Page 5 | I’m starting couch to 5k tonight, anyone else?

spitofyou · 2026-01-19T17:06:12+00:00

It’s light as I’m leaving work so that’s it, the evenings are drawing out and by the time the clocks go back I want to make it to 5k. ultimate goal is to be running a minimum of 5k by the time I go on holiday in the summer, so that I can run when I’m there.

ItalianChineseIndianMexican · 21/01/2026 07:04

I'm determined to do this. Not started yet but maybe this thread will spur me on!

Original poster

spitofyou · 21/01/2026 06:39

Run 2 tonight! Really looking forward to it

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HollywentLightly · 20/01/2026 23:17

Unfortunately I can't access the NHS one @spitofyou as I'm not in the UK. I was careful with my pocket placement this evening and it worked properly so hopefully if I'm more careful it'll work.

I'm the same @EdinaTheConfessor . The first time I did c25k I had myself kitted out for ultra marathons by week 3 😂

EdinaTheConfessor · 20/01/2026 18:16

Can I join? I started last week and did my first week 2 run yesterday. I’m actually really enjoying it and can feel the benefits already.

I'm also trying to lose weight having put on half a stone over Christmas and annoyingly the scales aren’t budging. I’m reliably informed this is due to the new exercise and inflammation of muscles so that’s ok, I can live with that!

I'm not going to lie, I have a tendency to get a bit obsessed with stuff like this, bought myself some new kit and all the rest of it, but usually don’t get past the first week before I give up and move on to the next thing. So the fact I’m still enjoying at week 2 says a lot!

TaupeRaven · 20/01/2026 16:55

Well done on getting back to it! I started last January after an 11 stone weight loss, having never exercised in my life, and haven't looked back! It's been brilliant for my mental and physical health.

Original poster

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 21:04

HollywentLightly · 19/01/2026 20:39

I started last week too. My app is really annoying me though, it keeps shutting down mid way through. Which ones are you all using? An accountability thread would be really helpful for me. I used to be able to run 10km (slowly) and I'd love to get back to 5-7km on a regular basis (my stomach doesn't like me going past 7km)

I’m using the NHS one (the green-y) one. Kept it open through my entire run tonight so I could time my change of speed

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HollywentLightly · 19/01/2026 20:39

I started last week too. My app is really annoying me though, it keeps shutting down mid way through. Which ones are you all using? An accountability thread would be really helpful for me. I used to be able to run 10km (slowly) and I'd love to get back to 5-7km on a regular basis (my stomach doesn't like me going past 7km)

evilharpy · 19/01/2026 18:43

I was going to start this week (after a failed attempt last year) but have come down with a chest infection and nearly lost my lungs this afternoon during a gentle yoga session ffs. I am raging as it's ruining all my plans for this week not just running! I'll start when I'm over the worst of this and join in the thread a bit late if that's ok, a bit of company would be nice.

I'm not a new runner at all, juat a very lapsed one but I will be starting again from the very beginning.

Whataninterestinglookingpotato · 19/01/2026 18:38

Well done to everyone who starting out. Just so everyone knows and doesn’t get disheartened. The program will teach you to run continuously for 30 mins but it would be quite usual to be running a 30 min 5k by the end of it. Most people will be just over 4k. I know I was.

so don’t stress if you still aren’t hitting 5k at the end. It’s normal and will come in time. By the time you finish doing the extra few minutes to make it up to 5k won’t seem like a big deal and in time you’ll likely get to 5k in 30 mins and faster with practice.

enjoy!

Buzzlightfear · 19/01/2026 17:44

I started on 1st Jan (cliché I know 😁) missed a few days when the streets were really icy but just finished week 2 and I've really enjoyed it. I'm stunned really, never thought I would say I'm enjoying running 😄

Glad your first run went well!

Original poster

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 17:42

I did it!! I missed this so much. I also tackled a huge fear of mine, running in the gym!

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NoKnickerElastic · 19/01/2026 17:18

This is just the thread I need! I just finished week 1. I can't believe I seem to be actually enjoying it! I have not exercised for years except walking.

Catisheavyonmylap · 19/01/2026 17:18

Sounds like we’re in the same boat! Good luck with your run and hope you enjoy easing back into it.

Original poster

spitofyou · 19/01/2026 17:16

Catisheavyonmylap · 19/01/2026 17:13

Fantastic! Have you ever run before? Couch to 5k is a great way to start and had me running 5k in no time.

I’ve had some illness this last year and haven’t been able to run, but starting to feel like I could manage a little jog, so have downloaded the app, as this way it should stop me from going all gung ho and overdoing it (which I’m great at!).

I did last year and ended up with an injury. I got cleared by my physio to start again this week! I’ve lost a lot of fitness since then though I think

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Catisheavyonmylap · 19/01/2026 17:13

Fantastic! Have you ever run before? Couch to 5k is a great way to start and had me running 5k in no time.

I’ve had some illness this last year and haven’t been able to run, but starting to feel like I could manage a little jog, so have downloaded the app, as this way it should stop me from going all gung ho and overdoing it (which I’m great at!).