More Couch to 5k encouragement!

The helpful FAQ at the health unlocked C25K forum mentions the advice to heelstrike, basically saying ignore it:

"One piece of advice, which somehow has slipped through into the C25k podcasts and even more inexplicably into the more recent app, is the advice you will receive on heelstrike. Across most acknowledged sources, heelstriking is considered to be the least favourable way for your foot to fall; midfoot or forefoot are the preferred techniques. Heelstrike causes more jarring impacts up the leg, which can lead to knee problems and shin splints and even stress fractures. It is often caused by overstriding, so make sure that your footfall lies under your torso, not out in front. It may be that heelstriking is your natural way to run, but be aware that it causes more stresses to your legs. The most crucial aspect of footstrike is to keep it as light as possible, no slapping and as little jarring as possible. Most aches and pains suffered by new runners are primarily caused by the impact which can be reduced by slowing down, avoiding heelstriking and overstriding, running on grass or treadmill and by wearing proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop."

Personally I've only been able to run at all by avoiding heelstriking as I get awful shin splints within a ridiculously short distance.

May I join, please? I’m up to week 6, run 3, then was hospitalised for a couple of days and then restarted my six mile bike commute in the past couple of days, so I’m really nervous. I’m using the C25k app with Sarah Millican and actually burst into tears the second week when she said something like “well done, this is really hard work” because it just applies to everything.

Also question to anyone who might be able to answer it - I keep getting tips basically telling me to heel-strike, when I run like a bloody welsh pony and have dodgy joints which would probably last about 3 minutes of running heel-first - is it really good form to do so?

And the low point of my slowness was having a butterfly whoosh past me. Smug little fuckers, butterflies.

Week 3 run 2. Was a little easier but I think I benefited from a full rest day yesterday. No bike ride.

off to google EVB shorts

Doesn't undo the good work at all, @RubberDinghyRapids! And it's nice to reward yourself.

I did w3r3 today. Nervous already about the increase next week! I'm really glad I'm doing this, though, and that I have you all to look to for encouragement!

Pelvic floor wise I'm still v glad of my EVB shorts. They're pricey but I don't think I could run without them.

I've been hiding since I joined and not even reading the thread because I hadn't gotten off my arse and run since last Sunday. Yesterday was the worst, when I even put my gear on, then took it off again and sat back on the sofa ..... but I've been out and done it now! Week 8 completed, just three more to go. I can reward myself with pasta and now, yes? (Undoes all good work within 10 mins of being home )

Another run with burning legs today. I also suffer from painful ovulation and today is the day. It also makes me feel quite full and bloated which made the running belt really uncomfortable. Still did 25 minutes which I'm happy with after a 33 minute run last time. I'm still trying to get comfortable with the 30 minutes and it definitely feels like I'm getting there. Even the shorter runs feel like progress. It also makes me feel less guilty about my raspberry vodka and lemonade tonight.

@NCTDN I count songs too, sometimes it's motivational, sometimes (especially in the first ten minutes) I'm thinking five more songs!!!!! My playlist is huge and on random so sometimes I get a song I would skip but the phone is in my belt so I just have to get on with it.

Who mentioned pelvic floor?? My baby days are over a decade ago now but the running (or age) seems to be affecting mine. I had to tell dh and was very

@PrincessWatermelon I'm very jealous. You will need to let us know how you get on with it. I completed w5r2 today in the pouring rain. Can't believe I can "run" for 8 mins now. I have tried to take up running before and always failed but the c25k process is really working for me

Oooh @PrincessWatermelon I am so jealous!!!

Is that all stop?! Well done

I did wk 7 run 3 earlier, I've had a couple of days off because I was ill. I can't believe I have 6 runs until I graduate! I didn't think I'd ever get this far when I started. I listen to Shagged, married annoyed when I'm running it takes my mind off what I'm doing.

I work on the theory that 7 songs must be at least 25 mins - I keep a count in my head whilst running.

@Dragonfruits that happened t tome on week 6 run 3!! I've just done w7r1 and pleased I managed 25 mins without stopping as I've had to self isolate a couple of days whilst waiting for test results.

Hi, hoping I can join in . W6R3 for me today and I’m really disappointed as it didn’t go as planned - I’d been running for what felt like ages without hearing any encouragement. My phone was in a belt instead of my hand as usual since it was pouring down, so I took it out to look and realised the bloody thing had paused at 23 minutes. I kept going but not knowing how long I’d run for really threw me off. I eventually stopped and figured out, by the amount of songs I’d listened to, that I must have made about 20 mins instead of the 25. Very annoyed, but still glad I managed the (roughly) 20. Will just start week 7 on Monday as planned since it’s the same time anyway - hopefully I’ll be able to do the whole 25 then.

So, W3R2 done - and by the glories of GPS my pace increased to 2 minutes per kilometre! I think I need to turn location on a while before I leave the house to give it time to adjust. Overall it was a good run, calf feeling much better and comfortable with the 3 minute runs. I plan to try my new running shoes again and see if I can manage to avoid whatever I did last time I ran in them, or if I need to ditch them and get some that don't lead me to injure myself.

For any non Scottish people, shinty is like a combination of hockey and golf😂 shin pads and helmets required.

My pelvic floor is finally ok after 17 months 😂
I took up shinty when DS was 6 months old and some of the training involved star jumps, high knees etc. I was just like, lol, nope!

New mum. Totally get the pelvic floor thing no tea for me Pre run

Thanks guy falkes

I am loosing the lock down flab now. Lost 2lb so far without really changing my diet. Just cut out the snacks and the running. Still eating a good 3 meals a day and a treat or pudding at night

Very pleased as nearly 50 and clothes were starting to get a bit tight.

I used to swim2/3 a week but as no pools open I resorted to running. I sometimes cycle 9k as well. Determined to keep at it now.

Can I join?? I'm not doing c2k5 but I am running. I was running my local park run every week before lock down but then spent weeks eating and lounging around!! 2 weeks ago I started driving to my park run and doing the route. I run/walk it and it takes around 40 min. I had got to 36min in March! I haven't tried C25k as I like doing my own pace i always aim to do 5k tho no matter how long it takes. Tonight I went out on my own when I usually go with others and did 8k in around 1hr10. Its weird to think I actually like running now...

Can I join you? W2 r2 today. Feeling proud. If you saw me you’d understand why!
Am apprehensive about the longer runs though. And I have the pelvic floor of a wet paper bag so I’m nervous about that - I go to the loo at least 4 times before actually leaving.

I got a new Samsung active watch this week (well new to me - it’s second hand) and was a little disheartened that although it picked up activity for w2 r1 it thought I was walking the whole time. Today it thought I was doing ‘other activity’. Not sure if that’s better or not... I’ll be so proud the first day it works out I’m trying to run!

You will be fine. I promise! I felt the same week 3 and 4.

Trust the programme,bits about getting the time first. Speed can come later xx

Did week 3 run 1 last night. It was ok. The second half much easier as all down hill.

I'm dreading the latter weeks tho.