Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be hating couch to 5k

99 replies

ihatetorun · 03/09/2019 16:21

I can’t stand it. I’m sat outside the gym trying to force myself to go in.

I’m wondering if it’s worth persevering or not? I know everyone says it’s worth it but is it?

OP posts:
IhaveALooBrush · 03/09/2019 16:47

Join a dance class. Much more fun. My friend is doing a 'strictly for beginners' course at a ballroom club.
I am so jealous.

Original poster
ihatetorun · 03/09/2019 16:48

There’s no way I could run outside. It’s a real struggle in the gym to be honest.

OP posts:
Original poster
ihatetorun · 03/09/2019 16:49

Basically I now realise I need:

Nothing requiring coordination (dance or aerobics)

Nothing requiring flexibility

Nothing in the water

Nothing high impact

No weights

Grin
OP posts:
MikeUniformMike · 03/09/2019 16:49

Could you do exercise that you enjoy. Classes are good.
Do something like circuits, aerobics or spinning, and body pump. You'll soon be toned.

BirthdayCakes · 03/09/2019 16:51

I've done it twice and hated every single second - and i did it outside too..

Also - i put on weight. Maybe from muscle, who knows?

It's just not worth it - find something you enjoy OR get a personal trainer.. although it won't help you lose weight!

Toucan123 · 03/09/2019 16:57

Are you in London by any chance? If so you should come to my running club - we run a c25K programme. It's much easier to stick to and more motivating if you run with a group of people who are in the same boat rather than just using an app and doing it by yourself.

I did c25K two years ago using an app - it was tough at times and I absolutely hated it. But I stuck with it and I've now lost over 2 stone and can run 5K in 25 mins (not bad for a 44 year old)!

thismeansnothing · 03/09/2019 16:57

If you don't like running don't do it! That seems madness. If you want to lose weight find an activity you enjoy. Your more likely to stick to it long term than forcing yourself to do something you hate

berlinbabylon · 03/09/2019 16:57

Why no weights? You can use light ones and do lots of reps.

I am also asking why not running outside? Nobody is looking at you, nobody cares. Do you have a local parkrun? You can use that as a walk-run opportunity and do two shorter walk-runs at other times in the week.

I didn't start running in the conventional way as I didn't do couch to 5k. I started going out for a run (shuffle) and ran very slowly so I could keep going, and every week added on 5 minutes until I could run for an hour. My other two runs (shuffles) were around 20 minutes each. It doesn't matter if you can't run it all, walk if you need to, but gradually build up.

I have never been on a treadmill except for gait analysis (so a few seconds while the person in the shop works out what sort of running shoes I need).

berlinbabylon · 03/09/2019 16:59

You might also have outside couch to 5k programmes in your area where you can start from scratch with other people. Much more fun and more accountability, too.

Nobody enjoys running when they start out (I don't think so anyway) but you need to stick at it for at least 6 weeks.

Toucan123 · 03/09/2019 16:59

Oh I've just seen you said you won't run outside. Definitely not for you then!

user87382294757 · 03/09/2019 17:00

Zumba perhaps. Something fun

Original poster
ihatetorun · 03/09/2019 17:00

I really can’t think of any exercise I’d enjoy that wouldn’t be too expensive or too impractical.

I can’t run outside - either concrete which is too jarring or grass which is too difficult to run on. Plus maybe other people don’t care but I do!

OP posts:
HungryHiker · 03/09/2019 17:05

How about walking? And hiking? Really enjoyable activities that are not high impact :)

I love running now but that first 5k was HARD. I found progressing from 5k to 10k so much easier!

I still remember the amazing feeling of accomplishment after running my first ever mile non-stop.

For me at least, running is more of a mental challenge than a physical one. Your mind says noooo but you have to dig in, tell yourself you can, and your body obliges!

TimeIhadaNameChange · 03/09/2019 17:06

What do you hate about it?

I loathed exercise at school, especially running. I'm asthmatic, and running just triggered attacks (despite inhalers) and I hated not being able to breathe. The yearly cross-county, with smug teachers posted at intervals yelling at me to 'run faster' was the bane of my life. Only once did I get anywhere near to enjoying running, and that was when I ran a 1500m with a teacher who chatted to me all the way, which distracted me from my lungs.

Two years ago I had severe depression and took time off work. I needed something to do and for some reason started C25K. I'm a determined bugger and once I'd started was not going to stop.

