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

Finally back home after a long journey - we arrived at midnight last night. Our train got stuck behind one that had broken down for almost two hours, but luckily we still made our flight in time although it was a bit of a rush at the airport. Today should have been a running day but I decided to have a day off instead (would have quite liked a lie-in too, but DS put paid to that idea).

Bssh I was quite stiff after the first few runs (still am sometimes, if I've exerted myself!) but as long as I had at least a day in between runs, I was OK to go out again for the next run. It does get better, I promise!

Jelli Thanks for the Shred advice. I think I could just about manage to shred on all my non-running days (work permitting, but it's been very quiet recently). I would probably have to go running earlier than doing the Shred on days that I do both, as otherwise I might - shock, horror - bump into someone I know while out running.

WhoKnows Hope you're having a good holiday. Tues 6th is fine by me too, as I think the DC are at school for all of two hours on their second day back - I couldn't start before the 5th in any case.

sweaty The good habit I got into while we were living in the US was eating half of my meal and asking for a box for the other half - I still do that here, and have been quite amazed that no one has ever looked at me as if I'm mad. Unfortunately the DC don't go back to school for another two weeks - we have nine weeks of summer holidays here so that children can help with the harvest and to test parents' sanity.

Pistey Hope you're enjoying Boston; I've always wanted to go there. Martha's Vineyard sounds wonderful too.

Was hoping to map a 5k run before I go out tomorrow but DH has just ordered me to come to bed as he can't sleep otherwise. It's another early morning run for me as he wants to leave for work at 6.45 am. Perhaps I should get up at 5.30 am to map my run...

I didn't run today......

But I did find some gorgeous purple trainers that I WANT really bad-er-ley, because they are just the very thing... If you want to see them, you will have to pm me then find me on fb!!

I didn't run either, apart from when we were out for a leg stretch with DS's and it started to rain. As I (a) wasn't wearing a sports bra and (b) was wearing a denim skirt and converse it wasn't very successful. DS2's 9 year old legs were going a lot faster than mine

Bssh, the stiffness will go eventually. Keep going

Linzer, glad you got home safely.

Jelli - only one word - EEEEEK

5th or 6th Sept good for me - the 5th is Labor Day and I will be both off work and home alone

Well, I didn't get out for my run either. I slept quite badly and decided that getting up at 5.45 am (which would have felt like 4.45 am, as I'm still on UK time) would have been a bad idea, so I switched my alarm off and had a lie-in (ha!) until DH got up.

Pistey I want to see your purple trainers! I'll PM you.

Morning all!

W1R3 last night and was awful, strained left groin literally as I took my first step after warm up, was about to turn and go home but decided to walk 4 miles instead as couldn't face the thought of not getting my excercise in. I carried out some R.I.C.E when I got home and still painful today although not as bad, hope this doesn't put me back to much!

Am quite jealous off manhattan and your purple running shoes! I haven't splashed out on a fancy pair yet I want to get to week 5 and get some as a reward!

Hope are they other newbies doing? Its bloody hard work isn't it!

Ohh, almost forgot - treated myself to a spangly pink running bra yesterday

Oooh busy busy weekend, sorry I've not been around but we've had friends staying this weekend and it's been so lovely to see them and drink wine, and blether.

Will go and catch up on the thread but just wanted to say Well Done! to everone who has been running instead of drinking wine, and to Pistey, yy I want to see the purple trainers, and thanks soooo much for the offer of Merry Midnight, you and sweaty are spoiling me. Will pm you this very minute although am not on FB , so might have to imagine the beautiful purple trainers .

tootired Each run individually isn't that bad, is it? It's just that they all line up, one after the other after the other after the other in succession!

After W1R3 my arse was killing me Thankfully I planned to give myself two rest days before doing W2R1. Hopefully by tomorrow morning my legs will be willing to cooperate again...though AF has now arrived so I am fully expecting it to be a struggle.

Oh well. Onwards and upwards! Hope your groin is feeling better today

RaveningWolef they do stack up and I don't imagine for a minute I will be running 5k in 8 weeks so just taking it one run at time...

Haven't had a sore arse yet, something to look forward too then!

I just realised that I have been doing W2 instead of W1 so will repeat W2 instead of starting W3.

Good luck with W2

Hiya,

W1R3 for me today, and it was tough!

I was running faster and more confidently to begin with, but by the end of the 20 mins I was dragging myself home, I was shattered, huffing and puffing away. I think I may have been too enthusiastic in the first half.

