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

[PlaymobilPirate]

Just downloaded the app. First one 2m!

W3R3 done this morning. Didn’t run Monday as had late work thing and also I’ve been unwell. Still got cough/cold but went anyway so pleased with that. Might stick with week 3 for a few more runs until I’ve shifted my cough/cold....

Also what motivated me was those that are at the same place as me doing their runs and me not wanting to get left behind 🤣

Just done W6 R1. Struggled a bit even though the runs were broken up compared to last week. Finished it though. Time for a cup of tea!

@BreastOfIntentions, did you manage the 20 minutes for the end of week 5? I’m due to do it tomorrow/ Saturday and I don’t think I’ll be able to!

ringlets I'm (over)due to do w5, r3 too and I think I'm just going to suck it up and try it today. It seems like a huge step but I trust the programme and there's some comfort in knowing that week 6 goes back to intervals.

I'll report back - assuming it doesn't kill me!

@redavocado, I’m gritting my teeth and trying it today too. I’ll just see how it goes and if I have to walk for a bit, I will.

Good luck!!

That's my plan too. At least we're aiming for 20 mins.

Good luck to you too!!

@ringletsandtwiglets and @redavocado honestly the thought of it was so much worse than the reality! I was watching a program on my phone (running on treadmill) so it flew in. Don't start too fast, but just keep it steady

@BreastOfIntentions, you’re amazing! I managed 12 minutes running, then had to walk for two, then ran the rest. I think I’ll do it again on Sunday and try to keep going.

To be honest, I’m amazed I even managed the 12 minutes!

Well done ringlets and breastofintentions!! I just did it and ran for all of it apart from the steps up to the two bridges I crossed. I really didn't think I could do it and there's no way I could have a few weeks ago! So proud!

Congratulations to you both on getting that run in the bag! W6 R1 is back to intervals 🥳

Honestly this program is fantastic - we're building so much stamina every time we force our running gear and get out there!

Wk5r2 done - and I did it!

It was on a running machine at work which I don’t like as much: you don’t get naturally cooled, even my feet get too hot, plus you can fixate too much on the clock and pace.

However, even though I slowed my already slow pace in the second half of run two I didn’t stop.

Onwards!

Go Cormoran! When I've run on treadmills in the past, I've always put a towel over the display so I can ignore the numbers. Is that an option or do you have a fancy one with a tv screen to distract you?

Well done everyone!

I completed WK4R3 last night, and it was really hard. The whole way round I was thinking I was going to have to stop, but I didn't. I'm not sure why it was so hard; I was actually a bit slower than the previous two runs, and I ran the same route.

WK5R1 on Monday.

I'm doing weights on non running days in an attempt to tone up. Not a huge programme, but I'm trying to sort out my arms, back and tummy.

Is anyone else doing other exercises?

I've just done W4R1! Boy was it hard. Doable, but hard. I'm so pleased with myself that I managed to keep going throughout.

@beenrumbled what sort of weight exercises are you doing?

I'm doing bicep curls, "fly" arm presses and tricep extensions/kickbacks, side bends and abdominal. reversed "Woodchop" and squats with weights!

£ reps of 12 for each, on the days I don't run and a total rest on Sunday.

W5R2 done and it was so much better than W5R1 for some reason. I really enjoyed the second 8 minute run. 20 minutes though with no break - yikes!

I've just finished 30 days of Yoga with Adriene. I try and do it every year but this is the first attempt with running. The yoga has hopefully been helping with my breathing. I still suffer from a stitch at times though and follow Sanjiv's advice for that one.

I've got 2kg weights in the garage and I keep meaning to get them out so I can work on other things too.

Everyone is rocketing on! Well done all, though especially to you all running on treadmills, I hate those damn things.

I completed W4R1 today and surprised myself by covering around 2.5 miles! Nice conditions though and I chose my least hilly route.

I like cross training because sometimes if you can’t force yourself to run, you CAN force yourself to fuck about with weights or YouTube workout for less time. Then you don’t feel so bad for not running.

I do pilates once a week, a powerlifting club once a week (I am v amateur) and try to do some sort of resistance training another day.
The physio has prescribed hip and calf and ankle exercises which take up 10-15 minutes if done together so I count that as a workout!

Looking forward to hearing more reports of later weeks, happy running!

Checking back in as I've been awol. Didn't manage to run at all between last Sunday and today, and was really demotivated as every run in week 4 seemed harder so by then end I wasn't completing them.

Am sure it's mental so today I went somewhere new (the path from Finsbury Park to Ally Pally for those that know!) and dropped down to 4x3mins rather than 3,5,3,5. Felt more achievable so will do this and then 4x4 and 5x5 before moving on!

This is really hard for me as I know how easily it'll be to quit now, but I
a) really want to get back to enjoying going for a run,
b) need to loose weight (I'm a size 20)
c) want to be fit enough to take up other exercise like tennis!

Sorry for the ramble, just checking back in :)

It sounds like everyone's doing so well! Just think about far we've all come!

I commute by bike (about 6 miles each way) and used to do yoga and lift weights until I had DD who is nearly 2 now. I just don't have time for it all anymore!

myfuckingfreezer, it's good to hear from you! I went past Clissold Park the other day and they're relaying the running track there so I thought of you. That's good going on that path - it's definitely slightly uphill heading towards Highgate which I'd never realised until I tried running it!!

Did Week 5 Run 1 today. Wasnt too bad at all. It's nice to be running again. Next run is a bit of a jump but I'm reasonably optimistic.

Just done W5R2! Had a second rest day yesterday as I may have overindulged on cocktails on Friday and didn't think I would be at my best.
Cannot quite believe that 4 weeks since I started I have gone from struggling to run a minute to having completed 2 x 8 min runs and feeling fabulous about it! The first 4 mins were the worst, once I was told I was halfway through I was fine and actually enjoyed it. I passed someone I know on her way to early mass and...I smiled at her! Running and smiling!
Well done everyone wherever you are - we are all making progress. I know I have the big one next, but I am not.going to worry. Sarah says I can do it, so why shouldn't I believe?

Well done @sovielverloren

I have a rest day today, W4R2 tomorrow.

Does anyone know at what point the emphasis changes from minutes ran to distance? My sessions are consistently about 2.6km, so will have to run for twice the time soon!

Hope im not too late for this, just downloaded the app.

I am still unwell, can’t shake this cough/cold. Only missed one run but am going to repeat week 3 until I shake it off. So I have been today and done my fourth week 3 run! Am pleased with myself for not stopping completely though!!!