Couch to 5k 2011: Part 5 - Polished and Ready to Run

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

Yet more space for us to talk about our progress on the Couch to 5K programme, the clothes 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! Although this thread has been going for a year now some of us are re-doing the Couch to 5K, some of us are relatively new, some are doing half marathons already, we are a good mix and would love to hear from anyone who would like to run with us. Just jump in whatever stage you are at.

Hello, I'm a returned to c25k - managed as far as week 5 a few years back then knee pain followed by bunion surgery on both feet put paid to running for a while .

But I'm back now, week 1 under my belt and raring to get stuck into week 2. I used Cool Running Rawb last time, but think I prefer the NHS music this time round. My ultimate end goal is to do a marathon, but short term I need to get the end of c25k before May half term as we're off on holiday, and I need a beach body rather than my existing one .

Can't help with nail stuff, sorry.

Evening all,

Welcome Ishall and well done for getting started again, May half term sounds like a very reasonable time frame for finishing the programme.

Neils - sounds like a good idea to change direction on your track, might even out the impact on your legs.

I've finally been back out again today, took it easy and did a slow 25 minutes, my chest felt quite tight towards the end even though I wasn't really getting too out of breath, I haven't quite got rid of this cough yet it seems. However I needed to get out again or I was never going to do it. It was lovely to not have to bother with jacket, hat, gloves etc, contrast to a few weeks ago when it was still freezing.

I'm actually missing my jacket and hat, WhoKnows. Well, the hat mainly - it stopped my hair getting frizzy. It was OK this morning as I washed my hair straight afterwards, but I really don't have time to wash my hair every other day (it's very dry so doesn't need washing more than every 4-5 days). I went out at about 9 am this morning and it was already far too hot for me; I found myself looking in vain for some shade most of the time.

Anyway, Week 3 is now done and for once I had absolutely no problems with my knee/leg. I knew this would happen as soon as I made the appointment. I'm sure the problem hasn't miraculously cleared up, however, so I'll just have to make sure I get out regularly so that I can remember exactly what I need to complain about.

Welcome IShall - I've also had my running rudely interrupted by knee pain recently, although I did manage to complete C25k before it set in. It's been about four months since I last ran 5k, however, so I've gone back to the beginning.

Neils Hope the shin splint doesn't get any worse. I pass by a baker's towards the end of my run, but the fact that I'm hot, sweaty and out of breath generally means I'm too embarrassed to go in.

jelli Ooh, how exciting about the trip. DH arranged a mystery trip for me once, many moons ago; I didn't find out where we were going until we were at the airport (it was Paris; one of my first thoughts was, "oh no, I suppose that means I'll have to speak French." ).

Shredded You are putting me us all to shame with your 10ks.

Well, I did W2D2 today - this time I did some shin splint exercises before starting and a longer bike ride and the weather was much warmer. I did the opposite way around the track and my shins felt much better... So I'm cautiously optimistic.

Plus I made it round 2 mins faster than Saturday (!)

WhoKnows, I find once I'm passed the 'peak' in a cough/cold cycle then going out and exercising helps (rather than makes it worse like it seems to early on); hopefully that will be the case for you.

Linzer, I've commuted across Stockport/South Manchester for years whilst overweight and in lycra; so it takes more than being slightly sweaty in a bakers before I hit my embarrassment threshold .

I am still here and have been doing good running, I've just not had time to get on MN.

I ran on Friday, and again tonight. On Fridays run I definitely felt that my walking intervals of 45 seconds was too long. So I reduced it by 15 seconds tonight and it felt fine, so I am feeling chuffed with myself - if not a little when other people talk about doing 10k

Sounds as though you've all had good runs today. Pilates class for me today so no running, but I am looking forward to getting back out again on Wednesday.

Neil I find I can run through colds if all the symptoms are in my head (sinuses etc) but if it settles on my chest that is harder, this one is a bit of both, but just a tickly cough and runny nose now, so hopefully I'll be back to top form soon.

Nails are still having a break.

Been out again today, another slow run but did another km or so, to take me back up to 30mins. Definitely not in the mood for timing/measuring at the moment, just getting back in the habit.

Must dash, want to watch the Apprentice in a minute.

I ran again last night. The same as Monday night, but with a longer run at the end to finish off. My aim is to do the same on Friday with a view to upping my running time but keeping the walking time the same.

