More Couch to 5k encouragement!

Thanks @Murmurur!

I'm just back from W4R2. I meant to post after R1 but I was knackered haha! I'm not fully caught up on the thread, but well done to everyone! This is such a great group and it's really helped keep me going with the programme, despite the setbacks.

The step up to 5 min was a big thing for me but I am amazed I've managed it. Scared for week 5 though! I have got myself a bottle of blue powerade to take for the 20 min run as a treat, haha!

The Mumsnet Massive have been with me in spirit, so I'm glad I posted about the shitty men. I genuinely pictured you all running with me when I went on Monday!

@LambChopsMcGee how are you doing? I thought of you today when Christina Aguilera was singing "Fighter" in my ear.

W7R2 done. It was ok actually.

Welcome @StillDumDeDumming . I can't imagine ever getting to half marathons!

For what next there’s c25k plus on the nhs website. Also the guardian do running podcasts. There’s a few 5k to 10k out there or zombie run app is fun. It’s a story and you are in it collecting supplies and running away from zombies 🧟‍♀️

@FrequentFlyer96 I agree, I can’t do two minutes on a treadmill without getting unbearably bored or just... something. I can’t do it at all and regularly subject myself to the massive hills around where I live so I don’t have to even consider a treadmill. I have quite a short attention span and even that bores me a bit after a while.

I have the app on my secondhand iPhone, with my free headphones (my ears are just the right shape, I’m lucky in that respect, so they don’t fall out) and my trainers are £20 children’s trainers from M&S which can go in the washing machine if necessary! I prefer them as minimal as possible, short of actual Green Flash or similar. I think the overall picture is just that I’m very cheap! If I want to know how far I’ve run I go on Google Maps and check the route .

Morning my loves. Can I join as a newbie or is there another thread
I say newbie, last time I was on a thread like this was over 5 years ago. Made it up to half marathons. I then got enormously fat and had to stop .

Starting again tomorrow!

I've not made it out for a run for a week so thinking I'm going to repeat week 7 rather than start week 8. I know it's only 3 extra minutes but I'm also bothered that there's only 2 weeks left then I won't have anything to follow!

Week 5 first run done. It was really good. Feel very motivated

@RubberDinghyRapids well done! @bengalcat 28 mins, fab!

I am off the wagon, but in my defence I've been decorating. Does that count as cross training?!

Lots of running happening tonight! I managed W5R2 reasonably smoothly, though I did have a moment of worrying whether the app had stopped because surely I must be more than halfway through that first run section by now!

I’m afraid I’m drinking gin and eating crisps rather than running. I’ll regret this when I’m home I’m sure!

Finally managed to complete w5r3!

I think I have been running too fast, so I really slowed down my pace and actually completed it fairly comfortably. I could definitely have run longer.

@PrincessWatermelon I have the Samsung galaxy watch active. Offline spotify, GPS. Can go running sans phone. It runs the battery down but so worth it.

It also tells me how shit my sleep is 🤣🤣🤣

W2r2 for me this evening. Found it harder than Mondays run. I rode last night and my instructor had me doing lots of no stirrup and standing in my stirrup work, think my legs were feeling that. Weirdly my legs ache more during the walk periods than the run sections

RubberDinghyRapids well done!

I finished w4 this morning. I’m actually desperate to get started with longer runs. When I did it before, I always found the first five minutes horrific, and could then get into the flow of it. I’m hoping that when I get into longer stretches, I might hate it less!

I can’t remember who suggested it, but when struggling, thinking about legs, lungs or lazy is fab! Really helped today. Thanks

Fab work RubberDinghyRapids - love the nonchalant approach! Not yet there myself but the healthunlocked forum has a selection of plans and advice for people who've just completed C25k here.

I use one ear of my bluetooth headphones so I can hear what's going on around me, and tuck the connecting cord into my bra strap so I don't lose it if it falls out. Which it does occasionally. I must try a headband, thanks for the tip Hope . Phone is in the pocket of my new running leggings - seems nice and secure and out of the way.

I know what you mean Chanklybore - I think it will take a while to overcome decades of considering myself a definite not-runner!

