Couch to 5k 2011 Part Four: Post even if you haven't run!

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Yet more space for us to talk about our progress on the Couch to 5K programme, the stuff we wear, the music we listen to, the gadgets we use and our nail varnish.

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!

Some of us are on our second time round now, so don't worry that you will be behind, just jump in whatever stage you are at.

Well done on your run, kid. I feel exactly the same about C25k; I hadn't done any exercise for years, was ridiculously unfit and yet here I am able to run for 30 minutes without dying. of you being in central London; which park do you run in? I was watching all the runners running along the Thames when we were there last month and wished that was me - although I wasn't too envious of them having to dodge all the pesky tourists. I was not a tourist myself, of course. Oh no, I used to live in London years and years ago and I have an Oyster card (and not one of those fancy visitor's ones) and, um, we got married there.

I run in a teeny tiny local park. I live nearish to Victoria Park and maybe when I can run for a bit longer, I will venture there with my dog.

I have been exercising for the last 9 months. I joined a gym and go 2 or 3 times a week but i have never been able to run. So, this is a huge achievement for me.

Hello all!Sounds like you're going well!

I hope your knee starts to improve Linzer

WhoKnows that sounds like a lovely run.

maybe nearly there!!!

kid keep going.Hi Kristina,mosschops brighthair and everyone else.

Had a disastrous run yesterday and didn't attempt anything today (migraine). I think I'm trying to do too much (was aiming to Shred every day) plus low carbing,and its affected my running prowess .Have decided to just cut back on carbs rather than low carb and alternate shred and run (at the most).No point trying to do everything badly!

Bit sore today mainly my back. No run, but did about a mile walk and had an hours riding lesson on horse who has now redeemed herself by behaving like a model of obedience noticed my back was sore part way through
Got soaked in driving wind and hail - wonderful Lancashire weather!!
Gym again tomorrow and w1r3 depending on back might just do run
I work shifts so hard to fit it in but am off work for a while so trying to get in a routine

Countess -shredding OR running and having one rest day a week sounds more reasonable. Unless you are traning for the olympics.

Countess I alternate with Shredding (or other JM torture video) and running each day. I think it is a good balance with the two activities and each does something that the other can't provide. I did have success cutting the carbs but they are creeping back in so hopefully that will work for you too. Try not to be too impatient - you want these changes to last forever!

Kid I could never run either. I started C25K this spring at the grand age of 43 so I am sure you will manage just fine. Just keep going out there and following the programme. Have you got good trainers and bra and a large selection of nail garnish? Well done on the run.

Linzer that sounds hopeful with the knee. It will be interesting to see how it goes with the stretching etc and the shorter distances. But most of all I like it that the doc will do something quickly if it doesn't get better. Fingers crossed for you though, obviously.

Whoknows clearly cake was necessary after finding running mojo! Am glad you enjoyed the country running (although i get wet feet on the tracks after rain -yuck) but I find its good to have a variety of runs as I get bored easily.

Maybe stick with it - I hope you got out yesterday and you only have 2 more runs to Graduate. You've done most of the hard work now. Keep us posted on those last few runs...

I don't much like running in the wind - am not too bothered about the rain (so far but I haven't been out in ploppy, wet rain - just the fine stuff).

I ran yesterday but I thought i would phone it in and take a shortcut as it was a bit hard work, but it turned out to be 4.5Km anyway so i let myself off the guilt! It was hard work (think may be premenstrual - sorry if TMI) so I will see how I feel tomorrow when I set off before deciding whether to do my 6 miler or not. Maybe it was just very blustery - which it was....

Anyway shredding this morning so I can't hang about talking to you! Run well everyone including YOU Nell!!

Jelli

Well done everyone, you're all doing great! except me.

Everything still hurts today!!
Thought of doing w1r3 is making me go eugh but am en route to gym now... Let's see how the calf muscles are today
Do you all stretch before running? I did hear stretching cold muscles was bad but not sure

Woo hoo!!!!
Run done - covered 2km and legs only burning at the end of the run periods. Done 3.5km on bike, no weights today
Now do I repeat week one another week or crack on?

Jillian says you are to do dynamic stretches before you exercise as part of the warm up. Static stretches are for cool down.

Well done on your run Brighthair. If you have fully completed this weeks runs - to me that was running the whole time required without stopping and only having the requisite walking times - then I would move on to W2. Well done.

Nell?

Fully completed - I did stop twice in the walking periods for 30 secs to stretch my calf out

Yes, static stretches are not supposed to be done cold, I do a few after my warm up brisk walk/jog before I start running properly, if I don't stretch calves they seize up about 10 mins in. This tallis with the routine I was given onthegym, 5 mins on bike or cross train to get warm before stretches and start workout.

Well done jelli. If you have done the run three times in a week and it was ok i wouod go on to the next week. Its taken me longer to get through the programme as i soemtimes dont get out 3times a week. Also if my hips get sore i would just stick at the same level u til they were ok. I dont mind being slower as long as i i dont knacker my back /hips which play up when i do high impact stuff. But i know i cant just do reisistance and wwights due to my age

So its taken me about 3months instead of 8 weks to be able to run the whole 5 k comfortably. And ive read that doing all the other core stuff helps protect agaist injury too

Re streches, i do them after my warm up and lots at the end. I do my whole body, not just my legs aa i find my shoulders and back get stiff too [old crock]

I haven't been doing any warm ups before or after running

I'm due to do w1r3 tomorrow and I fully intend to do it but I'm trying to decide between treadmill at the gym or the park. I quite fancy going to the park where I got locked in on w1r1, (I don't think I mentioned that here!)
That park suits me better as I won't know anyone there. The closer park is frequented by other local dog walkers that I know.

I have to do a huge food shop in the morning as I had a new fridge/freezer delivered today and its more or less empty. I don't suppose I should count the 2 bottles of wine in it.

My hips are a little bit sore today, I expect them to hurt a bit more tomorrow but that won't stop me. Even if I complete tomorrow, I don't think I'll be ready for w2 as I am not finding it easy, or is that the idea?!

Jelli

But in my defence I have been extremely busy today pinning stuff on Pinterest.

Some motivation for me.

Oh dear. I'm a lost cause.

I have sinned and eaten my own body weight in Ben and jerrys
Plus I bought the entire models own beetlejuice nail collection online
There's no hope for me!!

Noooooo brighthair! Where did you get it? I've been trying and it's sold out! Booo hooooo x eleventy million! I need to know!

brighthair! You are very naughty. Now look what you have made me do!

Just got it tonight off the models own website
Tried the other day and sold out but back in stock tonight

X posted
But they're so pretty... It's my treat after completing week 1

Well done on completing W1, you definitely deserve them! Not so sure about me though.

They are pretty though, too pretty to leave and bargainous too.

It's a lovely day here today, sunny and blustery and I've seen loads of people out running fast. It almost made me want to go out ...

Hey everyone, thanks for all the encouragement.
I managed to get out on Friday in the wind and rain and hail, and felt pretty smug. :)
But have totally failed to go out today, as have had people staying all weekend... and now it's dark and rainy and cold and I don't want to go out. :( I know I'm a wimp, but I find it so much easier to go out first thing and in daylight. I normally run in the park, but I guess I could go round the streets. Hmmm...
I normally just stretch after running. I figure that the 5 minute walk before I start running is enough of a warm up.
You guys have inspired me to paint my toenails this evening. I'll do that instead of going for a run!
Good running / nail painting everyone!

No running for me today, just a mile walk and I lunged the horse and mucked out
Week 2 starts tomorrow