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

Had to walk after about 13 mins. Walked for a couple of mins then ran for another 7. Think my legs were a bit heavy after a kettlebell workout yesterday as my calves were cramping a bit. Going to try again on Sunday!

How did you get on @sylv165 ?

Right, I’m going in for the big one, wish me luck!!

If your running “too fast” maybe just add in more freq but short 1min walk breaks to re set your breathing? For me my pace didn’t pick up until after 6mths+ running when I did this last time but genetics plays it’s part. I’m not built for speed🤣so I just plod and every now and then I’ll sprint between lamp posts then go back to plod. Hope you enjoy going out with your friend

@WinterMermaid987 thanks, I will try changing the route next time. I tried a podcast rather than music today which didn’t seem to work for me.

I am still running too fast, I read you should be able to talk when running and I’m definitely very out of breath. I can’t seem to slow it down though and feel comfortable.

I’m going to run with a friend at the weekend which I’m really nervous about. I have no confidence in my physical abilities and always avoid group exercise and activity! They have been running for a long time and are much better than me so I’m worried about looking ridiculous!

Well done for having a go @Passportpondery I’ve had my fair share previously of crap runs just have a couple of days off and try again. Then you could change your route or music/pod cast try something different to distract you can help

I looked back at my steps total for January and it’s 3x higher than December which made me smile. I felt SO crap through most of December so I’m glad I’m feeling healthier and getting more exercise even if I’ve lost zero weight still!

Just attempted week 6 run 1 and it was a complete fail! Feel like I’ve gone backwards about 3 weeks.

Just couldn’t get comfy or keep going so I ended up doing 5 mins run, 5 walk cycles and then gave up.

Not sure if it’s too soon after my big run Tuesday, or my circuits class last night but I felt awful.

Trying not to be too annoyed with myself and going to attempt it again on Saturday.

My running mojo has definitely taken its time to get going this year BUT the DC's school have decided to put on a sponsored 5K in June... I really need to start my training!!

Like @Passportpondery I can't run in the dark where we are, DP often isn't home from work till after 6pm. If I found a v cheap gym deal I might take that up for a while...!

I might do something similar @Passportpondery, or at least give myself the option of doing that if I’m struggling.

Wow @WinterMermaid987 that sounds like an amazing run. 30 mins of running is fantastic!

That’s amazing well done!

Ive been to my circuits class tonight and actually feel like I’m getting better at it now. It’s taken a long time and I still really lack confidence, but I can definitely see some improvement in the things I can do now.

I had a great run at sunrise this morning it definitely takes me a minimum of 10mins to warm up. I ran 12mins then did 1min squats stretch then carried on another non stop 17mins as I wanted to do 4k. So pleased I went as I felt really stiff first thing but warmed up at home and although cold it was a lovely morning.

I allowed myself a 1 minute walk in the middle. It was the only way to mentally get myself on board with it!

I’m going to attempt it again on Thursday I think to see if I can feel more comfortable with it and then start the week 6 programme next week.

Completed W5 R2 today. I found it fine, but was definitely glad of the break in the middle. I'm encouraged by the fact that many of you have completed the long run as right now I don't know if that will be possible. But after my 5 min cool down I did run for an extra 4 mins so at least I know in my head I can do 20mins of running in total.

Totally do the same forgetting how to breathe thing. So strange once you start to think about it!

Even back when I was running lots, half marathons etc, I still found the first 15 minutes the hardest. I guess it just takes that long to warm up - even now I am incredibly unfit I still find the second half of my runs much easier than the first.

I’m nervous about the 20 min run even though the first time round I thought the same and actually managed it. I think age and injury is putting me off. I’m a week away yet. Going away this weekend and running out of time to fit runs it but as long as I keep going regularly it’ll get done.

well done everyone

I think I must be doing the same as you @WhenZogateSuperworm and I just can’t breathe as they suggest - to your steps. Good luck for your next run.

I feel the same! I can’t get the hang of breathing to your steps like they advised earlier in the programme, and I’m breathing through my mouth not my nose.

It’s definitely a lot about the mental challenge for me. I want to give up really quickly some times and find it hard to push myself to keep going.

It felt challenging @Passportpondery but mostly in the mind as I ran later than usual and my mind was telling me to give up throughout the first half.
one thing I find hard is when the coach encourages you to breathe - I get a bit panicky and it makes things worse than if I just get on with it.

Well done @Passportpondery - not sure what to advise about your next run…
Hope your youngest is better soon @WinterMermaid987

Name change fail sorry!

Well done! How did you feel?

I did it too! W5 R3 - 20 minutes!! - completed!

Well I did W5R3 today! I found it really difficult and had a 1 minute walk in the middle to reset myself as I was struggling.

I’m going out again on Thursday so not sure whether to repeat this run and hope I feel more comfortable, or whether to move on to W6 R1 which is actually easier as it’s 5 and 8’s with rest walks.

No run for me at the moment today as youngest off school sick, I maybe to get out tonight or more likely tomorrow morning as DH is working at home as well so we can tag team on teachers strike

Strength training for running to start with can be as simple as squats, lunges, plank, push ups. Body weight is good then add in weights for the squats and lunges. The nhs. C25K app had a link to get you started. Caroline Givan is good but for me personally it was too hard as a beginner. I try to do 20 squats whilst the kettle is boiling or lunge whilst DD is brushing her teeth at bedtime to build it into my day 😃or I just don’t do it.