Glad the new watch is working for you GuyFawkes

Frequentflyer I think treadmill running must be really tough mentally - I get so much out of watching the countryside go by and exploring new places. Can you watch one of those virtual videos for treadmill running on youtube from your treadmill.

Looks beautiful sexnotgender, enjoy your holiday.

Well done HelpMeh, sending encouragement to Lookdontteuch, Muchtoomuchtodo and Stopthehop, and good luck helloyouminx for your IVF appointment. I've heard it's quite normal not to lose weight early in C25k because you're developing muscle, but I'm sure being active will stand you in good stead mentally as well as physically.

@PrincessWatermelon Yep, all graduated 🥳 but trying to think of it as a springboard to a lifelong thing, rather than something to have completed (or else my lazy little head will say "done!" and not to anymore).

@ChanklyBore I just carry my phone and listen to playlists I have on that via wireless Bluetooth headphones. Have found a wide hairband is brilliant for stopping the headphones falling out of my ears!

Managed the 28minutes for run 1 week 8 . Two more of the same to complete the week . The dog loves it and of course would keep going .

I’m up to week 6 run 3 but keep putting it off... can’t imagine I will be able to run 25min all in one go! I also have a sense of dread before runs- especially as the runs get longer and harder. I’m hoping as I get fitter I might enjoy it more. Probably doesn’t help that I’m doing the C25k on a treadmill (live in a country where it’s too hot to run at the moment) and the challenge is mental as well as physical as the long runs get really boring.
I feel reassured when I see other posters saying that it gets easier and more enjoyable

Completed W8R3. Don't usually go out on a weekday morning but DH has a rare day off. Traffic much busier. Had to stop-start a couple of times to cross roads and let cars past where it was narrow and my legs started seizing up almost immediately!

I'm glad it's not just me who struggles to enjoy it! I almost feel a sense of dread the night before a running day. I'm sure a lot of it's in my head though. I think I've spent so many years hating running that my brain doesn't know how to enjoy it! The feeling afterwards is fab and I do love the time to myself. I'm worried that, once I've completed the programme, I'll lack motivation to go out, especially when normal work/school/life gets in the way in September. Think I'm going to need a new goal-to actually get to 5k will be a start. I think I'll be at about 4k in 30 mins.

Currently on holiday in Skye and meant to do W7R2 today but might need to wait until I’m home on Saturday as where we are isn’t running friendly!

It’s absolutely beautiful but we’re down a track from a national limit road with no pavement. Will try and scope out an area that might work but might be easier to wait.

Morning all
I'm on w6r2 (never thought I'd ever get here!) I have to build myself up to the run but in my mind know I'll enjoy it afterwards!!

I know we all have our own motivations for doing c25k but one of mine was to tone up and lose some weight. I'm definetely noticing a change in my body tone but I've weighed myself this morning and I've gained 3lb!!! Has this happened to anyone else?

I'm having an IVF consultation next week at our new clinic and I'm worried I'm going to be reprimanded for being heavier despite being fitter than any of our previous cycles!!

I’m categorically not a runner either but I seem to have assembled a collection of running clothes, a pair of running shoes, and a habit of going running three times a week still don’t feel like a runner.

Awesome seeing all these times, princess watermelon that’s a great run.

38 degrees, that’s insane! I would die.

Rubber dinghy - I don’t enjoy it either. But I do enjoy the feeling when I have done it. And I enjoy feeling stronger. I also enjoy the vaguely “fuck you” attitude that I seem to be developing toward any perceived slight on my body size/shape. Like I no longer need to be held accountable for it, because I go running three times a week, so anyone who doesn’t can F off with their judgement!

I went out yesterday and my legs were soooooo heavy. I ran 5k twice last week in very consistent 33 minutes ish times and did two sets of intervals. Then hiked 18km Saturday. I got to 2.5km yesterday in my new running shoes which are very stiff. And slowed to a walk..... so I decided that I meant to do that, it was my warm up, and switched onto week 3 run 1 (I think...) and ran that pattern until I hit 5km. Still covered the 5 in 35 mins so think i was going too fast again in my new stiff shoes!

Talking about sound/ music - how do you all manage to listen to things on your runs? What do you use?