Couch to 5K - Run 1 done...

Just finished it @titsbumfannythelot and it felt AMAZING! Funny how these things can go, isn’t it?

There are some good trainer buying guides online (running sites), @chanklybore. Google the ‘wet foot test’ and it’ll help you figure out your gait style, then you can filter your search for shoes in that style. I had a proper gait test at a running shop but have done the wet foot test in the past. I like Brooks as I like a wide toe box and have a slightly pronating gait with a high arch. I buy a size larger than my shoe size.

Hope all the long runs go well. I did w7r2 yesterday (5mins wam up and down with 25 min run in between) and it was a bit naff. Got another fastest km but slower other than that, it was raining too and people kept getting in my way. Found it hard even though I had two rest days this weekend and my legs have been annoying me all night. Not painful exactly just uncomfortable enough to stop me sleeping.

I think I’m going to bite the bullet and buy some running gear. How can I buy trainers online though, that’s the problem? I don’t even really know what size I am.

My previous post should say 3 runs in total, not 5!

I’ve did C25k last summer and once I got to the 20 minute run just went from there myself but gave up running.

Decided last week to give it another go and did warm up then 5 run and 3 walk with 5 runs in total. Last night I did 5 run, 3 walk, 8 run, 3 walk, 5 run.

Am I right in thinking I should be doing 2 8 minute runs next? Then the dreaded 20?

I’m not using the app because I don’t want to take my phone out with me.

I've found my toes run when I run so I ordered some toe socks. They've arrived today so I'm going to try them out tonight on w2 r3.

Let us know how your run goes @JonHammIsMyJamm

I’ve just seen your kind words re my last grim run, @RonBurgundyspanpipe, thank you. Thank you too @GuyFawkesDay, it really does help having encouraging voices on this thread.

Good luck to anyone struggling with their runs today 💪

I did that yesterday, was really worried but it was much better than I thought it would be.

Go for it. It was more an mental than physical challenge for me.

And you can always repeat it if your struggle x

Today marks the beginning of week 7 for me. On my app that is just a 20 min run with a 5min warm/cool either side. I just need to do it but it’s the first time I’ve felt myself holding back from moving on with the programme.

Well done thanks, I found the last minute of each run harder but was determined not to stop. I think even after week 9 I will need some sort of coach cheering me round!

@TryingToBeBold and @choc27 The new route was easier in some ways, but harder in others. It was good not having to be constantly looking down to avoid tree roots and stones etc , but obviously had to be aware of any traffic. In some ways I was more able to enjoy the countryside because I could look up and around more, but I certainly found it much much harder on my feet and knees. The bit strava did track showed that my pace was faster - though being on the homeward part it was also more downhill. So, a mixed bag. I think my plan will be to complete week 9 on the roads to get as big a distance as possible, but after that I will do a mix up route of both. Hope tomorrow goes well @choc27 and your next run too @TryingToBeBold

@TryingToBeBold no need to apologise! Week 4 was hideous. I thought I should have redone w4 but glad I didn't.

@Thankssomuch I just finished w6r1 too and it feels great to have done it but the last one seemed to last ages!

titsbumfanny I have just done Wk 6 Run 1 and found it very tough. Didn’t have to stop running though, so that’s something.

Well done @mama4321, how was the different route?! Easier? I didn't really do w9r2 today because my 9 year old was desperate to come on a run with me and I wasn't sure how long he'd last having not played his usually 3 x weekly football for 10 weeks! We did 25 mins though and a few more hills than I'd like 😳. So I'll do w9r2 tomorrow!

Can I join in with you? I started a couple of years ago, got up to the 20 minute run and kept chickening out and putting it off and stopped doing it so I've started again. I did wk1 run 2 this morning. I found the 1 minute runs a lot easier this time around.

@mama4321 even though strava messed up, how did it feel doing the different track.
I did grass off road once and almost cried it was so hard. So I've stuck to roads and paths since but people assure me that its easier..

@rarathenoisylioness sorry didnt mean to take away from you completing week 4. Week 4 is hard so even finishing it is amazing. Every new run you do is amazing!

But you are getting out and do it @Musicalmistress, so well done for that. Get a good playlist sorted and you'll be grand.

I did week 6 run 1 today and it was fine. I do have a bit of a swollen ankle though. Any ideas what could be causing it? I don't think I have banged it and I definitely haven't fallen.

@GuyFawkesDay I'd agree, I always find the first bit of the run really difficult till I warm up a bit more & hit my breathing 'groove'.
I did W5R1 today and found it ok although I was tired towards the end of the last run. I was quite proud of myself as it was drizzly & miserable here this morning & its a holiday here today so would normally have a long lie but wanted to stick to my running routine & got up to run leaving the rest of the house snoring away!
I'm a bit anxious about R2 as it a abut if a jump but R3 is terrifying me. It doesn't help that I'm lugging 20 stone around with me!

I did W9R1 this morning. I thought I'd try running just on the road this time instead of tracks/through woods as well to see if I could up my pace and distance. Unfortunately I forgot to start Strava until about half way through so I don't know. Also thought I'd try running to music instead of a story for the same reasons, but for some reason the music stopped about 10 minutes in. But, I finished the run , and in the end that's what matters. How was your run today @choc27 ? Happy running everyone

@rarathenoisylioness

Week 4 was awful! I've just done week 6 and 25mins of running and I'd still prefer it over week 4.

Hi everybody, hope it's OK to join! It's amazing to read so many people's journeys on this thread

I've just done W1R1 this morning (in the rain!). Somehow accidentally managed to do W2R1 by accident for my first actual run on Friday 🤦🏼‍♀️

It's really hilly round where I live so I'm finding planning a good route on quiet roads hard. Also might need to buy some new trainers but don't want to do that unless I stick at the running!

Looking forward to the next run and to reading about everyone else's progress on here, it's really motivational

W5 I seem to have found a rhythm. I think it takes 5+ minutes to get into that breathing/running groove? The first 5 minutes are hard and then I seemed to find a bit of a groove? Didn't have to think about what I was doing do much.

W5r1 done today. Found it much easier than all of w4. I'm hoping I have turned a corner!

Well done @GuyFawkesDay, great way to start the week.