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.

Wow molly - 9 stones is absolutely fantastic.
W5R2 went okish this morning. Found the bit between 4-7 minutes hard going, not sure whether it's because it coincided with a hill or that I'm setting off too fast. Planning to do the W5R3 on Tuesday...
But what I really want to know is when the music is going to start getting better? Felt weeks 3&4 were a real low point musically speaking. I hate it when there's no lyrics, then there's nothing to distract me from the fact that my breathing is about ten times as fast as it should be.
Both my monkeys have bounced back and DS is eating at (what I find alarming) speed. Luckilly I seem to have escaped it. Hope everyone else is feeling better.

Well I did the dreaded 20 min W5R3 today and well...I did it! I can't say I found it easy though, and am looking forward to the next two runs having walking breaks in them. For all those who have gone on from W5 please tell me it doesn't get much harder than this???? I am hoping my fitness levels will increase in line with the increase in times/distances so I won't feel it too badly....

I agree maybetoday that the music seems to have gone a bit pants this week. I was previously enjoying it but I think they are recycling some of the not-so-great stuff....

This thread moves very quickly and I am very confused by all the pinterest (what the????) and nail varnish talk....

Evening all,

Well, can't comment on the music as I am not using a C25K podcast/app. just programming it into Runkeeper so I can use my own music. I used the NHS version first time round and found the music truly dire.

I made the mistake of just programming W5R3 in as one interval of 20 minutes though, so I didn't get any time checks, which I didn't like, I like to know how long I have been going and how long is left. I'm obviously unlike you in this respect Babycham!

Nell - I don't dare start looking at this Pinterest thing, I waste enough time on MN and FB as it is!

Linzer - I hate Red Bull too, I didn't know it was Austrian, but I think it is vile.

Jelli - Although I have made great improvements in speed this time round I am not quite on target to getting under 5k/half hour yet, I think I will need to carry on doing interval work to achieve that. It is about 3 weeks since I've tried a half hour run, I might do one next to see what the progress is. TBH, I think the first 5 weeks are the ones where I am most likely to gain speed, weeks 6 onwards are more about increasing time, I already know I can run for 40 minutes (slowly) so I am starting to think about going back to week 1 again for another step up in speed rather than going all the way to week 9.

Yay! Well done stranded!

maybe and stranded, are you running to the Laura NHS podcast? The music is indeed a bit rubbish on there. If you've got an iPhone I wish, you can download some sort of podcast, the talky bit, to play over your own music which would be much, much better. Someone who has done that will be along soon I'm sure, maybe Pistey or sweaty, or sybil.

If I remember rightly (I got to W8R3 then dropped off the programme for a bit due to a stupid injury), yes, it did get harder sorry. The 28 min runs were really hard for me, but you WILL be able to do it, as the programme is so gradual. By then I was just playing Team Songs as I really was sick of the music. If you have a look back on the other thread, you'll see more talk about nail varnish some of the Team Songs we all liked. Fat Bottomed Girls and Mr Blue Sky spring to mind.

Running was my obsession in the spring/summer, but I seem to have lapsed somewhat this autumn hence Pinterest and chocolate. And of course nail garnish, well we are all a little obsessed with that on here.

Hello everyone!

Well done Stranded. Molly you are an inspiration.

I was finding it hard to get up and down a little stiff today after yesterdays exertions.But I am doing others things too,so it could have been Pilates.

I don't listen to music as I run - for one thing on the country lanes I like to hear approaching vehicles.But also I don't have one of those fangled I pod thingies (and I wouldn't have a clue to do all that downloading malarky if I did)

Happy running everyone!!

nell it's Sally Supplies - the hairdressers shop that is in alot of towns that has 3 for 2 on, think it is running til the middle of the week. Am liking your Pinterest boards alot.

Wish me luck for the morning, am seriously not looking forward to it [gulp]

Happy running all
Must get my beauty sleep

Hello runners old and new.

Gosh you have been a chatty lot .

My boys arrived late on Thursday night/Friday morning , so I was too tired to exercise when I got up on Friday. We hiked yesterday, and had a bit of a walk today. I'm trying to shred on Mondays and Fridays, run on Wednesdays and use Jillian's yoga DVD on Weds. Then I want to try to do a longer run each weekend if I can fit one in.

Jelli and Molly, I think I might be up for a half next year. There's one here in March which DH is planning to do. I might train without telling him and turn up on the day . I will look at dates and training plans and work back from there - I've also just started a new OU course, so am in danger of biting off more than I can chew as usual

Nell - hope you get out tomorrow. We want a full report.

Well done to everyone doing their 20 minute runs. I remember the first time I did mine. It's a great feeling! I'm still re-doing C25K, have stayed at W1 for the last couple of weeks to try to increase my speed but may need to move up to slightly longer bursts of "speed".

Ooh, and the app you can put over your own music is from Cool Running - link to app is at the bottom of the page.

Definitely in the PRSP right now . W4R3. 4.2km!! Whoop whoop. went better than expected.

