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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:
Prunnhilda · 15/03/2011 09:06

Oh I've not been good at this - every morning I've woken up cold, it's really grey here and raining and freezing. It's just incredibly depressing and I can't get motivated at all without a tiny glimmer of half-decent weather.
I'm two days late for my run and very frustrated. Also (TMI) I've had my period and just feel so drained and lethargic. Do you all run through it or do you give yourselves a bit of a break for a couple of days?

Unwind · 15/03/2011 09:15

Hello, may I join you? - I've been doing this myself and am now about to start week 4.

Prunnhilda, I am not so far from you and should have run this morning but the heavy sleet put me off. I am still recovering from a nasty cold and tonsilitis, which meant that I did not run for nearly three weeks. To my amazement, even though I still have a hacking cough and (TMI, lots of phlegm), I was able to finish week three easily on Sunday. Despite struggling to do week one.

So conditioning must improve and stay for a while. But I think that feeling drained and lethargic is no reason not to run. It is very hard to get motivated, but if you get out there, you'll feel better. If the weather is just too brutal, why not drop in to a class at your local sports centre? Spinning or aqua aerobics would help with fitness without needing you to venture into the freezing rain - or you could always use a treadmill to do it.

Prunnhilda · 15/03/2011 10:08

Yup, you're right, Unwind (wondering where you are now!) - I'm off to meet a friend but will take my kit and go to the gym on the way back and DO MY RUN. I know it'll make me feel better (it's brilliant!).

Livinginoz · 15/03/2011 11:05

Back after 12 days of no running! Blush

My last run (W5R1) was a week last Thurs, and then I did a horrific Power Yoga class on the Saturday that totally wiped me out!

Forced myself to go out again tonight and did W5R1 again and it wasn't hard at all! So glad I didn't put myself back at all.

midtowner · 15/03/2011 11:29

Prunnhilda did you do your run? I know what you mean about cold and greyness putting you off. At least here it is cold but usually bright.

Our clocks changed at the weekend so it's dark again in the mornings so I'm back to running along, rather than in, the Park for another few weeks.

I went out this morning and it was really hard - cold, dark, my chest felt really tight as soon as I set off and my leg hurt. Once I got into my stride I felt like I was really motoring, but it was (only! can't believe I am complaining!) 4.46k in the 30 mins. Not sure what else I can do to up my pace as I was certainly not hanging about dawdling this morning!

Well done gormers and Livinginoz, and welcome Unwind!

YorkshireCrockpot · 15/03/2011 14:35

Oh bum! I'm several days overdue for a run but feel like a bit like I haven't revised for a really big exam. Honset miss, my dog ate my homework!
Went on saturday- w6 d2
Too rainy on Sunday morning so decided to go in the afternoon.
DH had vile migraine and went to bed at 6pm so I couldn't go with noone to look after DDs. He didn't make it out either cos of his head so am beating him (hahaha)
Couldn't face it yesterday evening as I had walked for miles with buggy and dds in the afternoon looking for ducks, bears, gruffalos and fairies at the park.

Hmmm see if I can finish week 6 tonight?

MarniesMummy · 15/03/2011 17:54

Hmm! We're none of us Headgirl material are we?

Maybe Cubscout'll be along to do the honours.

Midtowner - From Runner's World Feb 2011 p27. When time is of the essence, these 20 minute workouts will keep you fit.
To build speed
Go to a local track or jogging trail with distance markers. Jog for 5 minutes. Run at an easy pace for half a lap (or one-eight of a mile). Note how long it too to run the distance. Walk the remainder of the lap, then continue walking for 2minutes. Repeat the sequence two to four times, each time aiming to complete the run portion of the lap one to two seconds faster. Do this once a week adding segments as you feel comfortable.

Let me know if it works, sadly as I'm quoting I can offer nothing as to what a segment is but my guess is segment = routine. (I wouldn't bet my life on it thoughBlush).

Sadly I often don't understand what they're talking about in this running magazine (I swear I am usually I am a competant person who can understand basic info). I haven't done this myself (week off!!) but it caught my eye.

Well done all of you who are getting out there.
Calamity Kate - that's just the sort of post that needs to go on here!I remember that feeling. (I still feel it if I honest with you, I can't believe I've done ths in just over two short months). Hopefully it'll provide motivation for those on the first two weeks as I don't think anyone would believe (I certainly didn't) that weeks 1 and 2 are the hardest and your fitness and mental state improve so quickly that the rest of it becomes a different sort of challenge.
Keep at it everyone.

bluebump · 15/03/2011 19:51

I haven't managed to go out and run this week as DP is away with work and i've no one to watch DS. I was going to be taking longer than 9 weeks as it is as I can only run twice a week at the moment but this set back is annoying. Mind you i've used this down time to buy some running gear now I know I love it!

RatherBeOnThePiste · 15/03/2011 20:35

Well that was totally weird.

Because I have fallen off the end of the programme and now do 30 minute runs I decided to go without my music/ app. Completely au naturel. Well nothing in my ears anyway!!

I know the route which is sort of 5K and I did a bit less Cos I needed the loo Blush but it was quite nice to not listen to anything.

We do need a new thread my fellow trotters!

