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

Completed W1R3 this morning - went out early so avoided the rain (is chucking it down now here in London). W2 runs commence this Saturday.

I don't eat anything beforehand, and bizarrely I don't actually feel like eating when I return. Usually wait a few hours to eat though I force myself to have a banana immediately upon return (along with water then a massive mug of steaming hot coffee - bliss).

I'm really loving the NHS podcast. The music is a bit bland but it gets me moving, which is the main thing and I like Laura!

Wolef they look great. I'll have to get some as I'm pocketless and everything is stuffed down my bra. BearGryllsBum

Well done Bssh - yes the music is a bit meh but Laura is good. I'd really like an iPhone so I could put the talky bit over my own music. some days when I'm bored to death of the podcast I just stick on Team Purple songs and run to them. But I miss Laura then.

Ooh, I like those capris Wolef - why didn't they have those in Sports Direct when I was there? Instead, I bought some with a stripe that I thought went up the side but it actually goes across my bum and makes it look huge. And they cost more than yours. I did splash out (well, all of ?10) on some running trousers at Aldi this morning, but it's far too warm to wear them at the moment.

My keys used to jangle annoyingly whether they were in my bra or a pocket, so I ended up just taking the house key out with me - obviously not doable if you need more than one key to get out/in, though.

Bssh I got a bit fed up of the music towards the end of the NHS programme but still miss Laura. There were actually one or two songs that I really liked and would have downloaded to my running playlist, but I couldn't find out what they were.

I like your wind resistance theory, Bear. Unfortunately, I have rediscovered the flabby bits on my arms; they must have been in hiding yesterday. Never mind, I'm sure the Shred will soon sort them out!

Was too tired to get up and go for a run this morning, so I won't be able to go until Saturday now as DH is away until tomorrow night. Theoretically, I could go out now as all three DC are at a party for the next few hours, but there's no way I'm running in this heat.

Bear you need an iPhone because there s a fab OPI app! Hope you are taking your preventer sensibly you will feel much better for it after a couple of days. Sadly I have to take two different preventers all the time, a flixotide ( a reddy brown ) and a serevent (green) and they don't make you put on weight, I find curry does that

Am going to run outside for the first time on Saturday, well first time for a long time, and am a bit nervous tbh. That probably sounds mad, but I remember why I stopped before. Well we shall see, hopeful I can breathe this time. It might help..

Those are like my running trousers but I don't think I have a pocket?

Well after the earthquake comes the hurricane - it is due in NY on Sunday just as my little BA plane sets sail for London. Not sure what will happen, we can't transfer so will have to wait and see. We may be in NY longer than we thought!

Can i ask a music question -i have a blackberry not an iphone. Is there anything i can use with my own music?

Re weights for the Shred. Its like the runningyou need to build up gradually. Better to start low than risk an injury. I have seen a lot of bs ing here on mumsnet about weights, with people suggesting you shoudl be using 7kg. I do body pump at the gym twice a week and NONE of the women are lifting 7kg on bicep, triceps etc. I only use 3kg for the shred on the easy tracks and 1.5kg on the hard ones and i am used to weights.

There is no " should" about it, just like there is no rule about how fast or long to run. Just do what you can and build up

[so pleased that at last i can comment on this thread rather than just lurking. And taking copius notes of course

@ 7kg Kristina! I am speechless. And that doesn't happen often .

Good advice though, just take it slowly and go at your own pace - glad you delurked. I'm still a bit at lifting 7kg though,even 3kg seems heavy to me.

Oooh , I like stormy weather. Mind you tis quite alarming to fly in, so hopefully it'll be gone before you take off Pistey. You really have had an eventful time have you not?! But have you been chased by a coyote - that's a holiday benchmark now thanks to sweaty.

I cannot believe there's an OPI app! That is amazing, what does it do? I need one. I really do want an iPhone. I think that it would complete my running attire and spur me on to greater things. DH is having none of this argument though sadly. I really want one of those Reebok iRun treadmill thingys as well for the winter then I can watch TV at the same time in case it's very snowy.

