Couch to 5k

[HalleLouja]

Does anyone want to join me. Its my third attempt started today.

The first time I got pregnant mid way through. Second time was the start of the year and it was too snowy and cold and I was ill.

So psyched myself up again.

I need some company.

[EauRouge]

I go out about 7-8am usually but have no school run to do and DH works from home so I'm much more flexible. Getting up earlier was the best way for me to fit it into my day, I also love having the rest of the day knowing that it's done.

Are you working full time? Could you go on your lunch break maybe?

Running is very addictive, sounds like you've caught the bug

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

I did Wk2 R1 tonight. I was feeling really tired and had a very slight nap on ds's bed when I put the kids to bed. But I still got out there afterwards - I had a good incentive as yesterday I went to the main specialist running shop and, while dd slept peacefully in her pram, spent about 1-1.5 hours choosing a pair of trainers. I think I ran as far up and down that shop as on the actual Wk1 runs. My goodness, what a difference it makes having the right shoes on. I can't say I flew around but I managed it despite the tiredness and by run six I was actually feeling like I could have carried on (just about).

Just wondered when people preferred to go out running. I've only done the evenings so far as I'd have to get up about 6-6.30 in order to go out in the morning, and I'm not much of morning person. Well I wasn't before I had the kids. However, I wasn't much of a runner before a week and a half ago, and apparently I'm hooked on it now.... so we'll see.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Thanks for the replies Eau and Miranda. I finished Wk1R3 tonight. I had Laura with me up to the second run then the MP3 player died - clearly the battery doesn't last very long and I was an idiot not to check it before I went out. So I just counted and to be honest as it was my third go on the same route I pretty much knew where I needed to be running. I was definitely going a bit faster, not that I'm trying to but it seemed to come that way, and my recovery was better. Onwards to Wk2 by which time I may have some proper trainers.

Eau, the parkrun sounds like a great idea. If I make it through the programme then I might have a scout around for one once the Race for Life is over. At the moment, I'm not doing anywhere near 5k but I suppose the idea is you go further when you're running more. I even noticed today that I was slightly further on on my second run.

[EauRouge]

Sorry, NoBusiness, this dropped off my 'threads I'm on' for some reason. Glad that you've got started and things are going well. I thought the first run was the hardest one, things got much easier once I stopped worrying about looking like an idiot

When it rains, the only thing I do differently is wear a baseball cap to keep the rain out of my eyes- I don't mind getting wet but I need to see where I'm going. I run in all weathers now (remember all that snow? That was great fun to run in) but the worst for me is wind; I HATE running in the wind. I'll put it off until another day if it's very windy. I run out in the open fields and it's bloody hard to catch your breath if the wind's against you.

I did W8R2 yesterday, it went really well. I can almost taste that 5k! And there's a parkrun starting up near me in April so I'm going to sign up for that.

[MirandaWest]

Hello :)

I am no expert but do some amount of running every week (aim for three times although doesnt always work out that way ). I am rubbish at being cold but my main problem is my fingers so as long as I have gloves I am ok. I wear a long sleeved top with a short sleeved one over the top, running tights and the gloves and am fine. If it rains I get wet and enjoy the shower afterwards all the more :) My bf (who I have somehow got into this running lark) wears a running jacket in a fetching fluorescent yellow and sometimes has a buff (technical term I think - its a thing that can be a hat or a scarf) round his neck. Some people wear hats.

Am very glad you've now god a podcast working - it does help :) I am now trying to get back to where I was in November when I could do good 5k running but have lapsed since then . Keeping at it does work though.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Think I've killed this thread . I'll give it one more go and then try starting a new one [pathetic face]. I bought a cheapo MP3 player today and hallelujah, I have Laura. What a difference it makes going out with actual music, the timings and a friendly voice to chivvy one along. My knee didn't hurt much this time so I'm hopeful the slowly slowly approach will strengthen it rather than finish it off. I also got a pair of exercise leggings from Asda last week so I just need a proper pair of runners then I'll be set. I'm just using my walking trainers at the moment. Worked up a sweat this time, although that may be because it was a bit warmer than last week (relatively...) but I had the same number of layers on. I hate being cold. I don't know how I'll cope if it actually rains. The weatherman says dry into the first part of March so maybe if I'm running a bit more by then I'll be braver. How do others deal with rain in terms of clothing etc?

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

I did it. Week one, run one. I think that has to rank as one of the most arse-backwards efforts given the MASSIVE technological hurdles I've come up against. I've already mentioned the complete failure of iTunes to let me use either iphone or ipod to transfer the podcasts. Well, today I remembered that dp had an old phone which didn't work for the phone bit but still switched on and had an MP3 player. He charged it up for me today while I was in work then this evening I tried transferring week one over to it without using sodding iTunes. I had to delete all the music he had on there first. It worked. Hurrah I thought. Then I slowly realised that it was a model (gives Sony Ericsson a hard stare) that needed proprietary earphones with a stupid connector rather than the bog standard smooth pin that fits everything else. Of course we don't still have these headphones - the phone is "old". But I then discovered you could just play it on the inbuilt speaker. I thought, ok, it'll be a bit awkward but I'll just go out with it in my hand and listen that way. I got togged up (it's freezing here, of course) and set out the door. I had gone about, and I exaggerate not, five whole metres from my front gate, when the sound cut out. No Laura, no music, nothing telling me when to walk and run..... At this point I thought, is it really worth it; clearly it's a sign from on high that given the previously fucked knee, this is not a good idea. But I have been so desperate to start this I just thought I'd carry on regardless and time the sodding intervals myself. The podcast was still running (soundlessly) so I used the time on that - except the phone screen kept going dark, and I had to press buttons to get the screen back, which meant every now and then the button I pressed stopped the podcast and I would be walking along with the time not moving.... After two or three run intervals I also didn't know if I'd done two or three runs as I was so busy concentrating on the time, trying to improvise a route in the cold and dark and keeping a wary eye out for the seemingly large numbers of men in pairs or on their own in cars that populated every road I went down at first. But I did it. I did it! Even if my knee did hurt on every run. I was expecting that. However I do not want to have to do the manual timing again so I'm going to have to buy a cheap MP3 player tomorrow (or splash out an an iPhone 5 - I bet even then it wouldn't work with my sodding iTunes account!!!).