But it was another early morning run for me - 6.45am, which I think works really well. I had already run, and done an hour's work on the laptop before DH and DDs woke up, I am really enjoying having these extra hours in my day.

Very scared of beginning W2, as I found W1R3 so tough one..

Okay, newbies, I am going to learn from your W1 runs and try and ensure I maintain a slow pace from the get-go. W1R2 tomorrow morning, although it's predicted to be heavy rain. What do you all run in when it's raining? I don't own any waterproof jackets.

On a good note, I'm no longer aching so am ready to run tomorrow (if it doesn't rain... excuse???).

Bshh TBH if it's just a short run I tend just to go out in normal clothes cos I'm too tight to buy poncy running gear . You'll be running so won't get cold, and it's a lovely feeling jumping into a hot shower after adding to the sweaty smug feeling by being rained on for half an hour

Oh no, I hadn't thought about the rain!

I don't have anything to wear in the rain either, I guess we just get wet, and run where nobody can see you?

Hello new thread and it's on page 19 already. I knew I was being slack with the running but now I realise just how long it's been!
Ok so we haven't run for two months and the weight has piled on so it's back to running for 5 mins and walking for 2 for us. First run last week went well and hopefully will be back out tonight. I'm just thankful I still fit into my running tights!

Afternoon all, lovely to see so many new people on the thread, well done all of you, getting started is half the battle.

Managed my usual 30 mins this morning, on the Bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, although as we are at the built up southern end and I was trying to stay on the level it was more like the Bonnie car parks of Loch Lomond but never mind.

As for rain, I have largely managed to avoid it so far either by putting my run off until the next day, or going out in drizzle with no special clothing. I think waterproofs would get too sweaty? I haven't bought any special running clothes, apart ffrom my shoes, just wear long cotton tee shirts and jogging bottoms or leggings, with sports bra and regular socks.

Hi all. I have been lurking on this thread for a while but just wanted to jump in and give you all some inspiration. This guy is inspirational. I cried the first couple of times I watched it. And now I watch it whenever I want that little push to get out and run harder.

I finished the c25k a few weeks ago. It was part of my own weight loss journey which has now reached 6 stone lost. I continue to run and am signed up for my first 5k race in October. I have no plans to take things as far as Ben has in the clip above but I love running now and plan to continue for a long time.

So well done to all of you getting out there and running. Watch the clip and I guarrantee you will be inspired to get out there again!

Sorry link again

Ooh thanks WiiFitMama I have been looking for that but couldn't find it before as i couldn't remember what it was called. It is very inspiring.

I was feeling a bit flakey and had almost decided not to 'Jillian' but you have all inspired me to go and put the DVD on.

I feel quite well equipped for running (by accident) . I usually run in my trainers and some double-skinned running socks (a gift from the sports shop when buying trainers), a choice of old lycra shorts that I aquired 10+ years ago, a fancy (brown - urgh!) wicking, running top that I have stolen borrowed from DH and my industrial strength running bra .

When it rains I use a combination of
a) just getting wet
b) wearing a baseball cap
c) wearing DH's waterproof yellow running jacket (but its a bit too big and catched the wind a bit)

See you later

Hi couchees
Doubt you'll remember me but I was on previous threads. I started c25k in February but after a bruising Aibu in June I left MN for a while. I'm still running though. I manage 4/5 a week including a long run of 10k yesterday. Was doing 5 miles up until then but have signed up to a 10k in October so needed to up the distance. I'm still really slow. 10k was done at just under 14 minutes a mile. I did my first actual race last week - a 5k cross country affair. It's a route I run most weeks as it's gorgeous and DH comes too with dd2 in the pram and they walk about 2 miles while I run the 5k. The race environment pushed me on and I did it in 37.34. I was last to finish but as I'd have struggled to walk 5k last year I didn't care.
I also try to do parkrun most Saturdays. This is an organised timed 5k in a local park - they have them all over the UK. The course is lovely and flat. My best time is 34.21. Nowhere near the holy grail of 5k in 30 minutes!
Been on a big weight loss journey too wiifitmama. 8 stone now and 1 to go to have a normal BMI. Running is a great way to boost weight loss. Become a big obsessed tbh.
Great to hear how you're all doing and good luck with shredding. I won't be joining you though as I tried it and my pelvic floor which copes fine with running was not having any of it!

Molly - I remember youooooooo! I'm really sorry you had a rough time on MN - stay with nice people like us! It sounds like you are doing exceptionally well though, so congratulations, amazing stuff. You must be so thrilled with your progress and achievements, so well done you x

I did go running this evening, and I was totally crap. I did 10 minutes and had to stop. How bad is that? I like to think it is probably because I need purple running shoes, but it is just because I am a crap runner I suspect. Hey ho.

