The Couch to 5k 2011 thread :0)

[dobby2001]

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

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???

I got to week 5 or 6 before I had to go on holidays in December, then due to swollen legs from flights and bad weather i haven't been able to go.

It does get easier, I couldn't even run for one minute at the start and then amazingly managed 20 mins 6 weeks later.

I am very slow runner, very over-weight and very self-conscious. I do the run after I have dropped the DC at school and go into work late 3 days a week.

I am re-starting next Monday, and I can't wait!

Ds 2 is really enjoying coming out with me, he chats all the way through tho so it's quite nice. He was telling me' about joining school cross country team and athletics team, so that's good as he is usually more interested in xbox.

Feel more confidant in the dark too. This weekend I will do one in daylight. I have hot hands too, tho I got running gloves for £3 , bargain!!

Sports direct do running stuff cheap.

Hi ladies can I join too, I did day 1 week 1 thismorning, I did struggle a bit by the time it got to the 6th run but I managed to puss through til the end. I used to run cross country when I was a teen ( a long time ago now) but since having kids I hardly ever exercise, really want to get fit.

Hi there

Not had a chance to stop by lately but I have made it to week 4 - but I am finding it really hard this week!

How is everyone else getting on?

Managed week 2, day 3 today in the rain and dusk! Really didn't want to do it (had a late night at work yesterday and early start this morning so felt really tired) but forced myself and am now feeling tremendously smug on the sofa! Am beginning to feel a difference in my breathing as I run too. Would like to see it beginning to make a difference to my weight and shape now though!!

Hello again everyone, apologies for dropping off the face of the earth for a few days, bet you all thought Ihad given up didn't you

Well if am honest I lmost did, by accident though. last friday I didnt get out for my morning run and had to spend the day doing accounts. Planned instead to do vigourous swim whilst D had her lesson that evening only to find pool was shut apart from lessons 10 mins after I got in manic weekend meant next possible run day was monday - when i was "due" again anyway - in between this DH has noticed my lack of running and started the sabotage i.e. making fruit pies for pud and planning evening family stuff - git. DSunday night i slept badly again and by Monday evening 6pm I was fit to drop took executive decision taking it easy and getting an early night was best idea.

That meant a looong gap between runs so by tonight, my next avaiable run day i was very worried as to how it would go. But I remembered all the good advice people had given me about slow slow slowing it down and guess what

I RAN EVERY SECTION OF THE PODCAST!!!! [GRIN][GRIN][GRIN]

OK if I am honest it was more of a vigorous version of my in between walking, but whenever i went to speed up I remebered what those of you who had done it before had said about keeping it slow and steady and pulled myself back. I found it much easier to regulate my breathing and obviously was able to complete my week one goal

Am off to have my shower now but had to post before i did as soo excited that i was able to manage it and no bugger here will appreciate that

Am just about to go out for my walk4 r2 experience. It is wet, dark and cold here but I am undaunted. And quite possibly insane.

Back shortly. Wish me luck.

Well done Dobby!

I hope you made it back sybil - I'm off out now.

good one, Dobby! And everyone else who's made it out!
I did my second run today....it went better than last time, did not feel so traumatising....already dreading upping it to week two, but have one more week one run to do first.

The next week is going to be hideously busy due to lots of last minute orders coming in for cakes, but I am going to fit it in somehow, determined not to give up!

I have got blisters...anyone else?

Well done everyone!

I'm finished Week 2 and now going for week 3 from Sat. From what I remember from last time, it's not too bad a jump - you run for 3 mins then 90 secs then 3 mins then 90 secs. So same overall ammount of running as week 2 just for longer sustained periods.

I seem to remember week 4 was the killer week - any comments/experiences?

No blisters here graldin,although on of my ankels asaching last nigt. Blisters are caused by something rubbin wich suggests shoes are not he correctfit - can you getthem checked out at a good runners shop?

yeah I should go and get fitted properly for some shoes. My friend who is heavily into running gave me these...I will have to wait till I get paid for some upcoming jobs and go and get some i guess...

Cubscout, I am in week 4 at the moment (having completed the programme last autumn but lost momentum and repeating) and it's not too bad. The first time round it was week 5 I think which scared me as that has a ten min run in it. Plus if you do Rawbert, you get "operator" which is hilarious.