I'm being a good girl though and taking my preventor, it's brown, can't think what it's called, but I've not been out running since I got it on Tuesday - planning a Monday run to see if I'm any better. Hope so as I'm getting withdrawal symptoms from running along in the fresh air. Good luck with your outside run, I'm thinking a nice cool breeze would be good, not a flipping hurricane though. However I've replaced running with a more sedentary activity while I'm skiving recovering - making squares for the blankie.

Linzer think you need to put your feet up and relax with a while you've got the chance. Sunday will be here soon enough and so will 5th September, yikes!

Happy running everyone! And shredding if you're shredding already.

And there was I, thinking I wouldn't get the weights set on Amazon as I probably wouldn't even be able to lift the 2.5 kg ones, let alone exercise with them.

Sorry Kristina, I'm no help with your music question as I have an iPod and don't have a clue about Blackberries.

Pistey A hurricane too? It's just one excuse for not running after another. Seriously though, hope you're OK and that you manage to leave as scheduled. Good luck with Saturday's run; I shall try to go out too and will run with you in spirit for moral support.

A sounds like an excellent idea Bear, but I've just realised I need to leave to pick up the DC in about five minutes. Where has the afternoon gone? And why did I spend so much of it on MN? Hope you're able to get out again soon, although it sounds like you've been making better use of your time than I've been.

Sounds like there's been some great running going on .

I had an annoying run on Tuesday for two reasons. The first being the DC and DH are all away in various places so no-one knew where I was running and although I live in the backside of nowhere and it is as safe as it gets, I was quite spooked by a suspiciously very slow, young (late teens/early 20s), male cyclist passing me on my run. I was OK while I could see what he was doing but got cowardly after he eventually disappeared from view and I was deliberating turning back when the second event happened and I turned over my ankle. I nearly swore! It was blummin painful for a few seconds but then I could begin to walk on it and turned back for home as my record breaking attempt had clearly failed. After a bit I tried a jog (in case the axemurding cyclist returned) and came back home. It is still a tiny bit sore tonight so I think I'll spend 30 mins on the cross trainer tonight (no chance of turning it again on there), do Jillian Fri and Sat and hope to run on it again on Sunday. I am hopeful that it is nothing serious.

Pistey and Sweaty I thought of you when I heard about the earthquake but I couldn't recall either of you saying you were going to VA. I hope Irene changes her mind and goes away from you both though...

Vanimal I don't eat before I run either.

Wolef I like your hairly wolef thigh coverings, how do the sizes come up? The sizing on the website is just hopeless (or is it just me?). Whats wrong with good old inches or cm as a guide......? [grumpy old woman emoticon]. I felt very liberated after I wrestled myself into my Industrial Strength Sport Bra the first time - I should've got one years ago as I'd be an old hand at running by now if I had ...

JelliBelli, ooh that cyclist would have spooked me too! Eek. Even though he probably was fine...

I've realised since I've started slow jogging running that I really need to strengthen my knees. They take a lot of strain whilst I'm pounding the pavement. I'm trying to do 10 mins of leg/knee exercises each day. Is there a particular way of running to minimise impact on knees? Does impact on knees lessen over time? My DH is proper runner and he said he had to work on his knees to strengthen them when he first started but now is fine. I'm concerned because my mother has really bad knees and recently had them replaced!

Jelli The hairy wolef leg covering size I ordered came up about right, bordering on generous. If you do buy some and you're between two sizes you'd be fine with the smaller one I reckon.

I just ordered another pair I like them so much

BsshBossh touch wood, I haven't had any trouble with my knees but then again I was lucky enough to do most of my early running on an old railway track and not on a road or pavement, so it was much more forgiving. Hopefully someone will be along soon with some Wise Words but otherwise are there any green areas you could run in? Any parks or similar?
With hindsight the cyclist was harmless - at least, he didn't hit me over the head with a blunt or sharp instrument.

Linzer at you and your I bet it doesn't enlarging bum stripe .