SluttySlutSlutOfTheSkies · 15/03/2011 23:10

Thanks gormers, will make sure I stretch more tomorrow and see if that does the trick.

So pleased I found this thread, you're all so friendly and encouraging - tis a pleasure to make acquaintance with you, fellow trotters!

Will keep eye out for Head Girl's new thread ....

midtowner · 15/03/2011 23:19

Marnie - thank you. I will try to figure out what it means Smile

Did you do it Yorkshire?

GypsyMoth · 15/03/2011 23:28

piste......without music,thats something for me to think about!! i dont think i could tho!!

i'm at same stage as you.....nowhere near 5k tho,so busy trying to up my pace a bit! but i am now considering:

a cap to wear.....with my swishy ponytail pushed through the gap at the back!!! (important for it to still swish!)

and going without my jacket/fleece,just a t shirt

a first run at the weekend in DAYLIGHT

i'm sure these little tweaks will keep me entertained and focused!! i've upped my 30 mins to 31 mins,and will add on another minute weekly i think,see how it goes

i think the thread baton bearer should be a new girl!!

cubscout · 16/03/2011 07:33

Ran yesterday and was aiming to get to 5k within the 30 mins - so far 32 mins has been my fastest. Felt a bit Blush as I saw 2 teachers from ds school (one the sports co-ordinator) who both gave me funny looks!

Anyway, checked the app near the end - 2.85 miles, 28 mins so, yes, thought I might just do it...and then the phone conked out. So I still don't know if I can do it. Will try again tomorow.

Marnie - reading running magazines???

Piste - I give up if I don't have music. What kept you occupied.

So who is going to start the new thread? I was never Head Girl material so I'm out Grin. Come on newcomers - who's going to take up the baton?

gormers · 16/03/2011 08:08

Will post on the old thread quickly before we change!!

W3D1 this morning, nice run, good to run for a bit longer before a walk and still had a bit in the tank at the end; do I had an extra 90 seconds run at the beginning of the cool down! I find it really odd to end on a walk so cheeky bit extra!!

Cubscout - sounds to me like you did it, how frustrating of your phone!

Tiffany - I can't manage without music either, I find it really hard to keep going in silence!

YorkshireCrockpot · 16/03/2011 13:18

Am soooo in detention! Off out tonight now- dh was late home from work and I had to have tea- chunky chilli was too tempting Blush. Rubbish excuse but off out tonight as dh is working from home.

I want one of those buff things that you can wear as a scarf or headband to keep my hair off my face but keep full swishyness.

cubscout · 16/03/2011 13:58

I like the buff thingy idea. Ds bought one last summer in Scotland and wore it like a headband all holiday. He had longish surfer boy hair at the time and looked super cute. Don't think I will look cute, but definately now need to work on the wardrobe aspect of running.

RatherBeOnThePiste · 16/03/2011 14:23

I have a buff for skiing and I have used it on my bike.

Shall I be Head Girl/ Captain of the Netball team and start a new thread?!

I don't want anyone to get lost!

sybilfaulty · 16/03/2011 16:56

Still no running for me. This has been my 10th day of going to work with only one day off though, so I am cutting myself a bit of slack.

DEFINITELY tomorrow. Promise.

supersalstrawberry · 16/03/2011 17:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GypsyMoth · 16/03/2011 17:41

yes piste...i think you should !!!

i have been running 3 nights in a row....each time pushing myself a little further...had to test the running app

i wore a light grey long sleeved t shirt last night...got home and dd and i were admiring my large sweat patches!!! i had patches on inside of my arms near my elbow,and down my back! i was so proud! it did dawn on me that i was probably a very sad sight...

SluttySlutSlutOfTheSkies · 16/03/2011 18:08

Ooh have just looked outside as I'm about to venture forth on W1R3 and it is gey dreich and miserable out there. Yuk. Think I have the makings of a fair weather runner :)

Hope you feel better soon supersal, and hello Piste, Captain of the Netball Team (I was rubbish at that too Grin).

YorkshireCrockpot · 16/03/2011 18:35

The weather may be foul but I went out and just done week6! Yay! Last 5 minutes were vile but I did it- 25 mins!
Mind you don't blame anyone else skiving off as it is horrid drizzly fog.

Piste you are now head of netball team! Was rubbish at sport at school but as I'm so lanky I was always goal keeper. So wanted to be goal shooter...... sigh.....

YorkshireCrockpot · 16/03/2011 18:38

Sybil- 10 days on a row sounds vile!
Supersal- hope you feel better soon, get some lemsip in you and you'll feel better before you know it.
Tiffany- nice!

SluttySlutSlutOfTheSkies · 16/03/2011 19:43

Yorkshire - 25 mins non-stop week 6?
Shrrrriiiieeek! Well done!

Am only at the end of W1 (went out in the foggy drizzle, and it was ok really, quite refreshing) and still can't quite believe that I might will be able to run 25 mins in 6 weeks time ...

RatherBeOnThePiste · 16/03/2011 22:39

We have a new thread to move to, so everyone, go and mark your place!

We don't want any runners left behind!!

Our new thread is here

GO AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW HOME EVERYONE!!!