I ran in the rain on Wed and it was fine. The right kit makes a bit of difference as I had my special wind proof jacket on so I wasn't too miserable. Quite refreshing. Maybe I am becoming hooked!

Feel tired after my runs this week, think it's because I had to do 2 runs in 2 days with the buggy. Plus am stupidly sleep deprived

Finishing week 2 on Sunday.

Looked ahead to weeks 4 5 and 6 and wishing I hadn't now!

Yorkshire.... I am finishing week 2 later today and I am trying to NOT look ahead as I honestly can't imagine making that much progress. I have decided to focus only on the run I am doing and not look ahead anymore!

FInished week 2 and it was good. Much better than when I went on Wednesday morning when I felt distinctly lacking in energy.

I am trying to concentrate on putting my heel down first as I have a tendency to go onto my sides otherwise.

Keep going everyone!!

Started week 3 today - not too bad. So glad to have this thread to keep me on track! Not as bad as I thought it was going to be.

Good to hear Mac. You are one step ahead of me

Well done guys! Yeah not going to look ahead any more, far too scary and like you say piste need to focus on the run I am actually doing. Glad to hear week 3 isn't that bad either maclover.

How do you know that you're running 'right' by the way? I just run and have a horrid suspicion I look like Phoebe in that friends episode where she goes jogging! All arms and legs!

I need to do the 3rd week one this weekend...it's sometimes hard to fit everything in, isn't it? My ds1 had a little op yesteday and will be off part of the week next week, so hope I will be able to fit in 3 runs, plus I've got lots of cakes to do. I might have to go out in the evenings I think, if i get my work done.
On the plus side my blisters have settled down, I will see if they come back next time and if they do i guess I'll have to go and get some trainers.

Yorkshire im sure you don't look like Pheobe!! I don't know if there is a right way, if it's working for you it's probably fine!

Wow! So much has happened since I last posted. Hi to everyone who has joined and well done for getting out there in this wintery weather. Just remember, if we can do it in this weather, we'll be laughing by the time the weather is summery and pleasant!

Dobby, it seems we've had similar-ish things going on. My DP was away until thursday night and though I planned to get out on tuesday after Marnie started pre-school I found that I cried so hard that I gave myself a headache and was useless for the rest of the day.
On the plus side I went out with my 'running' friends (they run, I power walk/limp) and I actually ran for most of it. I even ran uphill a bit! It doeds make a difference!

I went out today and did w2r1 and I loved it. Running for 90 seconds uphill is a big ask but I did it. Slow, slow but I did it!

Girtlush- just keep at it, it will come. Just keep your speed slow and steady as others have said. You can do it.

I have noticed that weekend am's are good times to go out. It seems that there are about 2 runners/exercisers for every non-runner out if you go before 10 am.

Personally I love to go out at 6pm (as soon as DP gets in). I eat a banana to get me by (good for slow release energy) about 5.30 and eat dinner when I get back. At the moment it's dark but really busy with people getting in from work, so I'm doubly invisible as they just want to get home asap.

On the clothing front, I look pretty comical. The only running gear I have that's decent is my trainers (cheap but decent) and my high visibility jacket!! I'm going to get some nice looking running gear when I've finished c25k. And I'm looking at stuff cos (short of keeling over, I'm confident that I'll do this!

It's lovely to have a bit of self belief about this, it feels right, even though I'm only a few runs in I can feel some improvement. It's a great feeling !

Oh! For those with achey limbs, have a bath after exercise.

I was doing showers till one of my running friends pointed out the benefits of a bath over a shower and having given it a whirl, I can say it really makes a difference.

Second the bath thing. I also try to do some stretching before i go and when I get back. A friend had a PT and she has shown me all the things he got her to do, and I really feel it if I don't do it. It's nothing mind boggling, just hangin off kerbs, stretching the back of your legs by putting them up etc etc. Makes me feel like a runner too.

I went at lunchtime. There were some fast people out and some teenage girls looking very disdainful as this sweaty old bag panted past. I may never recapture the youth but I'll have a go at getting a more youthful figure. Feel a bit matronly at the moment.