Couch to 5k newbies - who's in??

[PlaymobilPirate]

Just downloaded the app. First one 2m!

I know I'm late to the party but can I join. I did w1r1 yesterday and nearly died, and I'm going out again tomorrow morning early on (probably in the dark so no one can see the flab) :)

Thanks @CormoranStrike, that was my thinking. Will make sure I can run for the longer periods and not worry too much about the speed (I only know because I’m doing it on a treadmill!). Will hopefully build my stamina and then I can work on speed

I'd like to give this a go but there seems to be lots of couch to 5k apps in play store. Which one would you recommend? Free preferably and for a complete beginner

I’ve got this one - and I am the very definition of an absolute beginner

I use that one too ^. I find the talking quite annoying but it does the job.

Breast I don’t think speed is important at this stage, you'll probably find your speed naturally picks up as your stamina improves. My physio told me that if I had any pain then I must repeat the week until I didn’t.

I just did W2R3 before the school run. Absolutely glorious running weather down here

Just done WK3R1

I was worried about the 3 minute runs, but in terms of breathing etc it was hard but doable - it would have been less demanding if my left calf and hamstring didn't keep tightening. If it hadn't been for that I would have felt better, I think.

Not sure what to do about this leg - its not agony, I stretch before and after. It niggles and tightens a lot. And i feel it behind my knee.

BTW, that's the app I use too.

Did W3R2 this evening. It was freezing. It was dark. But I went out anyway! I am usually so easily persuaded to give up so am v proud of myself. First 90 second run was the hardest but it got easier after that!
I am using the app above too. I love the talking. I change trainer each run so I hear something slightly different. Sarah first run of the week, Jo Whiley second one. Haven't finalised decision for third!

I have Sanjeev in my ears - he sounds like a pal.

I did W2R3 today. Freezing cold! Also my strava turned off after 6 mins which was annoying as I went further and faster than ever I felt (That’s not saying much 😂).

I also use that app and stick with jo whiley (so?). She is very encouraging!

I couldn’t start W2 today - felt like absolute dogshit so came home from work early. Working late tomorrow - if I feel better might try to sneak a run at lunchtime (we have showers!). If not will have to do Wed/Fri/Sun this week

Well done everyone getting out in the cold - proud of you all!

I've hit a snag! Painful knees! I was due to do W3, R3 today but I couldn't. I run on the treadmill at the gym. One of the trainers advised me to go on cross trainer instead as its low impact. So I did that at a decent pace for 15 minutes. Hopefully my knee will improve, the trainer also advised me to take ibuprofen so I'm doing that too.

I get so cross if forget to turn my watch on or it loses gps etc etc MrsHercule feels like you didn’t do anything

frustrated I hope that knee doesn’t give you too much gip.

Feel better mouldy

No running for me today, but I have a whole list of physio exercises to do with a resistance band that practically constitute a workout.

I just started on Saturday at the gym and doing w1r2 this morning. I'm too fat for the stress on my joints to run on the pavement at the moment. Treadmill is a bit different so building up my fitness first. Just got to work out when I can do w1r3 before Saturday.

@Theonewiththecat
I just started today, completed w1r1 this morning! Came on here looking for other new runners to keep me motivated!!

W4r1 done - it’s quite the step up, with 16 minutes of running in total but I battled through it!

I actually whooped when Sanjeev Kholi told me I had done it!

Hello @Lovingmylife and @raspberrypickle! Well done for starting. I will be doing W3R3 tomorrow and cannot believe how quickly.it has gone, nor that I can now run for 3 minutes, which, let me tell you, I could not at the beginning of 2020.

Thanks Thursday

I did W3R3 yesterday lunchtime and it was all good. At one point I did will on the 3 minute run to come to an end as it was uphill but then 3 minute walk seemed to last for longer than necessary. My next one won't be until Thursday now. According to my phone I run 2.8 km so not the quickest!

Oh I haven’t tried uphill yet!

Uphill is very humbling! I live in a valley and there’s on route without at least one incline

Must admit I'm enjoying coming straight to this thread to read all your tales and experiences, good and bad.
I did W2R3 tonight and was not impressed. Decided against my Shock Absorber as I couldn't immediately put my hand on it so was wobbling in an inferior boulder holder. Then my bum bag kept slipping down ( dont think I've lost THAT much weight yet!) so had to try and adjust that in my walking time. It was foggy and drizzly so I couldn't see clearly (specs wearer) and I think that subconsciously made me a bit more cautious. Also left my usual ear phones with my iPod at work so had to wear my wireless bluetooth ones which fall out of my silly little ears. So I wasn't overly pleased with my run tonight but feeling positive that I did it and it can only get better as I head into Week 3!

Well done for doing it despite all challenges!

Also, daft question but at the end of the running period when your narrator kicks in and tells you to slow down, do you immediately switch to your brisk walk or do you slow your pace and only start walking when they've stopped speaking?
I'm guessing it's not a good idea to stop running abruptly so I'm making an effort to ease off first. I'm only asking as on the last running period, Jo Whiley kicks in to say slow down and well dine etc, talks a bit longer then says go, so I wasnt sure if I should still be running at that point! Or if it even matters!
Also, can anyone recommend an app other than Strava? Granted I've forgotten twice now to press start, but I'm not convinced its very accurate.

@CormoranStrike, my dad just called me a snowflake

Today I finished W1R3 and I’m pretty proud of myself! I’m feeling a bit nervous for week 2 though! Reading everyone’s messages are so inspiring and we all deserve to be proud!