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Original poster

C25K Graduates. Any interest in a thread for those not ready for the ‘big’ running thread but want support/chat?

66 replies

JonHammIsMyJamm · 25/08/2020 18:55

I was on the fab c25k threads as a newbie and a graduate and wondered if there was any interest in a chat thread for graduates to chat about progress and whatnot?

I feel a bit like I’m in no man’s land on the exercise board. It can be disheartening to see people talking about running x numbers of 5ks a week when you’re blowing out of your arse on w2r3. On the flip side, whilst the main running thread is full of lovely people, I feel a bit of a fraud with my plodding 5kms Blush.

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Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 14/09/2020 14:46

Hello, hello. I’ve been away and off running. I’ve just done my first 5k since getting back and was expecting it to be hideous as it’s also warm here today. Amazingly, it was good. No loss of pace and despite sweating like a glassblower’s behind, felt really good and kept my breathing rhythm going which is something I often lose and have to reestablish about half way in.

How’s everyone getting on?

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HamishDent · 07/09/2020 16:17

Can I join? I graduated today! Not quite 5k in 30 minutes, but close (4.64). I want to keep my motivation, so hoping this thread will give me inspiration to keep going.

MirandaWest · 07/09/2020 09:56

I've been doing some Nike Run Club guided runs which I've actually been almost enjoying! Did 6k on Saturday and 4k this morning.

Have also entered for a 10k event at the beginning of October. Last did a 10k about 10 years ago and when I did the 6k I felt I could keep going so interested to see how long it takes me. It's at a local airfield so lots of space to socially distance.

beguilingeyes · 06/09/2020 09:37

Second Decathlon. Excellent cheap running gear. Also TK Maxx.

ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 06/09/2020 08:55

Try declathon @Cherrypi if you want some 'proper' clothing but don't want to spend a fortune. Brilliant value. Not very generous on sizing, think Primarni for reference!

ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 06/09/2020 08:53

I'm just sat trying to summon the energy to go and try a run, see how my leg is getting on......weather conditions are perfect but in just feeling meh! Lost my mojo!

Cherrypi · 06/09/2020 08:42

Thanks for this. I completed couch to 5k in July. I didn't make it to 5k in the half an hour. Haven't got there yet. I've joined a walk run club and I'm enjoying that twice a week. I'm thinking of investing in some proper clothes instead of supermarket leggings.

beguilingeyes · 03/09/2020 14:19

Saturday morning I go out with DH. During the week I run alone. I do prefer it. I listen to podcasts. I think I'd like to try stepping up to 10k but it's finding the time as much as anything else.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 03/09/2020 13:45

Do you run with someone else then, @beguilingeyes? I used to run with a friend pre-injury and restarting but she kept going and is now much faster and runs 8-10ks as her regulars, so we’re not suited as partners anymore Sad. My DH runs and does 5k but he’s faster than I am and is very focused on improving his times, so again, no dice. I like going out alone now, gives me time to just untangle my brain a bit.

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beguilingeyes · 03/09/2020 13:17

I'm trying to do three 5k runs a week. We do a #notparkrun on Saturday morning and I try to get out once or twice during the week, work permitting.

I find I run much better in the morning, and in the cold. I can't do it in the heat at all.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 03/09/2020 12:05

Hi all. How are we getting on?

I took the long weekend off, so I’ve only run once since I last posted on 29th. I’m due to run today, I’m planning a straightforward 5k. I need to run tomorrow too as I’m on holiday for a week and won’t be running, so I have to get my weekly 3 in before I go.

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Mysterian · 30/08/2020 15:12

I'm an old fat plodder. 5k in 38-39 minutes. Can only really fit in 2 runs per week due to work. Feel so good after a run that I'm starting to miss it when I've had more than a few days off.

MirandaWest · 30/08/2020 14:48

I have done couch to 5k many times over the past 10 years or so - I have got down to being able to run 5k in 28 min or so although that was 8 years ago Grin

Keeping going is my issue.

Have been actively dieting and exercising more over the past couple of months and it is working. Managed to do 5k in just under 32 minutes a couple of weeks ago but am happy with anything under about 35 at the moment.

Did a Zombie run today where you have to speed up when zombies come near Grin. Think I started a bit too fast as when I had to speed up felt like I was about to expire

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 29/08/2020 17:04

Welcome @Happytot. I was a regular runner previously too but injury put paid to it and I had to take a couple of years off. I don’t think I’ll ever be back where I was. Partially because the injury niggles if I push too hard and also, I don’t want to be giving that much time and brain space to it any more. I enjoy running but I don’t want to obsess about it, which is where I was headed previously.

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Happytot · 29/08/2020 14:45

Hello! I'd love to join this group. Graduated from C25K the middle of May. (Used to a lot of running years ago but let the habit slip). Finding it hard to keep the routine of running going as now back working full time and kids all back to school this week but determined to keep some sort of running up as I just love how I feel after it.

