The Couch to 5k 2011 - Part 3 : Keep Holding My Hand So We Don’t get Separated!

[RatherBeOnThePiste]

Yet more space for us to talk about our progress on the Couch to 5K programme, the stuff we wear and the music we listen to! New runners are warmly welcomed - come and give it a whirl, you know you want to! There has been a lot of success on this thread, both in the UK and internationally, moral support is abundant, and there is always a kick up the arse for anyone who needs one!

If we stick together we will enjoy success, I thought song lyrics were appropriate so in the words of Gwen Stefani..

Run, running all the time
Running to the future
With you right by my side
Me, I'm the one you chose
Out of all the people
You wanted me the most

Running, running, as fast as we can
As fast as we can
Do you think you'll make it?
Do you think we'll make it?
We're running, keep holding my hand
It's so we don't get separated

Be, be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don't stop inspiring me...

Good luck everyone x

Jelli I am still listening to the lovely Laura and her not so blooming lovely music, but was getting a bit bored stuck on W6R2. Didn't think I could make the jump to 25mins due to previous setbacks with my stupid foot, so thought I'd just add a little bit extra on to the initial run each time (maybe a minute or two) until I can do 20mins again without keeling over any bother. Then pick up W6R3/W7R1. Just to see how I go. Hope it works .....

How's your foot now Bear? That was such a pain/shame. I don't know if you remember me falling arse over tit in the dark once and smashing my iPhone and crunching my knee?! I still can't kneel on it without it being bloody painful. Running eh. Who'd have thought it a dangerous sport?!!!

Yes, where is supersal? She was doing weight loss, running and shred. And doing really well as I recall.

The weights I use at boxercise are 2.5K and that is a real effort for me. I'm not sure what to get, but I know I want them to be purple but I'm there for pom bears as an alternative!

Lets hope Linzer that your DVD turns up tomorrow. I was a bit surprised mine came today I think I only ordered it yesterday?

I was thinking we had lost a few people too - anyone out there? Maybe they're on holiday.

Jelli - thank you, they're not elastic bands as in from the stationery drawer, they are proper cotton covered, no metal bit, hair bands, just not big like scrunchies. DD has got a pink and purple scrunchie somewhere, but would be most indignant if I stole it.

I ordered the DVD last night, so it should come on Monday (DH has Amazon Prime, it's far too easy).

Linzer - my hair is thick and wavy too, and now it is past shoulder length it has miraculously become easier to deal with than ever before. I wash it, comb it, leave it to dry, and lo and behold, lovely waves and curls. I use the BBH occasionally for more volume on top and I am sure will use it more in winter so I don't have to go out with wet hair. I follow some of the curly girl principles, have you read those threads? Aussie shampoos and conditioners have proved to be miraculous for my hair. You ought to make room for those in your suitcase, they are brilliant. When it was shorter I had to spend ages styling it. I have to admit I am vain of my hair (unlike the rest of me), I love it's colour (deep dark brown), love it's waves. Contrast with wrinkly skin, flabby white limbs, overhanging tummy . I know worse things happen, but the hair loss thing was dreadful. So glad your DD's hair came back too Bear, it must have been very upsetting for you. On the plus side for me, it was the first thing I ever posted about on MN, and where would I be I wonder without MN nowadays?

Slow cooker - check
Babyliss Big Hair - check
Book swapping - check
Flylady - check
Curly girl - partial check
Oil cleansing method - partial check
C25K - check
Shred - ????????

Anyway, running. Er, haven't been out today. Been to a BBQ tonight so feeling fat. Must go tomorrow, must go tomorrow.

Hotfooting it up the M1 to see me I hope! Mind you I do have Sensible Crushes too, not just Weird ones, but the more I think about it, the more I think that <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=boris+johnson&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=Q71tOjlGYBJ20M:&imgrefurl=www.racingdiary.co.uk/2010/05/09/boris-johnson-backed-tory-leadership/&docid=bTCRdsHX8PnMaM&w=374&h=508&ei=sphFTpH4IYqs8QOzgv3RBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=404&vpy=31&dur=4747&hovh=262&hovw=193&tx=96&ty=172&page=1&tbnh=134&tbnw=99&start=0&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Boris is NOT in the Weird Crush category.

