Couch to 5k...it's not about speed (thread no 2)

Well done lovelidl and maffive!

I'm starting Week 2 later on today . And trying out my new sports bra too .

First proper 'race' today - 27.48

Was 63rd out of 160 and 21st female home. Very, very pleased and proof if anyone needs it that C25K works. When I started (second week of June) I struggled with the 30 sec of running.

Wow! I haven't looked at this thread all week, and wasn't expecting so many updates. Interesting to catch up with all your progress though.

So just checking in to say I completed week 3 this week. Still can't believe how much I'm enjoying it. Let's see what week 4 has in store!

Cou I hate shopping for trainers so am currently running in one and only ancient pair that I wear all the time and are falling apart. I'm a size 9 in ordinary shoes and the widest fitting, so with trainers I'm size 10 - always mens, obv., so I hate going and getting measured and sorted out for them. I got the pair I have now from a sports shop in Manchester and the man was lovely but quite cross on my behalf that because of the width of my feet I have to go up a whole size, as it's not great...

Just back from W8R2!! Went really well considering how worried I was having taken a week off and eaten the world....

Feel back in the zone now - next run on Tuesday and then.... week 9!!

Am starting to try and focus on distance run rather than time run, as I'm realising I'll have to run for much longer than 30 minutes to achieve the 5K, so am trying to stop stressing about each minute and focus on how far I've got. I managed 4.2K today - including the 5 minute walks at each end of the run!

Addicted Thank you! Yes there's a couple there I really like. Going to buy online I think, it's far easier.

Cru Yoga tops are a good idea, thank you.

W2R1 done.

The only run I struggled with was the last one...which was ever so slightly uphill but boy did I know about it.

But I did it!

I am quite liking the fact that it is 'only' 6 runs. And ticking them off mentally makes them go so fast.

Whoop done it and found the two longer runs easier than three shorter ones.

Fitbyforty - in that case when you run, try to imagine a piece of string holding your head and neck up towards the sky.

Hi Phoenixwoman, nice to meet you!

Coumarin - I am a size 20 so I bought Nike capris and running tops online - I also bought a Sweaty Betty top but it is a bit too short (small) for me. I have a couple of Sweaty Betty yoga vests which are super long so a bit more forgiving.

Shoes - I bought from Runners Need years ago. Still okay.

Thanks CruCru. I'll take a look at that.
My postures not great in general so it could be that. I'm pretty tall at 5ft 9in and have been since a young teen when I got into the habit of slouching to be a similar height to everyone else and I've never grown out of the habit. I'm always surprised at how bad it is when I see pics of myself

Hi all, can I join? On week 5, run 3 (or will be in 10 minutes in the rain). Can't believe how far I've come as I'm desperately unfit and hate running, it was my nightmare PE lesson in school. Haven't lost much weight though feel much fitter. I'm going for endurance first and when I reach the end want to improve my pace, currently on a 14 min/mile and covering 2 miles if I don't include my cool down walk.

anything here take your fancy??

I like spending other peoples money from the couch. I HATE shopping in real life - maybe because this way I don't need to decide if it a) fits b) suits me and c) is fashionable or suitable for purpose!

something like these

I just get wet :) but some of the more hardened runners I know have something like this But then I will postpone a run if its bucketing it down, and just run is a top if its showers. I overheat enough as is without a waterproof jacket as well.

addicted I'm a size 6 so I thought a 6.5 would be a good fit and give my toes some room. I mildly over pronate. Liked all the Nikes looks wise. I know I shouldn't go off that but wanted something I'd actually like wearing.

I have a sports bra thank fully. Those look good, thank you.
What do you wear on top? It rains a lot where I am.

I was so excited this morning, bit fed up now.

What size are you after Coumarin?
I've got clothes (but not shoes) from sports direct - I currently run in something similar to these - mine have a small pocket in the front of the wasitband that takes a front door key and mobile or mp3 player (not a smart phone).

Think I got the sports bra from sports bra bar

I went to a local, independent, running shop for the trainers.

Just checking in so I don't lose the thread.

Still don't have shoes or anything to wear. Getting a bit disheartened. We're in the back of beyond but went to a biggish sports place for running gear today. They had no shoes in my size and didn't have the first clue when I asked for help with tights etc.

Are there any really good online places I can look?

Just want to get going

W3R3 done. Technically it should have been a rest day but I can't run tomorrow and I really want to run on Monday.

Fitbyforty - could be a couple of things. You may need a better bra. Also, when you run, are your shoulders relaxed? Is you head lifted up or hunched over? There is a thing in the Guardian (the running blog) about technique which I have found interesting.

I have been known to repeat a day if I thought I hadn't 'properly' achieved it. For example one run it started to thunder and was suddenly a torrential downpour, so I ran home but didn't finish it iyswim.
Another day it was just too hot and I couldn't do it, I was so upset, but just re did it. I think for me that could be an excuse to give it up ( I nearly did after the hot run ) but just keep going and you'll be fine !

I'm trying to convince myself that W1 is 8min of running total; and that W9 is only 9 minutes

And that I will only have to run 6 times instead of 8....

I will do this.

what do you guys do if you don't quite manage a run? Obviously it will be repeated 3 times. Do you aim for 3 successful runs before moving on to the next week. Or do you just attempt it 3 times and move on as long as you are "successful" once?.

Does that make any sense?

Well W2R3 done. It was a bit damp and it started to drizzle as I was doing the last couple of runs but it was fine and I didn't melt. Who knew

Wasting - W2 is really ok. It feels like a big jump but once you've completed the first one and find your rhythm it's fine. Looking forward to a 3 minutes run on Monday (not!)

Just a quick questions for the experts. I've started getting a niggly pain across the middle of my back, sort of where my bra strap sits. Does that mean I need a more supportive bra?

Oh no, now I'm scared of W2R1 . Let us know how you get on Edwinias!

I saw Usain Bolt run tonight - now he's a bit speedy..!

Home tomorrow and not sure I'll be in the gym by the end of the day, but definitely by Sunday afternoon - am so looks forward to drinking water and suffering through a run again..!