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Original poster

Couch to 5k....can I do it?

35 replies

AVeryMerryPersonalClown · 19/12/2010 19:43

My weight has been creeping up since my back went and I was diagnosed with Scoliosis and I've decided that it's time to do something about it.

I do Pilates twice a week to help keep my back and core strong but will it be strong enough to cope with jogging?

I hate the gym, the routine and the idea that everyone is gawking at me (irrational, I know) and I love the thought of the freedom of running with just my ipod for company.

Will Couch to 5k be suitable for me?

OP posts:
Furball · 19/12/2010 19:51

Yes you can do it!

I've done it a couple of times, Tis fab!

I use these podcasts and rob (or rawb as here's known around here) will get you through.

You NEED, good proper 'running' shoes, preferably from proper running shop (ie not just jjb sports) and good sports bra.

You should start a thread saying you are going to do it and get some fellow starters to help motivate you. - Tis really good comming back from a run and 'checking in' on your thread with your proud achievement!

Good Luck

Original poster
AVeryMerryPersonalClown · 19/12/2010 20:33

Sports bra was bought as my physio told me that good support for any exercise would help with the posture.
Doesn't help that I'm a HHXmas Blush

Any recommendations for a good running shop?

OP posts:
devilsadvocaat · 19/12/2010 20:35

yes do it!
i was on a thread with furball as (ladyjogs)and we all did so well :)

bramblebooks · 19/12/2010 21:35

Have a go. I'm going back to it now my sciatica is improving. I did it before and ran a 10k for charity in an hour :)

There is a good iPod app for it, or you can download rob's c25k podcast and do that.

Chrysanthemum5 · 19/12/2010 21:40

Hi
yes I did it! My knee has been a problem fir a while and I thought I would never do it, but I felt great when I got to the end. Make sure you warm up and cool down properly.

watfordmummy · 19/12/2010 21:45

if you wait until after Christmas I'll join you!

GypsyMoth · 19/12/2010 21:48

Dd and I are doing it ( from the bypass site)

Have bought a few bits ready. Looking forward to starting on new years day

llareggub · 19/12/2010 21:52

I did it last year and it has changed my life. I am healthier, have more energy and now my back only hurts when I go without exercise for more than a few days.

Go for it! It is an amazing programme with quite fantastic results. My next goal is a triathlon in May, so be careful where it takes you!

geraldinetheluckygoat · 19/12/2010 21:53

can someone explain what couch to 5k is exactly to me?

Original poster
AVeryMerryPersonalClown · 19/12/2010 21:59

I am intending to start after Christmas when my Pilates classes start again.
I'm almost 32 and feel like I'm falling apart so I need to do something.

I might rope DP into it as he's put on weight now he has a driving job rather than a manual one.

OP posts:
Original poster
AVeryMerryPersonalClown · 19/12/2010 22:00

Geradine-Couch to 5k is a 9 week program aiming to get us absolute non runners fit and able to run 5k safely and easily.

Join us if you want to. Just half hour 3 times a week.

OP posts:
geraldinetheluckygoat · 20/12/2010 10:01

thanks Avmpc, it sounds a bit terrifying!

HOWEVER, I am overweight and need to take action. I walk a lot and used to swim and cycle a lot but havent done any excersise apart from walking for about a year. I have twenty minute walk to nursery and back 3 times a day and was thinking on the first return trip I could try and get into jogging.

My friend who is a serious competative runner has given me some propper running shoes in my size!

What Im worried about is that every time I have tried to run before, I feel like a total sack of potatoes, its REALLY traumatic! But I would love to be able to get past this point....do you think it is possible?? I seriously think I would only be able to manage to run for a couple of minutes to start with Blush

Is there a thread I should join?

Are you going to go for it MerryClown?

geraldinetheluckygoat · 20/12/2010 10:03

I can totally relate to your feeling like you're falling apart at 32, I am 34 and feel the same!

Original poster
AVeryMerryPersonalClown · 20/12/2010 11:37

Ah see that's the point. I've had a look at the first weeks podcast.

You alternate 2 minutes of walking with a minute of running. Then it builds up over the weeks.

OP posts:
geraldinetheluckygoat · 20/12/2010 18:49

well thats encouraging Grin

well, all I need to do is get a decent sports bra and I think I'll give it a go....

MarionCole · 26/12/2010 21:48

I'm intending to start couch to 5k imminently

Wheelybug · 27/12/2010 17:14

oh yes, do it definitely !

I did it 3 years ago and am still running (in fact I think there's a few people on here that I did it with !). I did it for 6 months, too k a year off wiht pregnancy/postnatal and have been running again now for 18 months. Now running 5-6 miles 3 times a week and looking to increase this for an 8 mile run in March.

Its a great way of getting there steadily without doing too much too soon and gets you in the 3xweek habit.

Good luck !

SevenAgainstThebes · 30/12/2010 01:10

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

dobby2001 · 30/12/2010 14:14

I am very interested in trying this but worried i am just too old and decrepit Hmm. I turn 46 in January, have 4 stone to lose and spend most of the week with babies in pushchairs so although I do walk alot,its at a snails pace as I often have a small child wandering slowly beside me Grin.

Fed up feeling like an old woman and having no energy. Have got a pedometer to gaugue ditance i am walking and am gong to try to get some swimming in but would dearly love to get running - everyone i know who does run looks great and are always full of energy!

Wheelybug · 30/12/2010 19:51

dobby, my mum did COuch25K at the age of 65. It took her longer than the 9 weeks but she got there and was running 5K 3x week until the snow. But, she wen tout again today and although didn't manage 5K i sticking with it. She had absolutely no experience beforehand.

sybilfaulty · 30/12/2010 19:57

DO it do it do it! You won't regret it. I started at the start of the school hols and was running half an hour comfortably by mid September. Have now run a 5k (albeit in a Santa suit and very slowly) and my goal for 2011 is to do a 10K.

Am slightly out of practice with the snow and the hols (and the wine) but am going to look forward to a run on Saturday or sunday. Hurray!

I'd be up for a thread to egg each other on. I would also heartily recommend Robert's podcasts.

Am excited already.

franke · 30/12/2010 19:59

I'm thinking about doing this. For those of you who have managed it before, besides getting fit did you also lose alot of weight?

scouserabroad · 30/12/2010 20:06

Ooh go for it everyone! I love couch to 5 k, used it to get fit after DD2!

I found doing a few abdominal exercises made me feel better when running, literally starting with 2 or 3 sit ups twice a day, and building it up. I still had a post-baby belly, but it wasn't as wobbly Grin

foxinsocks · 30/12/2010 20:08

I couldn't do it. Tried at least 10 times and have now accepted my fate :-)

Wheelybug · 30/12/2010 21:00

Franke - the first time I did it I lost just under 1.5 stone (with 2 stone as my goal) I then gave up because I was pregnant (and it had taken a long time to get there !). That took 6 months.

The second tiem, after the birth of dd2 I had lost almost 2 stone (same goal) before chritmas !! BUt I haven't been that careful with food and to be honest, I think I lost weight more rapidly when running longer distances. But some does come off up to 5K.

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