Sensible Crushes I have include <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=ewan+mcgregor&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=7g06DOSyh-a2VM:&imgrefurl=www.thehunkies.com/ewan-mcgregor/&docid=cWT3wsAgLLNrNM&w=364&h=500&ei=65NFTs-cLc3D8QPgiOi7Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=228&vpy=30&dur=2949&hovh=263&hovw=191&tx=106&ty=152&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=93&start=0&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">him, and <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=david+tennant&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=JSK&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=lPEvB3nJpl5lYM:&imgrefurl=davidtennantontwitter.blogspot.com/2011/02/david-tennant-on-twenty-twelve-on-bbc.html&docid=QxHuP3UUE53KpM&w=468&h=689&ei=LJRFTuuEOoKZ8QOflvCnBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=127&vpy=20&dur=6044&hovh=273&hovw=185&tx=114&ty=145&page=1&tbnh=133&tbnw=90&start=0&ndsp=13&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">him, and <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=martin+hughes-games+springwatch&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=koz&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=-OzPCfFdPLr7AM:&imgrefurl=news.bbc.co.uk/local/norfolk/hi/people_and_places/nature/newsid_8712000/8712157.stm&docid=C6f-uAyRQ5K7HM&w=766&h=511&ei=nZRFTteyBdOq8APd3_iXBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=708&vpy=110&dur=5278&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=160&ty=161&page=1&tbnh=122&tbnw=161&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I love the way he fiddles about with his specs, and of course <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=bear+grylls&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=1pz&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=AD0d4yl-84DGIM:&imgrefurl=creaturesfeatures.wordpress.com/tag/bear-grylls/&docid=zdwLA7wjo7rYRM&w=300&h=400&ei=7JRFTvqNHYnG8QOT1IDJBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=139&vpy=34&dur=5364&hovh=259&hovw=194&tx=87&ty=228&page=1&tbnh=129&tbnw=103&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the one and only BG. <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=bear+grylls&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=tAf&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=OLaRwSV9HBeRHM:&imgrefurl=www.theagencygroup.com/artist.aspx%253FArtistID%253D4883&docid=7SI_Ywkn7bo33M&w=497&h=292&ei=7JRFTvqNHYnG8QOT1IDJBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=406&vpy=121&dur=3623&hovh=172&hovw=293&tx=162&ty=94&page=2&tbnh=102&tbnw=139&start=10&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This is a better pic though.

Not forgetting <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=jason+isaacs+jackson+brodie&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=Xs1UuPeGvsVCNM:&imgrefurl=www.bbc.co.uk/tv/features/casehistories/aps/qa-isaacs.shtml&docid=wv1NkRt_R23SfM&w=526&h=421&ei=QpZFTr3HKoi88gPliIjOBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=133&vpy=83&dur=1834&hovh=201&hovw=251&tx=133&ty=108&page=1&tbnh=124&tbnw=148&start=0&ndsp=10&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">him and <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=alan+rickman&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=uF731azm968VwM:&imgrefurl=www.flixster.com/news/2008/12/15/alan-rickman-talks-harry-potter-and-more-in-new-interview&docid=fOIi9m4YRpl3lM&w=393&h=304&ei=b5ZFTq6VD8SY8QPo_LmuBg&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=270&page=1&tbnh=120&tbnw=148&start=0&ndsp=14&ved=1t:429,r:12,s:0&tx=76&ty=44" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">him. Yum. Can you tell I have time on my hands tonight? All the teens are otherwise engaged, DH is working and tis too dark to run. Ooops, nearly forgot <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=hari+dhillon&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=8CBjOaWEkwCknM:&imgrefurl=www.holby.tv/community/index.php%253Fapp%253Dgallery%2526module%253Dimages%2526section%253Dviewimage%2526img%253D12501&docid=hpJBABUFAbbSIM&w=204&h=316&ei=n5dFTqTzEIm88gPzgvXFBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=404&vpy=56&dur=2359&hovh=252&hovw=163&tx=70&ty=145&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=81&start=0&ndsp=11&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">him. I love doctors. Even pretend ones.

