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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:
Sam100 · 02/01/2011 20:58

Aitch - Don't know if it helps - but on the interval thing I am doing the walking bit gets me to around 120 bpm and the running bit 140 to 160 bpm (but I am quite unfit at the moment!).

Corriewatcher · 02/01/2011 21:44

I'd love to join too please. I did the first 2 weeks of the plan back in November, but then flu struck, the family got a sickness bug, and then snow started falling....it just wasn't meant to be in 2010. So I'm going to start again. I've already got my running shoes and sports bra, but will probably have to wait until Wednesday when children back at school.

FreeButtonBee · 02/01/2011 22:01

Aitch the c25k app seems to allow you to listen to your own music and it just overlay the audio cues. Would that work for you? here

AitchTwoOh · 02/01/2011 22:07

oh YES, it would. will go and see if it's available on android, ta.

Catilla · 02/01/2011 22:51

Does everyone think that running to music with the right bpm really helps? I enjoy catching up on podcasts eg Radio 4 comedy because I don't get much time to myself apart from running. Sometimes it distracts me from the pain passing time, but I wonder if I'm then missing a trick on the subconscious motivation of music with a strong beat?

How do you all feel about this?

AitchTwoOh · 02/01/2011 22:53

yes i have the same question, catilla. i'm a r4 podcast listener as well... would love to be able to put a beat over them and i'd be in heaven.

GypsyMoth · 02/01/2011 22:58

had no idea about podcasts!

went out last night for first time,dd came alng too. just used clock on my phone for timings! was ok,but podcasts wll make it soooo much easier

hips aching a little this morning,but got the same old feelings back post exercise yesterday,good feelings! will become addicted,i just know it!

dragging teen dd along by the way as she is struggling with anger/aggression/hormones etc,hoping it will calm her in some way,or at least tire her enough to make her go to bed early! also as training for her duke of edinburgh expeditions

dearprudence · 02/01/2011 23:04

Yep, I'll join. I did couch to 5k a couple of years ago, and it was amazing. The past year has been bad - put on 3 stone in weight and done v little exercise.

My cousin wants me to do a 10k in June. Seems impossible, so I want to do couch to 5k first, then see. I'll do my first one tomrrow.

Good luck everyone. Smile

dearprudence · 02/01/2011 23:06

Catilla an upbeat tune can be motivating, but I think a speech podcast could work just as well - especially at first. It's not about speed yet, it's just about keeping going, and I agree that podcasts are very distracting.

Original poster
dobby2001 · 02/01/2011 23:38

aitch free android app here Smile

OP posts:
AitchTwoOh · 02/01/2011 23:47

that looks sensational, dobby. thanks to all who helped! i'm starting on wednesday, btw... straight after sticking dd on the school bus.

MummyWallace · 03/01/2011 12:49

Done first run today using the app- really good, actually enjoyed it- yes really! Don't listen to podcasts but found lady gaga most helpful. Suppose it's personal choice? Next run on weds. Happy jogging all

geraldinetheluckygoat · 03/01/2011 13:46

Im going to do it too! You've all convinced me. I am going to order a bra today, and hope it arrives by thursday when DS2 goes back to pre school...
Am terrified.

mamaphd · 03/01/2011 16:56

I'll join! I did the first run yesterday and it didn't kill me, so I feel hopeful! I did the Couch to 5k a few years ago and it was fantastic. At the time I was VERY unfit and it really worked. Haven't managed to get fit enough to attempt a regular running schedule since having DD last year, but now she's a bit bigger my goal is to achieve that. Good luck everyone!

Original poster
dobby2001 · 03/01/2011 18:23

Ok so I did my first run this morning - well I say run, out of the 8 60 second runs in the first podcast I walked most of the last 3 Blush I AM SOO BLOODY UNFIT! I suppose it didnt help that I slept badly and still ached from walking around Bluewater all day yesterday Hmm

I am going to keep at it - I will just keep doing week one until I can do it - that means being able to breath and walk/jog without falling over, needing a paramedic and possibly being able to talk sometime within 30 minutes afterwards Hmm

Please please those of you who have doe it before and were terribly unfit, reassure it that it DOES get better?

OP posts:
sybilfaulty · 03/01/2011 19:10

Dobby it gets much easier, perversely, as the runs get longer. I remember thinking after my first outing that I had not realised a minute could last that long! I think when it is a minute on and a minute off that you tend to run too fast and as such your poor body doesn't know what has hit it. Believe me that in a few short weeks you will be able to jog (albeit slowly) for about 15 mins wihtout wanting to collapse. I found I got much better very quickly. Am horribly out of shape now, though, so may rejoin Rawbert at about week 4 and see how it goes. I left Rawbert at about week 7 as it's just rynning for 25 mins or whatever and I preferred my own music to Rawbert's eclectic choices. I miss the encouragemnet though ("way to go!"). I'll have to encourage myself!

cubscout · 03/01/2011 20:43

First run today for me, not too bad. I got to week 5 in the autumn before an injury and illness forced me to stop and I was pleased that it didn't seem as hard as the first time.

Now, Thursdays objective is to get my gait analysed and proper shoes fitted.

mamaphd · 03/01/2011 22:11

Dobby, it really does get easier! I think it's a very smart move to keep doing week 1 until you can do it, and I'm sure it'll be sooner than you think. It was a real struggle for me the first time around, but I did manage it. I also love the encouragement from Rawbert - and he's right you know, "you're doing great"!

GypsyMoth · 03/01/2011 22:12

just back from 2nd run,this time with podcast....much better!!

Original poster
dobby2001 · 03/01/2011 22:16

Thanks folks,I have to say I knew i wasnt in the best of shape but i was shaken but just how bad it was Sad I am a little achey now but not massively so. Am going to bed soon and thenrest day tomorrow so fingers crossed will be ok to try again wednesday - might have to be evening run then unless I can get out before 7am as working from 8am Hmm

OP posts:
Livinginoz · 03/01/2011 22:49

Can I join in?

I started to do this a couple of weeks before xmas, but got blisters on my first run (which I actually enjoyed - the run not the blisters!) so going to get fitted for some proper running trainers today and starting tomorrow morning along the beach :)

Podcast makes it a lot easier, saves you looking at your phone/watch every 30 seconds!

MarniesMummy · 03/01/2011 23:15

Sure you can join in Livinginoz

And thank you for the encouragement JosieRosie Smile.

Don't feel downhearted Dobby, I was the same with the powerwalking but your body gets used to what you're asking of it fairly quickly and you get to see a truer picture of what you are able to do.

Remember what JosieRosie says, You're actually doing it!

geraldinetheluckygoat · 03/01/2011 23:48

Dobby, I can assure you now, I will be exactly the same as you when I start on Thursday....I am looking forward to and dreading it in equal measures.....Grin

I get out of breath going up the stairs....it aint going to be pretty. I have planned my route to be the least populated part of the return school run Grin

jamaisjedors · 04/01/2011 11:16

Hi,
I did couchto5k last year from February, could only get out twice a week so it took me until the summer to get up to 5k/30 mins running but now that I'm there I manage 30-40 mins once or (occasionally) twice a week.

I found Nicole Blum's podcasts here v. good for recognizable tunes - I started with her Michael Jackson one.

Now I use "Indie soup runner" mixes here also on itunes, which are just mixes of about an hour of music at a reasonable pace to run to.

I listen to them at home first and the music is v. uptodate.

MummyWallace · 04/01/2011 14:04

If it makes you guys feel better I'm all achy after yesterday's run. Second one tomorrow around the duck pond