Starting couch to 5K tomorrow morning - anyone want to join?

W4R1 complete, forgot how much of a jump that was. Enjoyed it but hoped to run off my headache and actually made it worse.

I found when it got to the long runs my goal was to forget distance and just concentrate on the duration. It definitely got a bit hit and miss from w5/6 where I had to repeat runs but it all helped me work out my pace. Once I could run 30 mins straight I then started thinking about distance and getting to 5k but to be honest the first 5k just came out of nowhere. I just felt good and ran it. It took about 45 mins the first time but it felt amazing. After that they just kept coming.

Hope you have had a great time!

Ive got a sore foot/ankle so debating whether to run on it today or rest, but won’t get out until next Saturday otherwise with it being half term.

I’m taking the same approach now @Passportpondery i think listening to your own body is key now but also knowing you can do it. I built up-to 10k and then HM previously even if it did take me over a year to get there. I did it by just adding 0.5k to a run each week. My first goal is parkrun next weekend assuming this ski hols doesn’t break me first 😂

Sounds like a good approach @Passportpondery

I’m on the straight 25 minute runs and find them tough going but hoping endurance will build over time.

4k done today! I’ve decided to ditch the programme and just run for enjoyment now. Took me 30 minutes to do 4k and I had 2 3 minute walk breaks during it.

The programme is just 25 minute straight runs now so I don’t find it helpful. I’m not there yet, but it doesn’t matter.

I’m going to stick with this 4k route until I can run it without any walk breaks, and then will up it by 0.5km at a time.

@sylv165 glad you run went better, I’d find it harder on a treadmill I think as I like the distraction of being outside, but it must be good to have a constant pace.

I’m currently nursing thighs of pain after only two days of skiing 😂the running did help as prep but geez I’m suffering as my youngest DD wiped me out getting off a lift with my knee going the opposite direction…lots of volterid cream has been used!

@Passportpondery sounds like a sensible approach, the first time I did C25K I focused on doing 3.5-5k nonstop to start with then added 0.5k. I just listen to what my body wants to do that day..sometimes it needs to walk other times it’s happy to run slowly non-stop. After this ski trip it will be hobbling 😂

I had it in my head that I wanted to “complete the programme”… but actually what I want to be able to do is run 5k without stopping, which realistically isn’t going to happen at the end of the 9 weeks given where I am at the minute.

I think I’m going to try for the next few runs doing 4k. If I need to walk some of it then that’s ok. I will keep going until I can do the whole 4k running and then up to 5k.

I think that is ok @Passportpondery, just take it all at your own pace. I think doing longer runs on a treadmill is helping me because I can deliberately set the speed very slow and just not deviate from that. If I was running outside I think I would end up going faster but probably not being able to finish and doing something similar to you. I've allowed myself a bit more flexibility with the plan compared to the last time I did it, and I think it has helped me not to get too discouraged if I miss a run or have to repeat a week.

I was feeling slightly better earlier so dragged myself out and just did a small 2k run.

Ive looked ahead at the plan and to be honest I’m struggling with the thought of the 25 minute continuous runs. I’m tempted to go off plan now and just keep running then walking when needed as much as I can and let myself build up stamina slowly.

I managed W6 R3 today so ran for 25 minutes. I found it tough but got through it and it definitely feels good to have finished it.

Had a few days rest after the toenail incident and finally managed my first 20 mins straight run. It felt much better than my first attempt so definitely think my legs were just a bit over worked that day.

@WinterMermaid987 i also haven’t lost any weight, but definitely feel a little bit slimmer. Not much of a difference, but just a bit more definition around my waist.

Get well soon @Passportpondery!

Ha ha, I’m sure it’s all toned up!

I’m out of action at the minute with illness. Next week is half term so that’s a right off so will have to go back a bit the week after.

Also I’ve not lost a lb but my leggings kept falling down today 😂I had to take my phone out the pocket and put it in my jacket pocket instead - it must be time to put the drawstring back as I had to take it out to get them on in Dec! So hoping I’ve toned up abit…

@sylv165 gosh that’s not great sounds like you need bigger shoes.

@Passportpondery well done on your run I’m glad it was easier this time.

I had a cracking run this morning didn’t plan to as I’d just walked the dog but just kept going as felt strong and I nailed a continuous 5k run in 36mins. SO pleased with myself for getting this far. It did aggravate my toe joint again so I iced it afterwards but it felt great to be running again. Will have a break for a week now as we are going away and I hope to do Parkrun when I get back as that was my goal I set myself at Xmas.

oh dear that is quite the milestone @sylv165 !
I ran W6 R2 today. A day or so late after having the weekend off and it was a struggle to get through it but I did it.

Ha ha! Now that is a milestone!
Hope it heals ok!

Big milestone here. I have lost my first toenail. Probs time for some new trainers 😂🤢😳

Well the Saturday run with a friend got put on the back burner after a glass too many down the pub the night before!

Made it out today though and re-did the W6R1 that I struggled with on Thursday. I found it good and so instead of doing the last 5 minute run I did another 8. Not sure what the main difference was today, but I’m pleased I’ve got back on it as I was disappointed with Thursdays fail!

I really focused on slowing down and dropped my 7 minute km pace down to an 8 which I found easier to sustain.

Back out again on Tuesday!

I've just been catching up in everyone's progress and you've all come on so far. I remember doing that 20 min run the first time round, I think I picked the hottest day of the year so I was as red as a tomato when I was done but felt like I was on cloud 9.

I've repeated the first two weeks with my dd but she has a chronic illness so she needs to take it slow and I would rather supervise her than leave her to run around the estate by herself in case she gets into trouble. She's doing amazing and now circling back for me. Jealous of her long legs and youngness. We'll be onto w3 tomorrow and still loving it.

Sorry to hear about your stress fracture @deuxgarcons that must be so frustrating.

@Passportpondery enjoy the run with your friend. I feel just like you about group exercise, I think it's like school PE flashbacks again. I'm sure you'll be great but it's always the sportiest and people who ask you to join in, however, I've always found fellow runners, no matter how fast, are always the most supportive people.

It’s not a race, well done for getting back on it!

Ah well done all. I'm sooooo behind! Wk 3 R2 tomorrow

Well done @sylv165!

Definitely @WinterMermaid987, some days it just doesn’t happen. Onwards and upwards - am reasonably confident for Sunday!

Your run sounds lovely! I have been running on a treadmill which has some advantages (I can go at a steady speed, no hills, don’t need to work around the kids), but on bad days I think it makes it worse as there are no distractions and all I can see is the time ticking down!

Well done @sylv165 a great effort and some days are definitely easier than others but all time on legs is building stamina.

I had a shorter slower run this morning but loved doing a 3k trail run with my dog. I’ve not ran with her for a year but she was great. I didn’t stop to walk but had a couple of pauses to give her a treat or to whistle her back. I much prefer trail as it’s gentler on my achy joints but I did pick a flattish route to do a 25min run.