What would a psychologist make of this I wonder?

Bear - I raise you <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=l.yimg.com/l/im_siggaS19YEzIOklsKvo7OVlK8w---y626/tv/us/img/site/46/53/0000034653_20061021010222.jpg&imgrefurl=tv.yahoo.com/goran-visnjic/contributor/32484/photos/1&h=626&w=436&sz=166&tbnid=mmz7XqSlfQG5lM:&tbnh=108&tbnw=75&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgoran%2Bvisnjic%2Ber%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=goran+visnjic+er&docid=D_Z8gOTef23pxM&sa=X&ei=QJtFTrnHJIm88gPzgvXFBg&ved=0CDoQ9QEwBg&dur=362" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">my favourite doctor

Slurp at Jason isaacs - did you see that drama thing recently? We saw two about a missing sister and bloomin well missed the rest and yy to the glorious Alan rickman, except when he does the dirty on Emma in love actually but loved him in Robin Hood as the Sherriff. DH sat as next to him as you can (dh was bumped to first) coming back to London from LA about 3 years ago and wanted to get his autograph for DD, but of course DH woulsnt be so uncool/rude

I raise you this one sigh....

And yyyyyyyyy to David tenant.

And WhoKnows - the shred is nearly a tick!

Oh WhoKnows, I must have been ogling researching Sensible Crushes when you posted. You're right it was awful, especially not knowing if it would get worse, or better. Fingers crossed everything fine now. You must have been devastated, hair is a really personal thing and you're not vain at all.

MN is so addictive is it not? I came across it about a year or so ago when I was googling a recipe, and was hooked.

Slow cooker - check
Babyliss Big Hair - do I need one?
Book swapping - check, but I bookcross
Flylady - check, have read it and fainted, started to declutter.
Curly girl - ? straight hair with a kink here, bushtastic in humidity.
Oil cleansing method - been looking at that ...
C25K - check
Shred - ???????? Team Purple, 5th September 2011
Judgeypants - check
Nice ham - check

Night merry band, might have to do some housework tomorrow instead of fartarsing around on here all day for an hour or so. Sweet dreams of 30 min 5k's.

Oh buggeration I was going to bed but I just had to click on <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=l.yimg.com/l/im_siggaS19YEzIOklsKvo7OVlK8w---y626/tv/us/img/site/46/53/0000034653_20061021010222.jpg&imgrefurl=tv.yahoo.com/goran-visnjic/contributor/32484/photos/1&h=626&w=436&sz=166&tbnid=mmz7XqSlfQG5lM:&tbnh=108&tbnw=75&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgoran%2Bvisnjic%2Ber%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=goran+visnjic+er&docid=D_Z8gOTef23pxM&sa=X&ei=QJtFTrnHJIm88gPzgvXFBg&ved=0CDoQ9QEwBg&dur=362" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">that link. Absolutely gorgeous. How did I forget about the lovely Luca and his stethoscope? And his <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=george+clooney+er&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=vpJFnhp-YA-AfM:&imgrefurl=www.people.com/people/article/0,,20422867,00.html&docid=NmwpFLY4cs7ajM&w=240&h=320&ei=vJ1FTuurGISk8QPrs9y2Bg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=291&vpy=37&dur=175&hovh=256&hovw=192&tx=98&ty=177&page=1&tbnh=130&tbnw=108&start=0&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pal? Tis the white coat/scrubs/stethoscope combo that does it for me.

And also the only choice in this line of work...

And seen in my local Starbucks on more than one occasion ( obviously never by me ) that I can run to in less than two minutes!

