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

Rugby it gets easier. I remember struggling in the earlier runs and not believing I would find running more than 5 minutes ok. Actually make that 2 minutes.

Week 1 Run 2 done (Run 1min Walk 2min for 8 repeats). It was hard work and I was a bit worried about going from 1min runs to 2min runs for my next run/walk session. I did the last little run really slowly but did 2mins instead of 1. It was tough but okay so I walked for a bit then did another 2min run. I feel better about doing run 3 now.

I feel really good for doing it but seriously, is running for 60sec really meant to hurt this much .

Halle, I haven't noticed any problems with runkeeper on my iPhone.

Was it run 2 or 3 you did? 25 minutes? How did it feel?

W6r2 done and dusted. Strangely enough I could have probably kept running.

Am having problems with runkeeper it keeps adding bits to my run. I use the iphone version. Anyone else have the same issue?

Am going to do week 6 day 3 today. Just need rain and wind to calm down. Its not nice out.

Rugbylovingmum, I don't think they're all exactly the same but all work the same way. I'm using the nhs podcasts which are great and encouraging but the music is dire!

I tried W7R1again last night and it went really well. I think I'm better at running in the evenings. My last run was in the morning so that might be why I found it difficult.

Hellooo all

I got back in the saddle today after a festive break. I should be on wk7 but am repeating wk6 due to the 10day hiatus. Felt good actually and was easier than anticipated given the amount of booze, chocolate, pate, cheese, bread etc I've put away in the last few days! It's really nice to be back and I feel much more awake and perky for having done it.

I'm impressed at the dedication of the Christmas Day & Boxing Day runners. I was going to go on BD but we had a houseful so I unfortunately was just too busy.

Hooray and well done to all the newbies! It is def helpful to have the support of the thread. I've only just joined but have just finished week 4. Keep up the good work everyone.

Have woken today with a pain in my thigh, kind of like a strain. Man, I must really be unfit/overweight to have so many injuries so early on!

I'm another newbie! Did my first run today, first time I've gone running since a brief flirtation with jogging in my teens. Headed out in the dark and unfortunately hit my first minute run just as I got to an uphill bit and I sprinted instead of jogging: learnt that lesson quickly!

Hi, can I join please? Did my first run today (week 1 run 1 from the running bug couch to 5k - are they all the same?). It was hard work and I was only running for a minute at a time . I feel great now though - really proud of myself for finally getting out there. I have been promising to do the C25k for ages but kept making excuses, then I treated myself to a running watch with some xmas vouchers. It arrived today and I went straight out for a jog - I'm such a geek . I love it already.

Can I join please.

I did C25K last spring and managed to jog for 30 mins, but it all fell apart in September. On Boxing Day I put my trainers on again and restarted. I did wk 1 on Thursday, wk2 on Friday and wk3 today and that is where I need to stay now and work from there: 5x3mins with 2min intervals. I actually ache today and although I managed the full set, it was tough. I am sure I probably need a rest day before trying again.

I jog alone and am aware I could do with some support to try and get back to being able to jog for 30mins: I have no one who could be a running buddy so am hoping I can find some encouragement here.

Solve if you struggle to do the 25 mins which is totally understandable maybe its worth starting week 6 again if you struggle next time. Give you a bit more confidence.

Thanks for the encouragement Sarah. I will start training my brain in advance to 'yes I can' rather than 'I can't do this'!

solve I think says at some point that some runs are better than others. Maybe today was an off day and your next run will be fine. Well done for getting to week 7, I am impressed

Runrunruby that is awesome and actually gives me hope that I will see progress at some point!

I'm a bit disappointed with myself today. For the first time since I started the plan I didn't follow through but gave up mid run.

It was week 7 run 1 which is 25 minutes running, at approx 12.5 minutes I felt tired and stopped. I definitely think it was more mentally than physical, I need to train my mind to keep going. It get like I got bored with running? Has anyone else felt that?

I did week 6 run 3 on Boxing Day which was 25 minutes as well and I managed then, so I know I CAN do it.

I'll try again tomorrow...

lookout yes, I was definitely a complete running novice and I wasn't really all that fit either - not overweight, but just not really active. You will definitely be able to do W5 - the main thing you have to train is your mind, to think you can do it, not your body. Well, obviously you are improving your physical fitness too, but I (and a number of others) found that the real obstacle to W5 was my mind sabotaging me and not my body. So as the thread title says, cage your inner chimp and go for it - and well done!

Week 4 run 3 done this morning! Definitely saw an improvement over the three runs this week. Am kind of nervous about next week's runs though. Anyone who has completed the program and still running - were you complete novices to begin with?

Well done everyone for keeping up the running during the festivities! It actually helped me to know I was gonna get some exercise while eating and drinking to my heart's content

Welcome Bellini. Wow runrunruby that is amazing.

Week 6 run 2 - tick.

NCed

Did 45 mins today, training for a 10k. I'm very very slow.

Welcome Bellini and well done Ruby.

Welcome bellini good luck

I did week 8 run 1 today very pleased to have nearly finished the programme, I can't believe how much progress I've made in just two months! Definitely recommend the programme to anyone who is thinking about it. When I finished chemo in July I could barely walk round the block due to anaemia so if I can do couch to 5K, anyone can! :)

Thank you for the welcomes!

Bellini well done for getting started. The huffing and puffing will definitely pass. The program is so well done it really develops you gradually. Just go for it! But def make sure you have good shoes, the only important bit of gear you really need imo.

Managed a Christmas Day run and was so pleased I did. Not gonna manage tomorrow, my turn for a lie in! But looking forward to doing w4r1 on Saturday. Man, I need it after the last three days' indulgence

Bellini, I've only been running in the dark so far to stop people from seeing in me huffing and puffing. I also find turning the volume up as I can't hear myself puffing then.

Good luck!

Welcome aboard, Bellini

The most important running attire is a good pair of shoes, can't stress that enough, and if you do start off huffing and puffing, it won't be for long!

Laura on the nhs podcasts gives some really good tips too, some of them really helped me.