The best bit of advice I found was to run slower, and it's what I pass on to anyone who even raises an eyebrow in the direction of running. Honestly, when I discovered this my running pace slowed to just above my walking pace. I felt ridiculous! But you know what, it meant I could keep going that bit further, and my lungs had no reason to object. I slowly upped my pace, but I'm still not fast by any stretch of the imagination. Yet I managed to complete a half marathon less than a year after starting (and believe me, if I told friends I knew at school they'd assume I was lying!).

If you hate it you hate it, but give it one go jogging the jogging bits slowly. As slow as you can then slower. It will feel strange but what have you got to lose?

sidekickchick · 03/09/2019 17:07

I did couch 2 5k and was worried that everyone would look at me so ran early morning. I repeated a few weeks so it took a bit longer to finish but I felt so good by the end! Get yourself to a running shop to make sure you've got some nicely cushioned trainers and start with just a 30 min walk 3 times a week. Then you can build up as slowly as you like (or just stick to walking). Otherwise try going out with a group or friend, if you chat as you go it makes things much easier and it stops you going too fast too soon.

LittleSweet · 03/09/2019 17:07

Running on a treadmill is easier than running on the pavement. I've just started it. I hate running but feel mentally great after. My body feels awful. I used to be able to do 5k. I much prefer exercising in the fresh air. No body odours from other people. How about doing cycling instead? Or get the gym to give you a plan avoiding the treadmill?

LittleSweet · 03/09/2019 17:10

I have a trampette in my bedroom which means I can watch tv too. I jog on it. It's low impact and has a handle to hold on to. I have dyspraxia.

Chocolatedaim · 03/09/2019 17:11

Would you feel more comfortable with a running buddy?
Do you happen to be in NE London by any chance? I’m in the market for a running pal after being off for a while whilst pregnant. Wink

I love running to music. Some people enjoy podcasts, audiobooks...have you tried those?
Running isn’t necessarily the best exercise for weight loss, it depends how much weight you have to lose. HIIT workouts are usually the best for that.
Have you got a Fitbit? Would you be willing to try Fitbit coach app? It’s £7.99 per month (i think) and they have workout videos you can do in the privacy of your own home, no equipment required.

HungryHiker · 03/09/2019 17:11

The best bit of advice I found was to run slower, and it's what I pass on to anyone who even raises an eyebrow in the direction of running

SO true. Pace, pace, pace. And good trainers! Asics are brilliant.

Another thing for me, motivation wise, was finding workout gear I felt GOOD in. H&M Sportswear is my favourite; it holds all the wobble in and makes me feel like an athlete. I'm severely deluded

TheNoodlesIncident · 03/09/2019 17:13

I've got a cross trainer at home. Fortunately got the space for it, as it means I can exercise at home with nobody to see. I can start off on a low level and build up to a higher level with more effort required. Nice music on, bottle of cool water handy, a target to reach and no matter what the weather is, I can still exercise. Would that be an option for you?
I like cycling and swimming too, I'm too uncoordinated/dyspraxic for classes but these types of exercise are all doable for me.

iolaus · 03/09/2019 17:15

I did it, more to prove to myself that I could (but outside - if i'm going to run it's not going to be on the spot I need a change of scenery)

Hated it - kept doing it waiting for this love of running to kick in that everyone swore it would - nope - every time I ran (except downhill) all I could think was I hate this.

I completed it - ran 5k - and didn't run again. Yet I can go for a walk of twice that at not that slow a speed and enjoy it

IndefatigableMouse · 03/09/2019 17:17

I hate running.

We don't have to like it (even with everyone giving you tips to try and make you like it) - just find something else.

I've tried running outside, inside, with music, without, slowly, fast, etc. I hate it.

Now I have an exercise bike. Low impact, doesn't burn as much, but I don't hate it either. I also got one where I could put a kindle on the top of it so I can read and ride at the same time. I put on music, read, dance a bit, get off at any time.

It's not as good for you as running. Better than nothing at all.

Propertyofhood · 03/09/2019 17:23

YANBU I hated it too - I have done it several times and each time I hope this will be the time I catch the 'running bug'.... Nope!

And around week 6 I always start getting sore shins/hips/ankles.

I fucking hate running and I just don't get it!

Teacakeandalatte · 03/09/2019 17:26

Stick to dieting and just be generally more active in daily life?

shuthefrontdoor · 03/09/2019 17:27

I really wanted to do couch to 5k, but like yourself I absolutely hated it. I know it's meant I get easier as you go on but I just couldn't see it. I now YouTube workout videos and do them at home. Currently working for me x