Bear, that's the worst part, not knowing how bad it's going to get. Mine took about 6 months for the loss to start slowing down and that was when the first signs of regrowth started, some patches didn't start back for a full year though, so it took a couple of years to completely fill back in (the rest of it had grown a lot in the meantime). Really shows when your hair is dark like mine too. I had a great consultant, which helped a lot. You should come and join Linzer and I on the Fledgling Flyers thread, it's lovely, and not scary at all......

Arf at photo of Boris, Bear - I've seen better! I can almost see his attraction in this one.

If you can ask for a beer in German, you're sorted. I'm more of a drinker, but haven't had a glass for nine days now. Not that I'm counting.

WhoKnows I used to hate having curly hair, was teased about it at school and only started to appreciate it when I grew it long, which was when it got very curly. However, it used to take well over an hour to wash it to get all the tangles out. Anyway, a year or two I discovered blow-drying and the fact that I could have straight(ish) hair; BBH is great too. I've heard about the curly girl method but am not sure I want to go back to curly hair at the moment, although I'm sure it would be much better for my hair.

Pistey Hmm, definitely not 2.5 kg weights for me then. My quest to find some lightweight purple ones continues (have found some pinky purple 1 kg ones which look OK but, horror of horrors, I might get them in yellow if I'm unlucky - wonder if I could add a note to my order specifically requesting the pink ones ).

OMG. That's all.

Yy to Alan Rickman being horrible to Emma, and Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now in the background - makes me cry everytime I hear it. But I love that song.

We sat next to Professor Sprout last year on the way back from NY. Although she was very nice, I was wishing it was Professor Snape or Lucius Malfoy.

I quite like the cut of his jib too, the one from Borthers and Sisters.

I really am going to bed now. DO NOT post any MORE delectable men for me to dream about.

Oh well, just one more won't hurt, just clicked on Boris when he was a whippersnapper Linzer, think I prefer him in <a class="break-all" href="http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?q=boris+johnson&um=1&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&hs=lFg&sa=N&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&channel=s&biw=1024&bih=407&tbm=isch&tbnid=KIouYRGTRzpRQM:&imgrefurl=www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1530578/Humble-pie-eating-Boris-puts-hands-up.html&docid=KMasIXW6Ta-98M&w=419&h=432&ei=-aRFTsndEIS38QOe5YmfBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=671&vpy=80&dur=135&hovh=228&hovw=221&tx=129&ty=213&page=5&tbnh=110&tbnw=110&start=46&ndsp=12&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:46" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bumbling mode though.

Will check out the Fledgling Flyers tomorrow WhoKnows but am not signing up for anything else or I will be too knackered to shred!

Linzer do you have a big Tesco near your mum and dad? That's where I saw the purple ones today.

What are you lot like/ I've been slaving at work all day, and I come home and log in and you've been blooming gassing and ogling all day! I need another holiday so I don't miss out on anything

Whoknows - not vain at all. A friend of mine is having chemo at the moment and has lost her hair this week. i can't imagine being without my mop, messy as it is. I heart the Aussie products too - they smell so delish as well.

So the good news is I popped out this morning and got some new sneakers running shoes. The bad news is I need to get off my sorry behind and use them , and I'm not sure when that will be. The plan is to hike tomorrow, and for me to spend Sunday putting the final touches to writing the last 1500 words of my dissertation so I can submit the wretched thing and move on with my life.

Have lovely weekends all, and keep on wearing purple running!

So I asked my hip young girl about town babysitter where to go with pistey, and she suggested this place (if the link doesn't quote work she meant the bar, Bookmarks):

"In the evening, the 14th Floor, featuring the Poetry Garden, Writer's Den, and magnificent granite bar, transforms into Bookmarks Lounge one of New York City's beautiful and intimate Manhattan Rooftop Bars. Bookmarks rooftop lounge at the Library Hotel serves such signature cocktails as the Great Gatsby and the Capote. It also offers a full premium bar and an attractive wine, beer and champagne selection. Our Manhattan rooftop bar's hours of operation are from 4pm-12:00am, Monday through Saturday, but can also be booked for private evening corporate or social receptions as well as wine tastings."

