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Original poster

The Couch to 5k 2011 thread :0)

979 replies

dobby2001 · 01/01/2011 20:38

Thought i would start a new thread so al those wanting to start or return to running in 2011 had somewhere to post Smile

I have NEVER tried running before so very very nervous about starting, but thought couch to 5k sounded a good method of getting into it.

I am off to bluewater tomorrow to buy running shoes - any recommendations???

OP posts:
MarniesMummy · 21/02/2011 23:25

That's impressive Sybil, it's great news (especially for those of us following in yor footsteps!).

There is definitely a mental element to this, on my last run my mind drifted and when I came back to thinking about the run I thought 'Oh, I'm a bit tired, I'll stop' then this man ran by going really slowly, dragging the toe of his trainers with his eyes closed and face so screwed up that it was red.
He was obviously going though a personal mental battle and it just made me think, 'You're not bloody tired, you just can't be arsed. Run!' and I carried on and finished.

With me it's definitely a mental thing (give or take the warm up and the EigerWink).

I love that we'll be running 5K soon.
Please post the minute you clock up a 5K!! I'll need to congratulate youGrin!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 22/02/2011 20:05

Just been out on W8R1 which is 28 mins, and because we don't think my app GPS is accurate, DH wired me up with this GPS thing so we could see exactly. I had it all tucked inside my clothing so no one could nick his expensive kit!!

Well I did 4.7K, so really really really nearly there, and actually I could have gone on if my life had depended upon it!!

I absolutely agree on the tiredness - I find the first 10 mins much harder than the rest, where I sort of settle into a routine.

But I need new music!!

can anyone recommend a song that I can add to my playlist - something good to plod to??!!

Please?

MarniesMummy · 22/02/2011 21:10

Well done Piste.

Have just done w6r3, 25 mins and lovely Laura says that I'm officially able to call myself a runner!

Heh heh, it's all good!
I'm very happy even though I suspect I'm not breaking any speed or distance records at the moment. Hopefully a bit faster and a bit more ground covered will come.

GypsyMoth · 22/02/2011 22:24

speed isnt my strong point yet either Marnie!!

just completed wk5 run3.....was shocked it jumped to 20 min run,but managed it....this is the first time i've found it a challenge,but a tiny bit disappointed that i go back to walk/run/walk for next 2 runs.

MarniesMummy · 22/02/2011 22:49

You'll be straining at the leash with the desire to do another long one now that you know you can Tiffany! Well done you!

McDreamy · 22/02/2011 22:53

I really want to do this, how easy/difficult/impossible have you all found it? I tried W1D1 a few weeks ago - I found it really hard Sad, is there any hope for me?

midtowner · 22/02/2011 22:55

Evening all,

Great to hear everyone is doing so well. I missed today, but will be out tomorrow across the fields - at my parents again, having been in London and Hampshire.

Piste, I like running to Tom Jones Blush, or R4 podcasts Blush.

midtowner · 22/02/2011 22:56

McDreamy, it's great. I was amazed how quickly I progressed.

sybilfaulty · 23/02/2011 10:33

McDreamy, I could not manage the 1m on 1m off thing well when I started. I think I went wrong as I ran the running bits too fast. Remember you are trying to train your body to run a long way, not quickly. I was thinking as I ran last night that I could not run 100m well at school nearly 25 y ago whereas now I can run and run. Stick with it and keep on with the thread. We are all encouraging each other and I think most of us found ourselves struggling at the start. It does get easier, promise. Give it a few weeks and you'll be on long runs too.

I went with a friend last night who is considerably faster than me. She hared off and I was shamed into trying to keep up with her. The good news is I managed my extra 200m ok. Only 4 more runs til I hit the 5k. Hurray. I was going to go out this morning but my tummy is a bit dodgy and I din't want to risk it. Maybe tomorrow if I can get a babysitter.

Keep on running everyone.

sybilfaulty · 23/02/2011 10:34

Midtowner, I love Tom as well. Don't tell anyone.

I also have lots of Scissor Sisters, Abba, Elton (the bitch is back! Love it) and other camp old nonsense to keep me plodding.

R4 too highbrow for me when red and sweating.

