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

@Passportpondery what age are your kids? It is so hard to fit it in around them isn’t it? Mine are getting to slightly easier ages now they are 11 and almost 5 but they both have so many hobbies/play dates/birthday parties that I feel like I am just permanently in the car driving them places!

@WinterMermaid234 that’s so true about taking Park Run for granted. I aim to do it when I’ve completed and then build up in August do a 10k Brutal Run (Mud run). My kids are just getting to an age where it’s easier to fit the running in. Good luck with your Park Run in Feb

@jputthekettleon its a fab feeling isn’t it. I was never a runner until I did C25K 5yrs ago but I utterly lost it a year ago, but going back to basics has really helped me and for the first time yesterday running on the beach I thought to myself ‘I can get this back’ - my goal is parkrun again at end of February- something I used to completely take for granted until I couldn’t do it.

@Passportpondery hope you can carve yourself some time out, it’s hard with young kids. I took up running just so I could squeeze it in, I used to do primary school drop and run for 20-30mins until we got a dog and she’s was one of the reasons I stopped as I lost that slot to dog walking! Now I just do both but that’s because my DDs are both at secondary school so start earlier, and I work at home more.

I’ve not made it out since Tuesday so hoping to do W4R2 tomorrow. Struggling with routine and the kids at the minute so hard to find time to go out.

Been lurking. 7 or 8 years ago I did c25k and got the bug and went all the way to a half marathon but then for a variety of reasons stopped and couldn’t get back into it.

I'm currently on Week 3, just did day 2 and it feels amazing I never thought I would run again! I was never a runner before 8 years ago and if I can do it most people can!

Such a good feeling even when it’s freezing cold outside I'm desperate to get out and run!

W3R1 complete very very slowly as it's still icy. Might be going back to W1 though as my dd wants to join me. She came tonight but might benefit from those first two weeks.

W4R1 complete! Didn’t think I’d be able to, but just kept it at a snails pace. Can worry about speed later!

Whoop week4 ✔️ so pleased I’ve managed to build this back up again managing my niggly hip. I ran on the beach today even that had frost on it but the softer surface was so much kinder on my legs I didn’t get any shin cramp. I do prefer trail once I’m run-fit again much nicer on old joints. Week5 is crunch week as it really steps up but I’m excited too as I’m enjoying the buzz running gives.

Hope everyone else can get out running even going round your local grassy park when it’s frosty can be easier than icy pavements.

W4 R1 completed here today and it was tough.

Frustrated here that I can't get out for W3. It's been so icy and we've had more snow today that I don't dare go out. I have to wait till after work too so it's dark. Hope I can get out even for a slow careful run tomorrow.

I'm really encouraged to read everyone's updates - I still haven't managed to restart! I enjoyed doing C25K from March onwards but don't feel safe going out in the dark at the moment - DP only gets home at 6ish to look after the DC. Plus I'm terrified of breaking an ankle or something on the ice! I'm looking at gym memberships instead - I don't need anything fancy, just something with treadmills & exercise bikes so I could go early at the weekends. Actually a home treadmill or bike would be better but we just don't have the room!

Thanks for the support @Emmalou0607! I used to be a regular runner but not for 7 or 8 years now. I’ve always really enjoyed it and have been desperate to get back to running regularly for a long time. But the heavier you are the harder it is!! Hoping it’ll stick this time. Just finished another run - not quite week 4 yet but managed 3 very slow 4 minute runs. Think I might be ready to move on on Friday

Well done those getting out there in these wintery conditions. Thanks @Emmalou0607 i alas was a HM runner in 2021, it’s scary how quickly you lose it with age and weight gain..but great to hear your energy still shining through.

I had to delay my planned run from this morning as the dog walk was an ice walk of slip n slide but I kept my run kit on from 6.30am just added a fleece for work calls. Lucky it stopped sleeting at lunchtime so I got W4 run 2 done. I added an extra 5min run at the end as my middle 5min run was mostly down hill so it felt easy, and I did most of the warm up at home with squats & lunges as it was too cold to walk! So I actually ran-walked 4k, in total but then collected the dog and did another 2k walk straight after. Starting to feel a-bit stronger but it’s really taking time to build up. Thinking of skipping run3 this week and doing week5 instead as once I’m warmed up my body feels like it can do more I’m just pacing myself to avoid aggravating my niggly hip injury.

Wow thanks for the encouragement @Emmalou0607 Cant imagine that I’ll ever run a marathon and a few days late due to work commitments but… W3 completed today! 🙌
(W5 and a 20 minute run looms closer 🙈)

Just want to say, I love following this group! You are all doing amazing!

My manager loves to talk about how I used to talk about how nervous I was for the next week of couch to 5k back in lockdown 1.0 and now I'm out running half and full marathons.

You can all do it. I was full on office couch potato before I did couch to 5k and never stuck to any type of exercise. I've now been running 3-4 times every week as a minimum. I know running isn't for everyone but I really hope that you fall in love with it the way I have.

It's been a long road and it was not easy for a long time (now it's good to be able to do an easy run and also do training sessions which are hard) but it feels so good to get there.

Keep sharing your updates cause it's amazing!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌

I know the feeling! I was struggling with the 3 minutes last week but somehow managed the 5 today.

I’m still finding it hard realising how unfit I am. It’s embarrassing. I’m in my 30’s, no real health issues, lower end of average weight for my height- I really should be able to run for more than a few minutes without feeling like i’m about to have a heart attack!!

I’m really not sure I would surprise myself @Passportpondery. I’m close to death by the end of the 3mins 😂. I’ll do one more week 3 then I think I might be better prepared

Give it a go, you might surprise yourself! You can always attempt the 5 minutes but stop after 3 if you are struggling.

Well done @Passportpondery I just repeated one of the week 3 runs this morning as I was too scared of week 4 lol. However, today definitely felt a bit easier, so I'll maybe do one more week 3 run then move on. I also did my first ever kettlebell workout, just a 15min one after my run but definitely felt it in my arms and legs!

I’ve just done week 4 run 1. I skipped the last one of week 3 and manage reasonably ok with this one.

I still feel like I could walk faster than I’m running, and it’s still not comfortable, but I’m doing it.

Gosh that wind is very cold this morning did a slight variation of Week4 run 1, as took while to warm up so did 3min run x3 with walk breaks and a 6min run instead of 5min x2, but legs were ok once I got a-bit warmer.

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Hi all, can I join please? I have just completed week 3, but think I might repeat it as I found the 3 minute blocks a bit of a struggle and don't feel ready to move on yet. I did complete c25k a couple of years ago but picked up an injury and didn't ever get back to it. I'm now a stone heavier and way too unfit so I'm on a mission now!

Morning all, W2R2 done. It's freezing out there!

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