Wotcha reckon girls?

Sounds good to me Sweaty.

Right, purple hair band is in place, off I go.

Ooooo lovely Sweaty! That sounds the Very Place marvellous indeed!!
Really looking forward to it

The question is, am I taking my running stuff? Mmmmmmnnnn.

Yes, you should definitely take your running gear Pistey. You all persuaded me to bring it over here and I'm so glad I did.

Hope your run went well, WhoKnows.

Sounds great, sweaty.

Bear The nearest Tesco is about 1.5 hours away. We're thinking about going there next week (it's the nearest town with decent shops) so I shall def. look out for the purple weights.

My DVD has finally arrived, so I'm all set for 5th September! Mentally, if not physically...

I'm going to take my running gear to Scotland next week, there is a good level route near where we stay, so no excuses really.

Did OK this morning, stopped after 25 minutes, sometimes I just feel, that's it, bored now, want to go home. I am somewhat lacking in competitiveness, therefore the thought of getting a personal best for time or distance doesn't really spur me on very much, so long as I manage my quota of exercise I'm happy with that. It was very windy this morning, which didn't help.

Talking of the 5th September, how are we going to do this? Alternate days? I somehow doubt that I will either run or shred on the 5th itself as it is the last day before the DCs go back to school and they will be at home all day, no way am I trying to shred for the first time with them laughing watching.

Dd and I are taking our running stuff! Decision made

Hello everyone

Just a quick one as I am at work. Alas my laptop has met with an accident involving my 2y old and a cup of tea. He no work. I am able to read on phone but not really post much. Rest assured, I am running along with you. I will try to do 3x next week and then it's off to Norfolk so 3x again. HUrray.

I am investigating shred but we will have builders from 20/8 and I am not doing it in front of them! Oh no, no, no. I may have to join you a little late on that one. I did watch the Youtube clips though and thought I could give it a go.

Keep on running everyone

I was wondering about that too, WhoKnows. Have just remembered that the DC will be at school for all of about half an hour on the first day (Austrian school hours - argh), although I'm determined to fit the Shred in somehow.

Yay Pistey, I'm sure you've made the right decision.

Oh no, sybil - tea has killed a couple of my keyboards, although no laptops (yet) thankfully.

I've splashed out on yet more running gear, but have decided to leave some of it here so that I don't have to lug it all over next time. Bought a running T-shirt for 3 pounds; the last one I bought in Austria cost me ?30.

Morning! Oh is it afternoon? Actually I was up really early but have been busy polishing my halo sink and making banoffee pie.

Don't know what came over me last night with my ogling and suchlike, SO out of character not really. Anyway I missed a couple of your posts Pistey, in my hurry to click links and toally missed Captain Sparrow! Why are you not in there ALL the time? And YES, take your running gear! My foot is ok thank you, touch wood, bit twingey now and then but much better than it was. Mind you I have spent the summer in FitFlops or running shoes, what I'll be like when I go back to work with heels on is anyone's guess. I do remember the knee/iPhone debacle, poor thing. Ouch. And ouch to buying a new iPhone too. I did see the JI programme, he had his shirt off quite a lot in it which was lovely.

sweaty - that place looks fab. Am very . Grrrrrrr. Have fun! And get your running shoes out of the box. Are they purple?

sybil - hello! poor you being at work yesterday while we ogled but at least there's lots of links to click for you. Agree about Shred and builders - NOT a do-able combo, unless you were in a separate building with blinds drawn and doors firmly locked. Also Not In Front Of The Children WhoKnows, agreed. The hilarity would be just too much for them, although I might need one of the DD's to show me the moves as I'm so unco-ordinated. Hope you have a fab time in Bonnie Scotland, am also v. . At this rate I will spend the whole of August with this face . Have you seen this?

Hope I've not missed anyone out catching up. Wait. Who was going to Norfolk? Going to check. Oh tis you sybil, have fun on those lovely beaches, and big huge skies.

Good luck with finishing off your dissertation sweaty.