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

DottyDot I too love Laura, she is so encouraging too. I finished the programme about two months ago, but I still listen to the week nine podcast on my runs, for Laura's praise!

Just wait until she tells you that you are now a runner, best moment ever.

I had a lovely run tonight, I went a different route to usual where there is a little bit more countryside, was a great run my body just seemed to be in tune for once. I went a bit further out than I usually would and after my five minute warm down I was still a ten minute walk from home so I decided to run instead. As I knew I only had about half a mile to go I went faster than usual. It was a great feeling

It is a great programme and is really good at pushing you enough without breaking you.

Backatcha, SmallBee. Often just deciding to start is the hardest, so you're over that hurdle. I'm clapping along with your DD. Today is the first time I've looked forward to going running, I'm hoping to get addicted before the weather gets crap. .

Chamelon & Spooky, that's great news well done, you should be really proud!
Did my W1R2 today & my thighs are so painful! But DD loved it when I was running and even clapped at one point so that was motivation enough to keep going.

I've just come back from W3R1. During the first 90 second run, I struggled for breath, then part way through the first 3 minute run we walked for about 30 seconds, then ran again to the end of that. However, for the second repetition, I ran every bit. I am SO BLOODY CHUFFED! Yes, I shouted, it's that good.

Dotty- IKWYM! She starts talking and BOOM 15secs gone!

I love Laura - she's very reassuring and I like that when she talks, she's taking up time, IYSWIM..?

Flashnorman, I suggest slowing down a notch, I've just finished W7R3 and the first run I did, I made sure I finished, so I went pretty steadily. After I finished, it's such a big deal for my brain, I now know I CAN do it. Someone faster than me overtook me today and I nearly had a moment of despair - fortunately, 'Laura' at that point reminded it it was about miles under my belt and not speed. Happy again!

Hello !

I started a while back, did a few weeks on my own, then downloaded the app so I could do it properly and see improvements .. Last run was w3r3 and I found it hard !
Am wondering if I should do that run again or move onto w4 ... Just not sure I'm ready for it ???!
I have found pursing lips has helped and not trying to go too fast, but will try that other tip of looking to the next 'point' on the run ...

Thanks everyone for your kind words. :-)

I'm coming to join you all. Been lurking for a while.

Just finished week 7. But am soooooo mad with myself. As usual the first 5 mins were really hard, then I got into my rhythm and was ok. When she told me I had 5 mins left, I decided to really go for it, but I pushed myself too hard & couldn't manage the last 60 seconds. I keep telling myself it's mind over matter, but today my legs were so jelly like I physically couldn't have done any more.

I think I'm going to repeat this week, is that a good idea? I feel like I need to be able to consistently run the 25mins before moving to 28mins.

On w6d3, the first 25min run, I had to stop after about 7/8mins to walk for 30 secs or so. W7d1 was worse, I had to stop 3 times to walk. W7d2, I managed to complete fully, no stopping & pushed myself for the last 5 mins.

Any advice, hints or tips will be gratefully accepted

Tanacot - blimey that's fast! No advice at all except a gasp in awe/admiration at your preferred running speed . The only time I've had problems with my calves was when I didn't do any kind of warm up before the 5 minute walk warm up. Now I do 10 minutes on the cross trainer flat out and get really bloody hot warm and then start with the 5 minute walk etc.

Whatsthat not that I'm pleased you're struggling with week 4 but am quite relieved others are finding it challenging as well.... Am not looking forward to W4R2 tomorrow - trying to tell myself I can do it but am not quite over the 5 minute psychological hurdle yet...

I am on w4 and I had to stop mid way today as I keep getting really really really tight calves. They properly swell up! I jumped straight in the pool for half an hour and then in the spa bath and they were totally fine once I'd got out, but I really couldn't run at the time. I could barely walk.

I've tried foam rolling and doing soleus stretches and eccentric calf raises - and will keep up with those - but this problem keeps happening after 10 or so minutes. I've experimented and it's only running - biking and swimming are completely fine - and it's WORSE when I run slowly. Significantly worse when jogging over light running, and it's fine when I run flat out (but I don't have the endurance to run flat out for more than half a mile so maybe that's why it's fine lol). In general I'm finding running slowly to be the most challenging part of c25k. I'm not some super speedy sprinter or anything but it feels natural and easiest to run at about 12mph (on the treadmill) and going slower is bringing me these acute calf issues.

Can anyone advise me? Is it a gait problem do you think? I've got Skechers Go Runs and they are super comfy truth be told. I have neither high nor low arches and neutral pronation, but I do have overflexible, injury-prone ankles (great for swimming, terrible for running possibly?).

I really want to progress!

I'm just in from doing w4r1 it was a real struggle think I might repeat w3 and try again next week. I am low carbing as well and I don't know if that is making it harder. I haven't weighed myself in a couple of weeks but my work trousers feel looser so hopefully that means I've lost a few pounds

I hate SD too and didn't know they owned Karrimoor, but to be fair to them, their karrimoor trainers, on sale for less than £25 are absolutely brilliant to run in if you have very high arches and are heavy footed. So comfortable. Straight on from the box for a 5k run, no blisters.

Moosey that's a brilliant achievement on your weight loss and getting out of the 'obese' category. That is such a great thing for your health. Well done.

Good luck spooky!

Well done everyone else, particularly Moosey for losing a stone.

Watto are you still low carbing? Do you think this is having an effect, as well as the heat? I'm still chuntering through w8 but I have noticed that I do MUCH better running at 6am (after a banana and a drink of water) than I do if I set off at a later time. Even the evenings are warm and sunny (shouldn't complain, I love it really).

well done mousey! a great achievement and all your hard work is paying off.
Me too feeling the dreaded week 5 run coming up but feeling like I could do it even if it's just a very slow run.

I did my fourth week four run today and again it was a bit easier. Might move on to week five now (eeeeek!)

On the weight loss front I've got one pound to go until I've lost a stone (cutting snacks, 10,000 steps each day and C25K) and, what's more, that one pound will take me out of the "obese" category and into "overweight".

dotty - 5 min runs today were easier than the first time. 3 min runs absolutley no bother. my dd is in spain til saturday but is doing the runs at the same time as me. she had trouble and couldn't make the 5 mins. we reckon its just tiredness catching up.

my dp in the meantime is building our 11 ds up for a 50km cycle race so it's all go in our house. funny as it only ever would have been my dp who did anything and that was the cycling.

Didn't know that, stilllearnin. I hate SD anyway. It's so crammed full of stuff, you can't move!

Spooky - thank you for the new thread! Just a tiny word about sports direct - they own karrimor so get commission for selling that brand- not always the best. Jeepers look at the time!

Good luck Spooky!

Well done inkspell - how did you find the 5 minute runs today? Rest day for me today then I'll be doing W4R2 tomorrow....

smallbee - go for it - you'll be fine and it'll be over before you know it!