Hats off to you carpet lung girls!! It's hard enough doing the running anyway but with carpet lungs, well, you must be tough chicks!!

Kristina sorry, I can't help you with the Blackberry music as I am not gadgetastic - you probably need to ask a Young Person for advice! Do people really recommend that you use 7Kg for Shredding? Wow! I know one poster has exercised for years and i know she has said she uses7Kg for one or two of the exercises but she is quite clear it's only those she uses them for. 7Kg would be a serious workout if used for every exercise [scared emoticon]

Oh! I did my 30 minutes cross training. We have had that machine for 10ish years and that was my first proper go on it for about 9.75 years, it was much easier than last time but I was pretty sweaty!

I lost my 20th lb today too, I expect I'll go up again tomorrow but this morning I was 20lbs lighter than when I started my slim/healthy/fit campaign in January. I was pleased with myself!!

Has anyone run through the winter and the dark mornings and evenings? How did you manage?

Have a good Friday one and all!

Thanks Wolef

Evening all....

Jelli - scary moments re the spooky cyclist. That would have freaked me out for sure. And yes I've run throughout the winter and cold and dark. I quite liked it tbh in my beanie hat and thermal gloves. But Sweaty is the Legend of running in the cold. Blimee. She is hardy! When we met up we were reminiscing about her running in ice and snow and struggling to get up slopes!
We felt the earthquake in Washington. 'twas totally weird, like a shunt or a jolt but not scary and now apparently the Washington Monument has cracks in it. Tis big news here!

Bear - yes an OPI App. Tis marvellous and you need an iphone there is a picture of a hand, you choose the skin tone then you can see what every polish would look like. It is so entertaining. And I love the names. But sadly I'm thinking Merry Midnight will be a no go . Apparently it was the Holiday colour for Christmas 2009 and is no longer available. The lady in the OPI shop here was surprised that I'd found it in a nail bar. I shall keep my eyes peeled. You'll have to let me know a second choice And fab for your crochet skills. for you.

Wolef - am loving the BearGrylssBum! When I go on Sat I realise that I shall need to utilise my BearGryllsBra for all my things, including $$$ to get a cab back! I'm hoping the hurricane won't arrive on Manhatten before I get my chance to run in Central Park with DD

I'm finding it hard as always to catch up on her on my phone. Sorry for not reading it thoroughly. It's all a bit tricky. But good running everyone. X

Back to New York tomorrow... On a train through Baltimore but not able to sing that Good Morning Baltimore song from Hairspray as technically it will be afternoon

My weights have arrived! Apart from their lack of purpleness, they look OK and I can lift them, which is a start (although I did almost drop the box when the postman handed it over, and I'm sure he smirked). Am very glad I didn't go for 2 kg ones - the box with the two of them in is too much for my spindly arms.

Pistey Have just downloaded the OPI app and it's fab. The names alone make me want to buy the nail polish! (Bet you can't get it here, though.) Have a good trip back to New York.

Jelli Glad you're still with us and didn't fall victim to a max axe cyclist - I would definitely have been scared. Hope your ankle is better soon.
I only started running in April so haven't run in the winter yet, but am already thinking about what I need to buy and where I should get it from. A purple beanie is a must, I feel - although when I searched on Amazon, this was the first item to come up and wasn't quite what I had in mind in the way of headgear.

Jelli I am a Big Jessie as you well know when running up the lane and am convinced that every car/van/cyclist/runner/rabbit that passes me is out to murrrderr me, so I totally sympathise. It makes me a bit uneasy, and I'm always looking over my shoulder.

Pistey, hope you have a safe trip back to the Big Apple and manage to get round the park before the storm comes. And thanks so much for looking for the Merry Midnight, tis very sweet of you to think of me, but please don't go out of your way to track it down. I've got this on at the moment in honour of my purplicious team mates. If you click on the nail pic it comes up bigger and you can see the true gorgeousness of it.

at Linzer taking delivery from postie - I was like that when I picked mine up at the car boot sale! At least we've got them now and we have run out of excuses, we can prepare to start.

