduate" as I did w9r2 this morning Grin.

I too am a bit obsessed with tracking progress and I've used the MaymyRun app (although I've heard that run keeper is just as good) MMR plots your runs (or any type of activity) on a calendar and you see where and how far you've been. Hasn't cost me a penny (so far..)

I struggled with week 7 for some reason, but it all came right again in week 8

One tip - if you buy new trainers, it's worth getting some anti blister socks. Double layered (tesco!) £3 for two prs. my only 'injury' has been one mahoosive blister which was helped by Compeed plasters

Just hear to say "trust the program". I had doubts initially but stuck with it and I'm sooo pleased I did. A convert in two months GrinGrin

Maggietess · 31/07/2013 15:43

Thanks lurkingfromhome!

Maggietess · 31/07/2013 15:42

Thanks lloveaglassofwine.... My other problem is I love a glass of wine!! Will have to knock that on the head too.

Going to head out this evening and leave DH to do bedtime Grin ulterior motive Wink . If u hear no more from me call an ambulance!!

iloveaglassofwine · 31/07/2013 13:48

Well done workatemylife

And Maggietess, I am so unfit it's untrue. I have done the odd exercise class since my DS was born 22 months ago. I've never run before and would go as far as to say I "can't" run, but I'm giving it a go. Come join us!

lurkingfromhome · 31/07/2013 13:35

Well done! You definitely feel better after than during, that's for sure Grin.

Original poster
workatemylife · 31/07/2013 12:45

Phew! Not as easy as I hoped it would be, but I feel GREAT for making the effort. Striding out purposefully on the walk there was okay, but I was dragging myself along the pavement on the way home. Nothing like stopping to tie shoelaces to make it LOOK like you're a competent running having a wardrobe malfunction rather than a total lardar*e who has just struggled out of the door.

OP posts:
lurkingfromhome · 31/07/2013 11:43

Go, go! Just do it! And come and report back!

Original poster
workatemylife · 31/07/2013 11:38

I'm going out in about 30 minutes! I've just wasted spent ten minutes on googlemaps to plan a route and there are some playing fields near the house that should be reasonably quiet. The walk there will give me time to do the 5 minute warm up, and I reckon that each ciruit is about 0.6km, so with a lot bit of luck I'll be running round five times without stopping by the end of September.

OP posts:
lurkingfromhome · 31/07/2013 11:29

So pleased you're joining us, maggietess. Hahahahaha, I really don't think anyone is exactly a shining light in terms of fitness, but that's what we're aiming to get to.

Also, I think from reading some other threads, the C25K plan is amazing in terms of slowly but surely increasing your stamina and fitness but in the early stages, when you're jogging for 60 seconds at a time, there's no need to try to go flat out and actually do propoer running. I think all you need to do is aim for a bit of a trot, barely faster than a walk, and just try to keep moving. You will surprise yourself, I'm sure!

Maggietess · 31/07/2013 11:15

Lol workatmylife I suspect it will take longer than 9 weeks before my beetroot face and gasping breaths don't scare small children... But ok you're right, get my finger out and get going.
I'm in! Grin

pinkladyslipper · 31/07/2013 11:14

I just downloaded the app before I ease this thread so I take as a sign to join! Might start today while slightly motivatedSmile

Original poster
workatemylife · 31/07/2013 11:09

join maggietess, join! I can't vouch for the other ladies, but I can hardly claim to be fit either!
I think the point of the C25K plan is that it does get you from pretty much nothing (the couch) to a 5K. Look at the website / app and you'll see that the first week or two has about as much walking and jogging. Of course some of the ladies who have been out there already have still warned us that this is hard work, but you're not being asked to put on some trainers and run a mile in an elegant and confident fashion. I fully expect to huff and puff through the first few sessions, but there are so many people on here who have done more of the plan or all of it and have seen it work for them that I really hope to be looking back in 8 or 9 weeks from a position of being able to run, and maybe even run in daylight in places where there are innocent bystanders without scaring them Grin. Sign up now!

OP posts:
Maggietess · 31/07/2013 11:02

Ok, I would really like to be brave and say I want to join you... But I'm slightly terrified that you're all waaaaay fitter than me and I'll die!

I'm probably needing an app that starts with walking fast before I can even get running.

I was ill during and after dc3 pregnancy and I've put on about 4 stone!! Sad Desperate to get it off now I'm a good bit better but finding it very hard to get motivated cus I've so much to go. Need good exercise as diet alone doesn't do it for me.

Do any of these apps start gently Wink and do you (honestly) think I should join in or should I try starting a thread myself for totally unfit crocs people like me??

lurkingfromhome · 31/07/2013 11:00

glassofwine, I totally get you re running like Phoebe. There is a lovely leafy canal path about five minutes from my house but I am too embarrassed to go there as (a) I might meet people I know and (b) it is full of lithe, elegant runners with tanned legs who are probably out doing 10Ks every weekend and I don't yet feel up to joining them (and spraying them with sweat as I huff and puff past them). So I'm running round the block with one lap of a tiny park that is only populated by benign elderly men and their grandchildren.

I feel great now! Really hope this thread keeps me motivated after the novelty has worn off.

Good luck bernie and everyone else. And well done lizzie.

workatemylife, maybe you could just get out there today and get the first one under your belt. Good luck!