BogRollBOGOF · 28/08/2020 22:23

The C25k+ podcasts are great. There's 3, Speed which is 27 mins total, 5 min run and 6x 1min run/ jog intervals, Stepping Stone and Stamina which both go that bit longer and build up the beats per minute.

I've "graduated" at C25k tonight, again. I've been running a few years, but by June injury and lack of goals quashed my mojo, so I've built back up through the C25k runs through August to get my confidence back. I had fallen into lazy habits with walking breaks, so running/ walking because Laura told me to has been really good!

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 28/08/2020 18:35

I’ve never done Parkrun, @beguilingeyes. I’m a solo runner really. It seems to be one of those things that people either LOVE or hate. I know loads of runners/joggers who love it.

Well done on getting out @NotquitewhatImeant. I used to have real issues with pacing, I’m much better at it now but I have no idea why or how it changed!

I’ve just done some more ‘speed’ intervals on the treadmill (5min walk / 10x 1min fast run/1.30min brisk walk / 5min cool down walk). I say speed, its probably most others’ normal running pace but for me it’s a spurt at 11kph.

Toad in the hole for dinner. I’m hungry!

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NotquitewhatImeant · 28/08/2020 10:31

Morning all. Had a run this morning. Just under 5k and found it quite hard until I looked at my watch and realised I’d gone off too fast. I definitely have to remind myself every time to settle into a pace rather than go in fits and spurts. Like a lot of you I’m a little injured, dodgy hip due to RA and it’s been playing up. I’ve been doing lots of stretching and Pilates but it probably needs a week off. I’m scared if I stop I’ll never get back to it though as the weather changes...

beguilingeyes · 28/08/2020 09:52

waves, Hi everyone. I graduated about two years ago but have repeated twice because of injury/illness. I'm still a plodder. I thought I'd be doing 10k like a gazelle by now but it's still hard work.

I'm really missing Parkrun. We still go out on Saturday mornings and do a local 5k but I hope it comes back before too long. I try to do 5k three times a week..work permitting.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 28/08/2020 09:47

I’ve got an indoor bike too, a spin type one, but I absolutely hate it. It’s DH’s really, so I don’t feel guilty about not using it Grin.

I did go on the treadmill last night, again another 37:30 5k. I did 5.5km. The first 3k felt amazing and then I had to wipe my face. I totally lost my breathing rhythm breaking my stance leaning forward to grab the flannel and then spent about 0.7km gasping and trying to get it back on track. SO ANNOYING.

I’ve got a slightly tight right hip, so I need to get on the yoga proper, to loosen that up a bit.

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ProfessionalTeaDrinker · 27/08/2020 18:31

Have you looked at Zwift @HGC2? Its like a virtual world with different races or runs and I think you can set up training runs. It's mainly cycling focused but they do have a run section as well. Or one of the other running apps/training programmes? They might suit you if you need something to keep you going/more structure?

I do some yoga @JonHammIsMyJamm but I'm not consistent enough with it really. I only do it at home as well, so not sure how well I do it! I'm thinking I should be more consistent though and perhaps add something else to build up my strength a little more. I do flit between the indoor bike and HIIT videos as well but again, not consistently!

HGC2 · 27/08/2020 16:58

Can I join? I bought a treadmill at the start of lockdown as I was shielding, completed C25K which I thought meant I'd be running marathons by now before breakfast! In truth I'm a plodder, stay on the treadmill and do the same speed. Can't say I love it but I worked to hard to build up my stamina to give it up now! Would be great to hear tips on how to make it more enjoyable, in truth I think I just miss someone telling me when to stop and start!

LadyandtheTea · 27/08/2020 16:51

@Beachcomber I’ve also had some flexibility during lockdown so have been able to keep up with my running. I’m worried that once work starts back as normal and the weather turns, darker mornings etc I won’t go out as much. Really need to get good habits now.

Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 27/08/2020 13:22

Welcome, @ProfessionalTeaDrinker Smile. Injuries are rubbish, aren’t they? A knee injury is what stopped me running last time. I ended up having a year of physio and about 2yrs off running, so I had to start from scratch with c25k. Rest and building back up gently sounds good to me. Do you do anything else, exercise wise, to support your running? I do a bit of Pilates and yoga (as well as dog walking). I find they help support and cross train other muscle groups between runs, that’s supposed to help prevent injury.

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Original poster
JonHammIsMyJamm · 27/08/2020 13:17

Woohoo! Well done @MirandaWest.

It is FREEZING and chucking it down here today. I might use the treadmill again if it doesn’t ease off, rather than do it outside. I’ve got to walk the dog outside which is a necessary evil and I can don the waterproofs for it, but running, not so much.

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