I ran to War of the Worlds as my iPod battery was flat, so had to use dh's. It was quite good listening actually. Good paced music and listening to the story took my mind off feeling hot and sweaty

My nails are resting too, although I think I may do my toes. I have a lovely dark blue/purple that I haven't used yet.

I did my toes last night, Maybelline Really Rosy. My feet had their first venture into sandals yesterday and looked really washed out, so it had to be done but I'm back in shoes today for work.

I've wondered about listening to audiobooks or podcasts when running Ilike, never got around to downloading any though. DH has masses of books but they aren't the sort of thing I'm into. I find War of The Worlds a bit upsetting, but it is one of DH's favourites. I had a spell of listening to Rumours by Fleetwood Mac while running last year, that was very enjoyable, must try that again.

Ooh Rumours, one of my favourites!

I find running to podcasts/books makes me even slower than my usual slowness.

I was very good and went out early on Monday morning and had a good run, but have not done anything since. I was planning to go today, but have to be in work early. Oh well, tomorrow is another day .

Thank you WhoKnows for the Rumours suggestion. I had forgotten that i'd bought it on iTunes ages ago (iTunes was kind enough to tell me I didn't need to buy it again ). I ran to it this morning. Only problem was my shuffle shuffled the order of the tracks so it didn't sound "right".

Have good weekends everyone. I'm making the most of being home alone before DH and DS's arrive on Monday.

Hi All, I've been a bit slack this week with the running as I haven't managed any since the weekend. I have jillianed each day except Wednesday so I am not all bad!

No music offerings from me as DH is my current entertainment while I'm running and he's not easy to send through the Internet! I have no nail garnish either as I broke the nail on my middle finger right hand on Wednesday si I will not be wearing any for some time! I have a week and a half off work now too (hurrah!) so I hope to get in the garden and I think that will probably result in ages more nail deaths....

I will run this morning and hopefully tomorrow so I am allowed on the thread again - honest guv'nor.

How's everyone else doing?

Urrgh, sorry Miss for my absence, but I've been very poorly. Proper flu. Most ill. Poor me!

I did try and run on Weds & because it had been 10 days, I thought I'd do W7 again. Epic fail. Could barely do 3 mins before totally exhausted with an unbelievable stitch that I just couldn't lose. And it had been 2 hrs since I'd eaten (any thoughts / ideas on that?)

Haven't tried again as still slightly bunged up but am going to go to pilates or for a swim today. Gentle exercise to get stamina back. But I'm missing the running

Had a run this evening, gawd it was tough. It started off and finished ok, but the middle bit was a complete bitch I was hoping to increase my running time next week, I really hope it's not such hard work.

I have a lovely colour on my toe nails. It is a No7 and it's called violetta. It's a dark blue/purple gloss. I like it more than I thought I would.

Don't underestimate how long it takes to get over the flu Shandy, when I have had it it has taken me weeks to return to normal.

Oh dear Shandy, proper flu is awful. Take it easy!

Well done ILike. Some runs seem to go better than others, hopefully your next one will be better.

So jelli, did you get out? Have you noticed there are some other posters with similar names? I keep thinking I have bumped into you on other threads but it is one of your impersonators .

I have had a very long run today. DH suggested that a good way of getting ready for next week's 10k was to run further than that, so that next week would feel easy. Honestly, if anyone had told me a year ago when I was finishing C25K that I'd be running for two hours and actually enjoying myself I would have fallen off my chair laughing.

Thanks guys «manly punch to shoulder» & fabulous 2 hour run!! Most envious!

Did manage 30 lengths of a 25 metre pool with no stoping. 22 mins & felt breathless & hot but not exhausted.

Back to running Monday!

But best of all, I've not smoked for two weeks!! I'm a total social smoker & can go for days or weeks without if there's no booze involved. But hate it & bought an electronic fag. Been drinking tonight & haven't had a fag! So pleased!!!

Well done on both points IFAS. DH and I are both ex-smokers - like you DH could go weeks without smoking, smoke loads on a night out and stop again for weeks, while I was a more regular smoker. I look back and shudder at younger self puffing away - 3 of my grandparents were smokers and 3 all of them died relatively young of heart attacks/strokes. The non-smoker lived to a healthy 89.