CalamityKate · 23/02/2011 14:38

Oooh can I join in?? I'm off round my friend's at 3pm to do Wk1 Day2!

I've never been fit. I used to be fitTER, but I don't think I've ever in my whole life been able to run for even 5 minutes.

If this thing works and I end up able to run for half an hour without stopping, I'll be thrilled and amazed!

I tried half-heartedly to get fit last summer but gave up. I don't think the hot weather helped. But this time I'm determined!

As a rule I hate exercise, but I must admit that I've had the odd twinge of WANTING to move/run recently and I almost enjoyed day 1 and can't wait for 3pm!

Is it really as addictive as some claim? I'd love to be addicted to running!

happypotter · 23/02/2011 18:38

Ooh I second a bit of Elton - Philadelphia Freedom seems to put a spring in my step. I'm a bit fussy with my running music - at the mo I'm liking lots of U2, The Doors, Oasis, Prince, Billy Idol and a couple of Justin Timberlake. All a bit random. I have Dolly Parton as my happy cool down music and like to listen to 'Zanadu' if I need a bit of cheering up!!
Does anyone else have a best time of day for running? My dh was home from work today so I've just been out late morning (on US time) and felt much better, got a little more speed up and breathing not so laboured. Was really pleased with myself. There was a period of time when I actually thought I was enjoying it!!

Keep on going everyone!! It's nearly Spring!

midtowner · 23/02/2011 19:08

Welcome CalamityKate!

Well I didn't get out today - streaming cold and feeling under the weather - but will try again tomorrow Smile

Happy, I like the sound of your mix. I used to have the Priscilla Queen of the Desert soundtrack for the gym - must dig it out again!

AmpleBosom · 23/02/2011 19:46

Hello everyone!

I'm just checking in to say hello because i start tonight

ClenchedBottom · 23/02/2011 19:51

Hi everyone - as ever, I'm really impressed to hear how you're getting on.
McDreamy - honestly, I am the least fit person in the world, I found W1R1 hard, but have been able to keep at it, and it builds up gently, honest! - Not that I'm a running star like lots of the NMetters on this thread, but I've now finished W2 and hope to start W3 tomorrow. I'm sort of enjoying it - it's odd, I pretty much hate it whilst I'm doing it because it's hard work, but I find myself looking forward to the thrill of having done it, if that makes any sense? DH says that sounds about right.....

ClenchedBottom · 23/02/2011 19:53

AmpleBosom - good name! Makes me hope that you've got a really supportive bra sorted, that's prob my top tip!

Good luck with it, hope it goes well - let us know how you get on!

ClenchedBottom · 23/02/2011 19:54

Ooops just spotted my error - MNetters of course, not NMetters!

AmpleBosom · 23/02/2011 21:15

I did it!
I'm knackered and i look like-> Blush

Hope it gets easier Grin

ClenchedBottom · 23/02/2011 21:22

Oooh well done Ample!!!!!!
Do you feel good for having done it?

Hope you reward yourself with a lovely bath and pamper. So have you planned when to do W1R2?

AmpleBosom · 23/02/2011 21:48

I thinking i'll do the next run on Friday if i can still walk after tonight!

I feel pleased i've done it but a bit mortified to think of people seeing me run. I am about 5 stone overweight Blush

ClenchedBottom · 23/02/2011 22:00

Hmm I don't like to think of people I know seeing me stagger run but if they do, then any of them that are worth knowing will hopefully just think that it's great that I'm trying to get fitter.

I think that the 5 min warm down is really good in preventing lots of pulled muscles, so hopefully you'll be fine tomorrow!

AmpleBosom · 23/02/2011 22:00

I feel fine now just achey ankles, fingers crossed!

midtowner · 23/02/2011 22:02

Well done AmpleBosom! Welcome to the thread.

sybilfaulty · 23/02/2011 22:07

Go ample! Welcome to our lovely thread. Am delighted you are out and at it. It gets much easier around week 4 or 5.

No running for me today alas but maybe tomorrow.

Keep on running everyone. And keep the top tunes coming. Am hankering after Xanadu now.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 23/02/2011 22:08

Good luck
To
Our new running mates!