Sorry for the essay. If anyone is out there just starting off on the C25K journey I'd really appreciate some mutual support. Thanks Eau for replying again so I don't feel like I'm whistling in the dark here. I wonder if I should start a new thread as I'm aware most people on here completed the programme a while back.

[EauRouge]

I could never get it to download onto iTunes either, I just use the rundouble app. The first couple of weeks are free and then you have to pay but it's only 99p or something. You can choose your own music too.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Help! I've tried downloading the C25K onto both my iPhone and ipod from two different computers and iTunes accounts (mine and DPs), and neither have worked. I effing hate iTunes. It's never worked properly for me for some reason on my iPhone and tbh I find it impenetrable. I'm feeling really frustrated because I want to start this but I can't get hold of the programme. Aarrgghhhh. I registered for the Race for Life last night too. I don't know if it's because both my phone, ipod and laptop are "old" in technology terms. Really pissed off now.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Thanks for the message Eau. I recognise some of those exercises from when I had physio after my MRI scan. (Also remember the rather tasty physio now I come to think of it..... ). Well done on starting again after your surgery. That seems really quick to me, just three weeks. There is a specialist place just nearby so I will investigate.

[EauRouge]

Sorry to hear about your colleague, I think it's brilliant that you're running the race in his memory.

You don't have to spend hundreds to get good running shoes but it's really worth going to a specialist place, especially one that can do gait analysis. They stick you on a treadmill and look at the way you run and then recommend shoes that can support your feet. Some people's feet roll inwards, some roll outwards (some don't roll much at all) and you need different support depending on which way you go. They should also be able to give you some advice about your knee.

I think C25K is less likely to result in injury because it builds up so slowly giving time for everything to become stronger. Some of these exercises might help but if you've got a history of injury then it's probably best to chat everything over with your GP first.

Good luck!


I went out for my first run today after having nearly 3 weeks off to recover from surgery. It's so good to be back! It went OK, I was on week 8 but went back to week 7 and will probably do 2 or 3 more before I move on again.

[NoBusinessLikeSnowBusiness]

Hello all. I've read the thread and you're an inspiring bunch! Ok so I'm about to start the C25K but I'm pretty worried as the last time I trained for a 5k race about 13 years ago I knackered my knee and discovered an underlying weakness after an MRI scan. I've never run again - it's never come easily to me. However a group of women from work are taking part in the Race for Life in May in memory of a colleague who died last summer very suddenly after being diagnosed with a rare cancer. He was only 30 odd and a real sweet soul andhis sister (now a friend of colleague) is organising this so I really feel I'd like to give it a try and just see how my knee holds up. Less altruistically, I also want to get fit and lose about half a stone or at least lose the post dc2 padding round the middle. I'm not overweight by any means but I'd like to be trimmer again.

Just wanted to ask about running shoes. I only have trainers which I've worn once and I've realised don't fit me properly. How much did you have t spend to get suitable ones? Any tips on brand or places to try? TIA.

[HalleLouja]

I had a look at the lucozade one. It starts on 20 minutes. Am going to do it three times to get some fitness back and then follow the rest of the plan.

It did feel good and I might go out this afternoon.

[EauRouge]

Well done How far did you run? Have you had a look at any 10k training plans? I think I'm just going to increase distance by 10% every week. I'm not fussed about how fast I go just yet!

[HalleLouja]

So I ran for 20 minutes without stopping. Then I nearly collapsed. But I got off my fat arse and did it.

[Mosschops30]

Its down both sides of my shins. It was from the hip down but thats eased. Still hurts my calfs to walk.

My yoga instructor says i should have a week or two off then go back a couple of weeks so will have to go back to week 5

[EauRouge]

Aw, bummer :( What's the pain like, is it achy or a sharp pain? Have you seen anyone about it?

[Mosschops30]

Not me I'm having a week off because my legs are knackered

[HalleLouja]

I can't today. I might be able to do it tomorrow if the weather is nice as my mum comes over on Tuesday. I want to do a 10k in May. Need to sign up.

[EauRouge]

Go now, get your runners on- it's a lovely day! Maybe sign up for a race so you've got something to work towards?

I am still sofa-bound. The surgeon said I could be running in 2 weeks if I feel up to it. So only one more week to wait....

[HalleLouja]

Right. I need to start running again. Am going to do it this week. Anyone fancying making sure I do?

[Mosschops30]

No but I'm thinking I might need one

[EauRouge]

If you're in that much pain then it might be wise to rest another day. What are your running shoes like? Have you had a gait analysis?

[Mosschops30]

Can anyone help, I am in pain and not sure if I should stop.

I'm on week 6 run 2, my legs are killing me, my hips, my groin, my knees, shins, ankles
Supposed to do run 3 tomorrow, should I continue?

[MirandaWest]

That would be a very impressive cool down walk