Great swimming too. I'd love to be a better swimmer. A girl I work with was quite a high-level swimmer at university and does triathlons. She keeps trying to persuade me to do a mini one with her. I'd be fine at the run, and OK on a bike but rubbish at the swim.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

I did get out for a run yestrday, about 50mins (freedom of no watch again, hurrah!) it was a lovely run and was briefly tempted to continue with DH to go 'over the hill' instead of around the bottom, but wimped out. I think it may be challenge to work up to though.

I haven't run this morning as MNing in bed as I intend to do some Jillian this evening with some sprinting. DH did some sprinting sessions with DS for rugby training last week and was surprised at the difference it has made to his speed and stamina, so I am going to give it a whirl.

Shredded why not agree to doing a triathlon in return for some swim training from your friend?

Impressed by anyone who has given up smoking. Well done! Truly.

PS I think I am the jellibelli imposter as the y spellings had already gone. But if you said hello!

W3D2 done earlier today; did it directly after a 14k cycle ride so was properly warmed up. I've been doing the shin splint exercises and stretches, but have still had a touch of soreness - not shin splints proper, but enough to make me take plenty of care on technique... Have been RICEing after each run too.

14k cycle ride was a bit worrying - historically I'd have expected to be averaging about 15-16 mph over the distance with only a couple of hundred feet of climbing; but was down at 14mph today. I have rather kitted out my bike for the commute rather than out and out speed and I think that may be the cause; can't undo many of the things I've done so I may just have to live with being slow or try and find a way to obtain a faster bike.

My swim time is pretty poor too so it looks like I need to focus on technique there...

Shredded I'm rather enjoying the triathlon training - the swim is only about 15% of the time, the majority is on the bike. Currently I'm just hoping to finish before they shut the course

Blimey Neils, well done you! 14k?!?

Quick question to you more knowledgeable sorts... I want to go for a run before getting ready for work tomorrow. So was thinking 6am (I am normally up at this time so no biggie) but I normally eat and leave it 2hrs before exercising. Obviously can't so this tomorrow (I ain't getting up at 4am! ).

So, is it ok to run on empty so to speak? Or just have, say, a banana and then head out the door?

Any tips gratefully received!

ifancy closer inspection of the route tracking software shows my GPS was on the blink and I reckon it lost a couple of k and hence the low average... Still 14k on the bike is nowhere near as impressive as it sounds; its surprisingly easy to sustain a decent pace on the bike; I think its down to being able to deliver the power (what there is of it) in a very smooth fashion rather than running which is very high impact.

Personally I'd have something light before going out; I reckon, based on commuting 20-30 mins to work by bike, you'd get away without eating if its less than half an hour of running, but much more than that and I suspect you'll feel truly shocking...

Shandy When we were on holiday in Italy last summer, I wanted to go out as early as possible before it got too hot so went out straight after breakfast but ended up feeling slightly sick while I was running. When we got back, I still needed to go out early as the DC were at home and DH leaves fairly early for work, so would eat half a banana; it staved off the hunger pangs until I got back but didn't feel like it was too much.

Still reploughing my way through C25k. I did W5R1 today and could feel my knee and leg getting a bit achy towards the end, but it wasn't too painful. I've got the appointment re my knee tomorrow and I'm going to have to make sure I don't play it down.

In more exciting news, we were supposed to be going to my ILs for a couple of days at the end of the week but DH confessed last night that he's booked us a couple of nights at a hotel in Vienna instead. He asked whether there was anything particular I wanted to do while we're there - I said yes, go to the famous Tony's running shop (well, two fellow runners have told me about it) and have gait analysis done.

w3r1 tonight which was surprisingly easy, although my shins are feeling it now - someone mentioned specific exercises for shin splints, where would I find those on the internets?

For any lurkers who are thinking tentatively about taking the plunge - the first week is the hardest of the first few weeks especially if you are as seriously unfit as I am, if you look at the plan you panic a bit, but honestly, get week one over and done with, and the rest is much much easier than it looks . If I can do it, anyone can.

Ishall link to shin splint exercises - there is an awful lot of scary stuff on the internet about shin splints; I'm being as careful as I can as I get the impression that just 'running through it' could be a very bad move... Shoes are important too (apparently), I went for gait analysis and ended up with stability shoes. The only problem with doing all these things is I've no idea which (if any) of them are doing anything to help!