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

Flash - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I feel like we should have some kind of graduation ceremony . Fantastic stuff - am very impressed!

I'm in the North West too and aiming to do a park run at some point in August - maybe we should wear something MN appropriate in case we're all at the same one..!

^ It's a small world!!

Well I had a pretty decent bash at w6r3 - ran for 16 mins, walked for one, ran for 3, paused programme to have a wee (in a toilet, thankfully!!) then ran last 2. It took me about 5 goes to be able to do the w5 r3 20min run, so feel quite happy about that and excited to give it another go.

Well I've done it, completed the last run of week 9 tonight! And I didn't stop there, I felt really good when I hit 30mins, so I thought sod it I'll keep going & ran for another 5 mins!! Now I'm comfortable running for that long I'm going to start working on my speed & hill running, cos its hard to find a flat route round here so I tend to just do the same route, but its getting a bit boring now. I fancy some new scenery!

Dotty, get yourself down to Sports direct, I got a running armband for £4.99 & a little wrist band to put keys in for £2.99. They were great value.

Well done Lovelidl, Dotty & Felicia!

Spooky- yes i'm in the Northwest!

Hi Milkys and get you joining a proper running club..! . I feel the same about being able to 'run' for 20 minutes - I couldn't have run to the end of my street 5 weeks ago - it's pretty amazing really.

Hi. Ok to join you? I recently completed a 10 week beginners running group and 'graduated' by doing a 5k parkrun which was fantastic! Such a good atmosphere so I would really recommend if there is one near by. I have now joined a 'real' running group on a Wednesday night that does about 3.5 - 4 miles. 6 months ago I couldn't run to the end of my street. I am just struggling to fit more runs in alot of the time. Single parent to a 5 and 2 year old so free time to run is often limited!

Minstrels

I don't feel like a runner yet - I still feel like someone who's pretending - maybe that will change once I get going outside.

In the meantime, I'm cycling into work tomorrow for the first time in ages. Slightly downhill all the way there, which means a whole lot of pain all the way home..!

haven't braved it yet but have half a plan to buy something to hold my phone and key in on Friday this week when I'm off work with ds2. That means I could do a week 7 run in the great outdoors if I survive week 6 ...

Hey Dotty, I got a cheapie armband thing and it's fab! It also stops my phone getting wet/sweaty. I didn't get all my runs in last week as DH was away and I was so worried about missing a few days. I've just done W8R3 and I feel bloody fucking BRILLIANT! I can't wait to run 30mins next week! Right, what next????

Dotty Take week 6 easy. Lots of people find it hard. You braved an outside run yet?

My running trousers have a pocket big enough for a front door key (or credit card work ID badge if I go at lunchtime) and my MP3 player - but its quite a lot smaller than smartphones. Headphone cables need to go under my top tho - or it bounces too much. Most of the guys at work (who do serious amounts of running) seem to have the armband holders. I don't usually take a key tho, and just ring the doorbell when I get back. Don't take water.

Good stuff lovelidl!

I'm back from W6R1. Went OK and I ran faster in the first 5 minute run but the 8 minute run still felt like a long time and I had to slow down... Bit disappointed that I didn't just sail through it but at least I didn't stop..!

Just back from another 25 min run

Always carry my phone as I like to see how far I have gone/have got to go. No worries about keys, we never lock our doors .

DH ran half an hour towards my work tonight and I met him on the way home, we swapped and he drove DD home and I ran. Great to get it over with so early!

I can find room in my bra - not a problem...

I still haven't managed to get out for w4r2 hopefully manage to go tomorrow night before dd goes into hospital. think I'm going to have to arrange babysitter to let me run that might help with my motivation too
I keep my keys inside my phone cover and keep my phone in my bra

20 minute run done!

I've had a bit of bother on where to keep my things too, I only take mobile and key and during the winter just took them in a zip pocket on my sweater. I had bought an arm thing for my mobile but haven't been able to find it so having to take mobile in hand and key in little bra pocket. It was a problem when I got home today as key had slid right down bra on its side in pocket and I couldn't see it, so I was stood outside my door with my head almost down my top having a good rummage

W6R1 for me tonight, which is 5 then 8 then 5 minutes of running with walking in between. Am aiming for speed on the 5 minute runs (speed for me, anyway - going to go for 7.5kph which will be a new land speed record for me ).

Wow Kaster, that's fab!! And congrats to all other runners today!

Keys in pocket of my tights, water bottle in hand and phone in bra. I think that's probably not a good idea, but I find my waist band/bag thing really annoying because it bounces up and down. I might invest in an arm phone holder…

Was all dressed and ready to go out for w6 r3 when the heavens opened this evening! Gave it half an hour but it was still coming down full throttle and I was hungry so I gave up and had my dinner instead! Will try for tomorrow!

Did W4R2 last Thurs and found it ok, considered carrying on after first 8 mins but thought better of it.

Going to try 20 min run tomorrow morning. I did to W4R3 back in April, never managed W5r3 despite 4 tries but think I could do the 20 mins again now, I have been walking a lot while not running the past 2 months and that seems to have helped.

Fab - I've just been googling and had come to the same conclusion - although a bit worried that any waist/bum bags won't actually go round me... . I'll see what decathlon's got in this week.

I've got a really lightweight sort of bum bag which fits my phone and a small key in. It's quite comfy and I don't know I'm wearing it. It's an elasticated strap. I got it from Sports Direct.

Can I ask a really stupid question? Where do you put your stuff when you're running outside..? . I'd have a car key (if I drove to the park I want to run around) and my iPhone for the app. I haven't got a phone holder or any pockets. Sounds daft - can you get bags to wear for running? And do you just carry a water bottle? I just dump everything by each machine at the gym but am trying to think through how to face the great outdoors