Couch to 5k- Cage your inner chimp and get started!

Hello Star

That's disgusting of the person in a shop to say that, I would be talking to the manager if I were you

I can't recommend Sweatshop highly enough when it comes to sorting you out for good shoes, whatever you size.
When I went for my proper shoes I couldn't even run on a treadmill. I got really hot and flustered, almost in tears.

The chap took me to a quieter part of the shop and got me to run up and down so he could watch me run there, much more calming and dignified for me and him.

They do gait analysis so you get the right shoes not only for your running style, but foot shape too.

As for clothing, supermarkets do great stuff.

ASDA size xl will easily fit you

I went into Cotswolds last year to get a good waterproof jacket to help me address my fear of the outdoors in weather. When I asked if they had any in a size 18/20 they replied that their target market is not for unfit or fat people so they don't have any.

Bastards.

Thanks Halle. Though trainers just don't fit. I have reached the age of 38 and have a pile of brand new trainers in the garage. I think makers of sports wear just assume everyone is long and thin.

All stars makers assume everyone is short and fat, I think. Which is good, because I am.

But I have a sports bra so I'll try and make sure I at least change into that. Though my running atm is barely more than a slightly bouncy walk so boobs don't move all that much.

Well done Lookout.

Starlight I really would get proper trainers and a bra. Otherwise you might make it harder than it needs to be.

If you aren't ready to go to the next week you can always repeat. But think its worth a trying the next week to see how you go.

Congratulations Look

Can I ask, is week 2 much much harder than week one. I'm having kittens that I have only one more week 1 to do and then I'll have to do week 2 and I can barely get through the week 1 ones.

The only thing that kept me going yesterday was that I had gone so far away from home that I'd have to walk back anyway, so may as well at least try the running bits.

I did 20m! Whoop whoop!!! Was actually easier than I though it would be and I feel so proud of myself

Ooh. I think they look excellent (Well weird actually, but comfortable). however, the back of the heel does look a tad too high and the top of it would slice across my calf I'm sure.

I ran in my All Stars today. It felt fine so I'll stick with that for the moment and see how I get on.

I see quite a few people out running in those - I've not tried them myself. There was quite a lot about barefoot running on the Guardian running blogs last year - interesting stuff.

No. What are they?

I have curves that mean trainers never fit. Really. My feet are VERY wide and VERY short as are my calfs, meaning I both trip up and chaff the backs of my legs with the raised ankle support they have.

I have had a professional fitting which meant they felt okay in the shop but chaffed walking home in them.

It really is worth going to get your gait checked and getting some proper running shoes. You'll be amazed at what a difference it makes to how you feel when you run. Also you'll need a proper bra!!

Feeling rotten to have not been out for two days. Tomorrow morning I will be doing w5r3, glad to hear you managed it AllFur!

Well I'll be going out for WK1 R2 tonight, around 10pm if it isn't raining.

I can't bear the faff of getting changed etc. so like R1 I'll be doing it in my jeans with my feeding bra on and plimsolls.

If I had to get changed I'd give up once my clothes were off and go to bed instead.

I never could wear trainers so I have to figure out something better than plimsolls though, if I keep up with this.

Hello all, sorry I've not been around for a bit! Have been running but not posting. Had a week off around the Christmas period (was ill) but am back on track now, did 2 x 5 k runs and a 7 k run during the week, and 4.5 k including some intervals this morning.

25 minute runs every day on the NHS podcast. Wasn't too bad.

Well done Halle is w7 when it switches to 20m runs every day? Did it seem any easier than the w5 20m run?

Good luck at the party rugby I'm at a soft play one tomorrow, dreading it already!

Thanks AllFurCoat - I'm feeling a bit better but taking the DC to a birthday party this pm so will see how I feel after that. Should point out my last message should have started with urgh - stupid autocorrect!

Today I went out and looked like a drowned rat. W7r2 done.

W5r3 completed! I thought it was actually going to kill me at one point! I'm so proud of myself though! 20 minutes running! Need a nice carb heavy lunch now!

I hope the weather improves for everyone soon, I've managed to avoid the rain so far, but am dreading the days where it'll be pissing down and I'll have to drag myself out!

rugby I hope you feel better soon! Don't push yourself to go out til you're recovered, it won't do you any good if you're not up to it!

Urge, should be doing week 2 run 1 today but have been feeling really rough since yesterday lunchtime. I'm lightheaded, dizzy and have a headache plus I feel a bit queasy. Was in bed by 8pm last night but still feel awful. Hope I feel better this afternoon - I'm a bit scared of missing a run this early on in case I just give up.

Me too Solve. its blowing a gale here. I don't mind the rain but the wind too is too much.

This weather is really starting to get in my way now! I don't mind a little bit of rain but it's a storm out there. Go away wind and rain!