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

Good running tomorrow, Spooky
Half marathon? Marathon?
a group of runners who are far fitter than me have done things like total warrior or tough mudder and there is a bloke who does triathlons. Any interest?

A year on, I'm doing 5 mile runs, and generally continuing to slowly loose the baby weight.

Hi all

I did W2R3 this morning. I found it quite hard in places (it's really humid here) but I think I'm getting fitter. Quite good because I had a sore knee yesterday (after having done a four hour drive) and today it's much better.

Checking in after a 2 month break (too busy, on holiday, too tired, blah blah) straight back into w4 and although I had to slow down a bit towards the end I did it. I am really pleased with myself! Must keep it up this time and lose the flab.

Ah, thanks maffive .

I feel really inspired after reading all your updates over the last few days. Some great achievements (well done on your 10k's Spooky!). Also though, those of you battling injury, illness and family probs - you're still here posting, not losing sight of your goals... I think you're all amazing !

So I did w1r3 today. Can't quite believe that I've managed it, and feel really motivated for week 2! I'm in Sydney, so quite opposite to the UK's heatwave we're in the middle of winter and it was really windy and cold!

Aldi happened to have an exercise special today though, so I've invested in a couple of t-shirts and a jacket with the water wicking technology. Didn't realise how much more comfortable I'd be!

WastingMyYoungYears, I don't know if you've come across coolrunning.com? There's lots info about c25k on there. I've downloaded Chubby Jones podcasts from iTunes and really like her playlist.

Thanks addicted. As it has taken me since February to actually complete the c25k I will do my usualy trick and wait til I'm really comfortable doing the 30 mins before stretching even further. But I think I do need something to aim for as the desire to finish the podcasts has seen me through cold, wind, rain, sun and early morning starts to finish.

I am actually really proud of myself. Despite still being overweight, I actually feel fitter than in years; even when i wasn't fat, i still couldn't have run for 30 mintues without stopping, so I reckon my heart and lungs must be so much healthier now.

Thank you addicted, I will check that app out.

Ladyflip if you used the NHS podcasts, there are 3 more - C25K+ - one intervals, one where the pace you go at speeds up slightly with time (the speed of the music helps you keep pace), and a 40 min run. Worth having a look at to help stretch you, and get to the 5km marker.
It has taken me a year to go from couch to a 30 min 5km. I've only done it once, btu was injured shortly afterwards. Been out for 1 post injury run, and it wasn't fast!

I Still didn't explain it well. You play the podcast as you go round and it tells you when to walk and when to run. You then move on to week 2 and run for slightly longer and walk less.

Hi wasting- its a running program that builds you up until you can run 30 mins non stop. You start, I think alternating 60 second jogs with walking in between to recover. I used the nhs choices podcasts but there are apps. Barring injury it'll get you there in 9 weeks. And it honestly works- you just have to stick with the program (you can take longer of course). It's fantastic and so is the encouragement on this thread. We love new starters and you nearly always find someone on the same week as you. Go on - get started!

Just noticed this thread on most active and wanted to say a big well done and keep going to you all.

C25K is one of the best inventions ever. I started nearly two years ago now, barely able to run one 30 second split (I think I was on week one for a month!). Now I can run half marathons and am trainging for the full marathon in a couple of months. It's transformed me physically and I still love getting up early and running in the rain when nobody is about!

So just a well done and keep going!

Hello all.

Can I ask a silly question - what is Couch to 5k ? Is it a book or an app? I think that I need want to do it.

Went running again this morning and managed to run through the first walk so did 9.5 min then 2.5 min walk then 3 min run, 1.5 min walk and then 5 min run. Need to keep going a bit more - my legs and lungs weren't exactly cheerful .

I used to be able to run 5k in 28 min. Those days seem a while ago...

That's awesome Ladyflip, well done!

Sorry to have abandoned you all lately. My DD gave us all a vomiting bug so there was no running for a week or so. But I am now back on it, and have run w9 3 times, so I'm finished!

I'm absolutely knackered by the end and have to make sure that I get up super early to do it as it is too too hot in the middle of the day at the moment.

So I guess I'm like a few of us now, wondering what next. I haven't got the spare time to be running 10k so I think I will concentrate on actually running 5k rather than 4.6 or whatever and then hopefully it will increase my speed over time.

I have a really stressful problem at work and yesterday it powered me round as I kept getting really angry thinking about it and then using all that energy to keep going!

Whatsthatnoise - well done for donating. I've received blood too and feel really grateful to people like you. So thanks!

I am o- which I think is the main reason I donate so regularly. I love it I don't really get the same sense of achievement from anything else it makes me feel proud >

Well, thanks for making the effort to donate (particularly if you are O-). I only managed to donate 8 or 9 times then I wasn't allowed to any more.

I'm usually on the slow side too. I've never been asked to drink water and this was my 15th donation.

I've been feeling guilty today. It is a rest day (which I am supposed to have) and it is very hot and humid. I met a friend for lunch and had an oreo milkshake. Hey ho, I'll run again on Saturday (can't tomorrow).

Hi Miranda! Nice to meet you.

My goodness Whatsthatnoise, that is a fast blood donation. Do they still get you to drink a pint of water beforehand? They won't have mine either (received blood transfusion).

Hope no one minds me posting here - I seem to start and stop running quite a bit but trying to get back into it at the moment. Currently doing week 4 of couch to 5k which I am perfectly capable of although going slower than I'd like. Will try and keep at it though :)

Whatsthatnoise they won't have mine, but I imagine that it wasn't such a good idea!

tip of the day, don't donate blood after running. 1 pint in less than 4 min I had to really concentrate on not puking plenty of though