New Years Resolution couch to 5k thread

Hi, I have been reading this thread for a while now and was inspired to start the couch to 5km.
I am now just about to start week 4. Week 3 was hard... I could run the 3 mins, but I found it quite difficult. This week is the 3 and 5 min runs and then next week you build up to a 20 min run at the end.
I just can not believe that i will get to that stage in two weeks now considering I found 3 mins relatively tough.
Does it work like Ullrey says it does? Bascially please reassure me... it seems so unlikely at the moment.
Thank you

I've come across this thread a couple of times since January and always thought that I must give it a go, but have always found a reason not to

Well this afternoon I did my first run! I used the Nicole podcast as I thought the music would be better.

I'm 40, size 16 - about 2 stone overweight and a smoker! I managed to do 6 of the 8 runs (just walked the last 2) I felt crap when I got back and thought that maybe running wasn't for me but after a few stretches, a drink and a sit down the endorphins must have kicked in as I felt good and went and downloaded the week 1.2 podcast

Unfortunately I have a niggly tooth at the moment (due at the dentist on Thurs - but for a different tooth - will make an appointment for this one but likely to be a 2 week+ wait ) and the increased blood flow was making it throb. I also felt very self conscious! I know that I'm not one for exercise first thing in the morning (takes me a while to get going) and don't like the idea of running in the dark, so I'm not sure how to get round that one.

Well done Cote
Bratnav - my dd cheated and arrived in July She is teeny still but very spirited
Claudia - thanks Although I ran for 15 mins I hated every minute so I think this programme and it's slow build up will be good for me.

Hi everyone - I haven't been here for a while. Both DC managed to get chicken pox in quick succession, and my knees have been acting up (apparently I wasn't supposed to run every day)

Congratulations on everyone's progress. I'm amazed at the 5ks and 7ks. I've signed myself up for a 10k at the end of May but I'm nowhere near even running a 5k, having only just completed W6. But I've been doing a bit of running in the gym with a trainer who has been pushing me on the treadmill. And on Friday I ran for 25 minutes, alternating minutes of 9 km/hr fast run and 7.5 km/hr slow run. I didn't think it was possible (for me) and am mighty proud. It seems I can do anything if I know it's only for 1 min!

Ah no, we both were due to have babies in September 09, mine cheated and arrived 30th August

Didn't manage a run last night, I have a sore throat/headachey virus, may try tomorrow instead.

Hullo there ladylush, are you and bratnav preggers??

Running 15 mins at once is splendid, also a good start to manage the 8 intervals.

I am going to go back to about week 8 I think, will have to stop making excuses and give myself a big kick up the arse and get moving again.

Meant to say that I heeded the advice to follow the programme to the letter and not miss steps.

Ooh can I join please? Been inspired by bratnav (on the same antenatal thread) You're doing really well I've just started doing the couch potato - 5k as have been doing a combo of exercise bike and rower and not seeing results fast enough. Though it probably has helped my fitness as a few days before starting the programme I managed to run 15 mins on the treadmill without stopping (reaaaaaallllly slow though). So I heeded the advice to follow the programme and did the 8 intervals. Really enjoyed it. Ache today. I want to do a charity 5k run in September so have an incentive (apart from losing baby weight).

Well done Wuglet.

You're all doing SO well.

Me, not so good. Have got AF and another germ, so energy levels are low and I'm rather fed up with it. I am continuing to walk and do slow runs but am disappointed not to be increasing my speed/distance.

Well done Bratnav, you're doing well. Oh, and it was 7k not 7miles. Believe you me I am nowhere in the realms of 7 miles just yet!

I'm not having much luck with my exercizing this week. As mentioned in previous post got ready to go for a run the other night only for it to be pissing down. This morning I went to my gym to go for a swim only to find that the pool is closed because some kind of imbalance with the chemicals. I was pretty vexed that's for sure!

well done again bratnav! you sound like you're making fast progress already.

7k is great rollergirl. I get all my running gear from sportsworld (is dead cheap but also very pink) - popped in today for a running jacket in case of rain - after reading your post in fact - but they were disappointingly expensive. does anyone know of any sources of cheap running jackets?

7 miles rollergirl, that is seriously impressive (thud)

Back from my 2nd run, feel very pleased, I managed all 8 intervals Took my puppy girl tonight and we had a lovely time together, she really seemed to love the running and I enjoyed the company.

I had a lovely run this morning. Felt like I could keep going and going. So I did. I definitely find the first 5k the toughest and then it's like I get a sudden burst of extra energy kick in and it's almost like I have just started. Ran for 46 mins and felt completely energised at the end of it. I got back and mapped my route and I ran 7k so i'm getting there slowly but surely. .

I think I am going to have a look on the Next website for some cooler running clothes as I'm too hot with what I'm wearing now.

what a shame, rollergirl. I was lucky and missed the rain today but had to squeeze a run in between finishing work and picking the kids up so it was short and sweet

honestly, bratnav, keep it up and you'll be running half an hour runs in a few months time. I would never ever ever have believed that possible!

I'm still wearing my wooly hat as have a fear of cold ears - ouch - but am braving it with just a long sleeved top/running trousers combo this month. it's cold at first but fine after 5 mins

Hey hey peeps. I am so pissed off. I got changed into my running gear tonight, did 15 mins of stretches, opened the front door, to be greeted with heavy rain! I was absolutely gutted. It's awful when you psyche yourself up for something and then you can't do it. DH kept saying I should have gone anyway, but it would have been miserable. But went swimming instead so at least I've done something.

Am hoping can get out tomorrow at some point.

Welcome Bratnav. Be warned, it does get addictive. I run in those running tights, which are really just glorified leggings, a long-sleeved top and a hoodie to go over the top for an extra layer. But I have definitely noticed getting quite hot now since it's warmed up a little so may ditch the extra layer soon.

Ow ow ow, aching all over, still going to go out tomorrow though

Thanks for all the encouragement and support, it helps enormously.

No bratnav. I am far more lardier than you. I practically roll rather thanrun.

yay well done bratnav, that's an excellent achievement.

If you can bear to look back at the beginning of this thread you'll see that we were all just like you, unfit and a bit nervous!

Now I am slightly less unfit and fearless in my local runs, even braving the great outdoors in daylight.

Since starting the 0 - 5K programme I have lost about 9lbs in 9 or so weeks, so not massive weight loss but I am much more toned (which is nice) and just generally a lot happier and a bit nicer to live with.

I bought some new running shoes too, and wear those with leggings and either a vest top (warm mornings - I'm in Oz tho) or long sleeved thin t-shirt.

A few of us use Runkeeper which is a fantastic app for the iphone.

It is addictive and great. Well done on starting - that's really the hardest bit, give it a week or so and you will get bitten by the bug!

hurrah!! just you wait - in 10 weeks time you'll be a new and fitter you

ohgodohgodohgod am back from first night out.

Managed 5 out of 8 60 sec runs, but considering I have never really run before and haven't exercised since having DD1 that aint too shabby.

Very hot and tired but proud of myself

Speaking of lard, am I the heaviest here? Last time I checked I was 87kg

why why why did I actually look up week 9? Maybe a lie down would be more appropriate for me?