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

I have pulled a muscle or just slept funny on my neck and it really hurts. It doesn't help that I have spent the day dealing with small children, including cleaning up after the potty training boy.

I am meant to go running tomorrow and I think I will (it can't feel worse and the exercise may loosen it up). However it is W3R1 and I may not be able to do it.

Hey, well done lynnoggs. It is a nice feeling, isn't it?

Re music, I am still on the podcasts. However my nanny runs to Eminem - she says it's aggressive in the right way.

Thanks - must admit I'm a bit down about it but trying not to dwell and not to let it put me off! I might go for a short 10 minute run tomorrow evening just to keep me in the mood

I'm really worried about running outside with others because I know I won't be able to talk and can only run if I really focus on my heavy breathing..! So I'd hate to feel like I had to make conversation and/or be all jolly...

dotty I always find it better to start of slowly, and if I'm feeling good, speed it up.

I still listen to Laura, and her pretty dire music, but have walked to radio before. Don't think my prehistoric mp3 player can do timing and play (currently I mentally add up if I go over one podcast )

I also only ever run with one earphone in - the other earbud is tucked into my bra strap, and it means I've got one ear out to listen for cars / people etc.

Running with others is good - they are often doing good when your flagging, so pull you along when your struggling, and you do the same for them. Really interesting that you struggle at different points.

I listen to Laura with my playlist in the background. Love it when Bat out of Hell comes on because it's 9 minutes long..!

Just a quick question, what do you listen to - or not - when you run? I listened to the podcasts while I was doing the C25K. I continued listening to the week nine one for a while, even once I'd finished it. The last few runs I had been listening to my own music. Then yesterday I went out without listening to anything at all. To my surprise I actually preferred it. I didn't have my earphones flapping around and in the way, and found it a bit easier to pace myself without changes in the speed of music. The best bit though was I had passed a lady pushing her pram, then I passed her again on my way back round the block. She said as I was running past 'wow, how far have you run'. I was as I wasn't going very fast or got that far really.

well done lynnoggs that's it now, you won't look back.

Dotty don't be hard on yourself, like you said you are just recovering from being unwell. It takes a bit of time for your body to recover. It's hard at first on the longer runs to get your pacing right. I always used to set off too fast and found the last ten minutes really difficult. Even though I finished the programme a good couple of months ago I consciously have to pace myself and not start off too fast. You'll find you get some runs that you just can't do. The first one you can't finish is the worst, I remember that feeling well. If I'm struggling with one now, I don't beat myself up. Like I went out on Saturday evening and only managed to run a mile, I was light headed and felt sick so I just stopped. So I went on Sunday morning instead and did three miles. It just happens like that.

Just look how far you have come already

Eugh.... Well that was the first one I've failed at...

I was stupid and started really quickly (for me!) so then slowed down at 10 minutes but had to stop running at 20 minutes... Then walked/jogged the last 5.

Am trying not to be too miserable about it. I'm still under the weather with this virus and haven't got my oomph back yet..!

So, will go again on Wednesday so see if I can get through W7R3 and if not I'll go back to the beginning of week 7 and keep doing it until I can...

Week 7? that's amazing.... seems soooo far!

Well done Lyn! Great feeling when it's over, isn't it..?!

I'm off to the gym at 1pm (when cricket breaks for lunch!) to stagger through W7R2, hopefully...

Woohoo Go Me!! I am sat on a bench in my local park and I have just completed my very first run on the c25k.... I didn't die and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Even had a random dog running with me and one point. I do feel so good and got my breath back quite quickly... really looking forward to my next run. So proud of me!

Hey lynnoggs, you will feel AWESOME afterwards.

Going for my first run this morning after I have taken my ds to school. hoping I get through it... will soon see just how unfit I really am! lol! wish me luck... ill come back and let you all know how I got on.

Welcome Lynnoggs! The programme is great - I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do most of the time .

Spooky, well done on such a fantastic achievement! I hope you are still grinning about it!

I am (shhhh!) diverting from the programme for a bit. I am finding it really hard to consistently do the longer runs which I think is psychological so I'm setting myself smaller targets which I know I can achieve. So yesterday (wasn't feeling very well and I'd had 10 days away from running) did 12 minutes, today 16 and aiming to do 19, then 22 to put me back in the right place for w6 r3.

spooky in my head you look like a proper runner - think Paula Radcliffe - because you're one of our completed C25K gurus - so you can't possibly have any weight to lose..!

I've lost lots of inches so far - haven't measured but am getting into clothes I haven't been able to get into for a couple of years. Still got 3 stone to lose though...

lynnoggs yes I've lost it slowly and steadily. I lose between 1-2lb a week as a rule. I get weighed at the slimming world group every week. I didn't do my measurements but my clothes fit me so much better now I can tell I've lost it. My legs seem to be toning up a bit too.

Kitey I finished the c25k in May and have realised there is no-way I can run 5k in 30 mins. I now go at a steadier pace and run further. I can do 6.5K in 50 mins. I would rather do that than try and do the 5k in 30 mins and risk injuring myself.

I always find it harder when I'm on my period. Please don't be disheartened. I found setting myself a distance goal rather than speed is much more manageable.

Running outside in this heat and humidity really saps all the energy and strength out of you too.

@kasterborous well done on ur weightloss. its best to lose steady. did u measure urself? my kettlercise instructor only goes on inch loss she says that's the best way to tell if u are losing.

Oh wow!! that is amazing... running for 80 mins seems sooo far in the distance but im determined to do it!

I got a healthy eating plan from my kettlercise instructor. so far I have lost 10lb and 15 inches. but I still have lots to go. I looked at 5:2 and keep thinking about it but just not sure if I could do the fasting.

Back from holiday and trying to keep motivated. I managed four runs while I was away but each was less than 5k. It was so hot I could only run early in the morning and my route was uphill out and downhill back. The longest distance I managed was 4.5k but it was slow. I had to run/walk out most of the way (steep hill) but had a fast run back.

Since being back home I have tried to do 5k twice but I keep having to stop and walk. First I was reasonably fast overall (36mins) but I would rather a slower steadier pace with no stopping. This morning's run was rubbish. 40mins. Lots of walking and everything aches. My period started this morning so perhaps that has affected me? I feel really dispirited and like the pre-holiday running mojo has left me. My immediate goal is 5k non-stop and under 33mins (ideally 30 or less).

Hi lynnoggs welcome, and nice to meet you it took me until DD was two years old to do anything about my fitness and weight. I started the c25k in February and haven't looked back.

I didn't lose any weight just doing the c25k at all. I decided I wanted to do something about my weight and joined slimming world on 16th May. To date I've lost 13lb and it has worked. I find running a bit easier since I lost weight. Still look like a red sweaty lobster though!

Hey spooky... thank you and I do hope I will be able to do it... are you following a weightloss plan? are u doing the c25k?