I almost bailed on my run yet again this morning when my alarm went off at 5.30 and I discovered it was still dark outside. Forced myself to get up at 5.45 to have another look, by which time it was getting light and so I decided to go out after all. Had quite a good run (lack of hills helped) - I definitely pushed myself ("why are you sweating?" DH asked me when I got back ), but even at 6 am it was getting too hot. I am starting to miss British temperatures (16/17° where my parents live vs. low thirties here).

Pistey Those running shoes would make all the difference, I'm sure.

Hi molly, sounds like you're doing really well - I can't imagine running 10k at any speed. Re AIBU, I keep well away as I am far too sensitive and stick to nice threads like this one instead.

It's pouring with rain and my period is (tmi, sorry) like a flipping tsunami today but you have inspired me to go out and do my best. Wish me luck, y'all

Hello - I'm another new runner, have just finished W1 of C25K and feeling a bit wibbly at idea of even doing 90seconds next time so good to see all of you graduates showing that it can be done.

I'm having to do an odd pattern of runs atm because DH is awaybwith work a lot, so last week and this it's had to be a Thursday evening - Saturday morning - Sunday evening schedule to fit all the runs in. I'm going to try getting out the rowing machine and doing 30 minutes on that this evening to keep my cardio momentum going.

6 stone wow! WiiFitMama, you are AMAZING! Welcome to the thread. Oh why oh why can I not just get on with it? I?ve been dieting all my life but I?m a recent convert to this running malarkey which I mostly love when my lungs are not playing silly beggars, but am struggling to get back on track after the summer hols. Hoping that once school/college etc., starts I will get back into a normal eating pattern and not just eating what I like when I like. Will have a look at the link in a bit, thank you for that. Eddie Izzard and you lot are my inspiration, I watched his Marathon Man series when it was on TV, but rewatched it on YouTube the other day and I think he is just marvellisimo.

Welcome too, to HerdOfTinyElephants, you will love it here, lots of inane chatter about many, many things. Sometimes we even talk about running.

Good luck on your run Wolef, you might be drenched, but afterwards to will be in PRSP, and it will be so worth it. Do you have a wolef on your running top?

Pistey! Hello! Hope you?re having a lovely time and thanks for the pic of the purplicious running shoes. I think it goes without saying really that you really must BUY THEM. You would be silly not to, and when you get back here you will be :( you don't. Well done on the run, ten mins is better than nothing or so I keep telling myself and at least you have done it unlike me. I?ve taken my shag pile lungs to the asthma nurse today and she said they?ve had no end of people coming in saying their asthma was worse. She thinks it?s the weather and not that I?m fat and unfit. She?s very kind. I likes her.

Low 30?s Linzer? Yikes. I don?t like running when it?s like that, you seem to get so knackered so quickly. Well I do. Won?t be long before you?re back over though, so you can have another little cool wet run then. Glad you?re home safe and sound and ready to Shred.

Mollycuddles, so sorry you had a hard time. Snuggle in here and you will be fine. It?s good to have you back, I remember you from when I first started c25k ? still haven?t finished the bloody thing though so I take my hat off to you doing 10K! and losing 8 stone! You too are AMAZING. How did you do it? Oh I really need to lose some weight. Grrrr. I must try harder.

Jelli need to get a new industrial sized BGBra as this one is rubbish now. I?ve had a lookie now at Jillian and I am scared. Very scared. What if I let you all down? Don?t know if I?ll be able to shred and run on the same day. It looks quite fierce. But if it works, then it would be fab as I really have to lose some weight fast ish and reduce the norkage before they knock me out.

Whew this is a l o n g post, I hope I?ve not left anyone out (hope WhoKnows is having a good holiday in MidgeyLand), where is the sweaty one? Maybe you should take her with you when you buy them Pistey, and she can get some for her hols.

Has anyone seen sybil? Wasn't she off to Norfolk?

I'm happy to start the Shred whenever really, it's keeping going that worries me.

I'm back! I did it!

Despite pouring rain, period cramps and a mild hangover headache I managed W2R1 this morning. I am now back in the warm, feeling the post-run smugness and very thankful for the inspiration on this thread as I was about to chicken out this morning.

I am now off to look for a running top with a wolef on it

Yay! Well done Wolef. Get ye down to the Wolef Shoppe and find one.