My lovely chocolate nails have managed to survive the weekend, and I am set for the week - although not exactly thrilled at the prospect of work .

Have a great day everyone.

Bafana

Well done to all the weekend runners. I did w5r2 again and ran for a little more than i was told to! So im hoping the big 20 min run ( gulp) will not be too much of a shock. Got time down to 31.30 so i can see an inprovement. Just not in my flabby bits

Respect to those of you with big weight loss

Saw this link on another thread this morning, very fab

Also looking for some new songs to run to
My currents are

ELO - mr blue sky
Justin Timberlake - sexyback
Keane - somewhere only we know
Girls aloud - jump
Never miss a beat - Kaiser chiefs
Shakira - Waka Waka
This Love - Maroon 5

They seem to be at my beat and keep me going
Hope everyone else has had a good day!

Well done on the w5r2 Kristina - am sure that you will manage the 20 mins no problem, although I am sure part of the reason for repeating w4 for me is the fear of the 20 minute run

The fear of the 8min to 20 min leap was what made me decide to do the Bupa running plan - there isn't a big jump on it . Good luck all though.

No running or shreddiing from me today. I had a sticky back this morning and I've just got in and need to feed DC so no time now (she says whilst MNing....)

Bafanga - thanks for that clip, it is inspiring isn't it?

If you go back to the very beginning of the previous thread Part 3 there was a lot of chat about running music and several of our lists of running tracks. DH bought this CD at the weekend too which I think I will use Running Music

That CD looks good, WhoKnows - I have three of the songs on it on my running list: Speed of Sound (like the song, but I don't find it great to run to), We are the People and Rush Hour (takes me back to my student days!). The other songs that really get me to speed up (that I can remember - too long since I've run ) are Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves and and - but they're both in German.

Ooh, I like the look of the running music CD. Echo Beach is one of my favourites from a long long time ago . And You Spin me right round reminds me of freshers week and dancing on tables .

jelli what do you reckon?

Ok. It's still dark outside and I am going for my week 2 run 2!

Just keep telling myself I'll feel better when it's done

Let us know when you are back Prince!

I'm back. Job done by 7:30. Brilliant.

Well done prince
It's a great feeling isn't it!!

Well done Prince!

I phoned it in this morning. Was up half the night, and decided the extra 45 mins in bed was worth more than a run in the dark. I may try to go this evening.

Welldone running in the dark! I dont even do the rain

Well done Prince! You're a better woman than me.

Loved that clip Bafanga and the CD looks great WhoKnows - lots of my faves on there. YY to looking at the other thread for musical inspiration - loads of great songs.

Linzer I put my iPod on my running music the other day while I was in the kitchen and it really cheered me up. Imagine how I'd feel if I got off my fat arse and actually ran?! To be fair I did put all my stuff out on Sunday night for Monday morning but woke on the hour, every hour wittering about running and what if I couldn't do it and all that malarkey so was knackered by the time the alarm finally went off and had an extra half hour in bed instead. Shameful. I love Walking On Sunshine too. :)

shredded glad you're having an great time with your boys - see above for my full report on how my Monday morning run went.

Yes, well done Prince. I was on another thread earlier where someone said they got up at 4.30 every morning to go running, I was a bit , am impressed with that level of dedication.

I have phoned it in today, the DCs have been at my parents and I have been at work all day, then 2 hours picking them up (only half an hour away but stayed for an hour). We have had some torrential downpours of rain this afternoon / evening, so postponing until tomorrow.

I really need to work out a route that I can do in darkness, you do see masses of people out running after dark here, maybe I just need to hide in a bush, wait for a slow one to come past and follow them.

Has anyone here tried C25K on a treadmill? I know it has been mentioned at times on the thread in the past. I was considering re-joining my old gym to see me through the winter and get myself into a strength routine that works.

Well done all on your runs!

I haven't been able to get out and start week 6 yet as half term is putting a bit of a spanner in the works with the routine.Of course then the clocks changing will add it's difficulties - I love your idea of hiding in a bush until a slow one comes past to follow WhoKnows!

Hoping to get out tomorrow though

There are no problems - only solutions.

If I want to look like GI Jane or her out of Terminator by next Summer I'll have to find a way....

I saw that thread too WhoKnows and was equally . There's no way I could get up at 4.30 am; 5.30 am is early enough (and that's just to get everyone ready in time for school etc.) and I'm ready for bed at 9.30 pm. I would have to go to bed with the DC if I could manage to force myself to get up at 4.30 am, which I very much doubt, and I enjoy my child-free time in the evenings too much.

Nell I often listen to the running playlist on my iPod in the kitchen (and sometimes even wish I was out running) - I'm missing the music if nothing else! Oh, and the PRSP of course; I sadly have absolutely no reason to feel smug atm. If it's any consolation, I haven't been out either but I'm going to make a determined effort to finish my work tomorrow so that I can go out on Thursday or Friday. As long as it's not raining.