Tis pouring here today so I'm glad it's not a running day. I've not been on winter runs yet, I've yet to add a purple beanie to my curious attire - traffic stopping.

to everyone

Linzer at that purple beanie on Amazon!

I'm glad I'm not the only one convinced I'm about to be murdered whenever I see anyone when I'm running. Dh thought/thinks I'm nuts. Though that's not new. Started running in February. So didn't do much in the dark. And then I was so slow dh came with me and dd2 in the pram so didn't worry about local axe murderers preying on fat, slow running old hags. Now I'm sooooo much quicker (ha ha) he doesn't come with me as often so could be challenging at times. Mostly try to run if I get home a bit early or at weekends anyway but am also considering joining local running club to have people to run with. They're a bit scary fit though. I chat to them when I go to parkrun and they're lovely and a few only started about a year ago and are now easily doing sub 30 5ks. But they weren't as fat as me when I started so it's bound to take me a bit longer.
I haven't had a proper run since Tuesday but will do 10k tomorrow. Can't go to parkrun this week as it's dh's turn. Did a set of intervals last night (using week 1 as timings do 1 min of running flat out then 90s walking). Is not nice but supposed to be the best way to get faster. Best way to get me wretching at the side of the road...

just popping in to say hello, still in Scotland but have had to bail out ogf my Weds and Fri runs due to developing a stinking cold, achey sinuses do not make for happy running, hope to get back on track next week.

Aww hope you feel better soon WhoKnows, the weather has been a bit rubbish on the West coast, saw the news earlier. At least it will keep the midges away. I've not been running either, next week hopefully.

Molly those intervals sounds vomit inducing! Because of my setbacks I'm almost tempted to start again from W1R1 and see how I go but it is gutting to think that I was at 28mins, and have to go back that far. I'm sort of stuck on W6 at the mo. That's what I keep thinking too about the mad axe murrrderrerrrs who are out to get me - why? Why would they bother?

Hope everyone's having a good weekend so far. sweaty, have you landed yet? Hope you've brought your galoshes! And Pistey, that storm looks horrendous, stay safe and don't worry, BA won't take off in a storm. Besides if you're stuck at the airport for a bit you can spend your time in the OPI shop.

Pistey and also Sweaty (if you are still in US - I think you are Yorkshire bound soon) I am quite worried about you now I have read about Irene .

Pistey I only know that you said you are due to return to UK on Sunday. I was just being nosey having a look at the BA website and investigated their link for departure/arrivals info and ALL of their New York - London flights have been cancelled for Sunday. I thought you ought to know in case you are London bound.

This page also says

"If you are unable to use ba.com you can call us using the telephone numbers below

In the UK: 0844 493 0787

In the US: 1 800 247 9297 (1 800 AIRWAYS) (07:00-01:00 local time)" to make changes to your booking.

Am hoping it won't turn out to be a headache for you all.

Jelli - that really was very kind of you, thank you. We are back in New York and very much grounded. Our flight on Sunday night was cancelled last night. BA cancelled all flights from lunchtime tomorrow and initially our rescheduled flight was next Thursday. But DH is trying To 'sort it' as he needs to get back. He thought he had us on the last American Airlines flight out but in the last ten mins that has been cancelled too. We are in a part of Manhatten that they are worried will flood so he is looking for us to move tomorrow morning. Honestly. An earthquake and a hurricane.

Tbh, we aren't really sure what's happening and there is a whole lot of scaremongering type American news coverage which is keeping us entertained :-D

The NY subway system is shutting at 12 tomorrow because of flooding fears. But it was a beautiful afternoon and lovely evening here. It's hard to believe there is a storm coming!

Whoknows - hope you feel better soon

Bear - lovely lovely colour!
I'm thinking of putting myself back on the running programme when I move back outside again. I'm thinking that my run isn't going to happen tomorrow but heyho.

W2R1 completed. Every time I felt like giving up Laura piped in that the 90 secs were up. So hard. But managed to complete all the runs so very happy with myself.

Pistey, wow what an adventure!