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.

[Tyniclogs]

Hello Ladies, do you mind if I join you? I started running for the first time in my life on the day of the opening ceremony of the Olympics and have been going every other day since then (ok there was a week when I left it 2 days between!) My first goal has been to establish the pattern and habit for going out, mornings at 6-7am. I'm now waking up and feeling like I want to go which is a start. I've built up the time and distance I'm going out for and am now doing about 3 miles (I'm walking and running this but trying to go without walking for longer). I'd like to be able to do 4 miles in a month. Its become strangely addictive and I'm definately feeling loads better and have more energy. Annoyingly I've only lost 2lbs which seems a tad unfair but I do feel less 'wobbly'! I'm hoping that the weight will start to shift now I'm doing a bit more. I have about 2 stone to lose. I've just sorted myself out with new trainers, bra and a running top as I felt I deserved a reward (all cheap from Sports Direct). I'm finding the mapmyrun app really good at charting where I'm going and taking down all the stats.

[HalleLouja]

Moving I probably weigh a bit more than you but I must have about 5 stone of norkage. Last time I toned up loads. Despite doing hardcore classes for a year before it was the c25k that helped and I didn't even get to finish it.

Anyway more about me. I did week 3 day 2 and it was a lot easier. I made sure I didn't push myself too hard in the runs but was still comfortably running at the end of the second 3 minute runs. So feel a bit more cheery about it today.

[HalleLouja]

Waves at Tyniclogs.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Wave to all of you

I went today, was the first 'awful' run due to being chased and jumped up at by dogs (including my own who came with me for the first time)

So I ran further to get away from them - and ended up with a 15 minute walk back to the car - boy was I fucked off!

It's really surprisingly crap to run without concentrating

I am NOT taking my daft springer next time!

[HalleLouja]

The thing I like most about running is that its me and no one else. I am not a big dog fan so can't comment on that bit.

[AuntieBulgaria]

I fear traffic and people when I run with headphones on, so I've been walking to a local playing field and just 'running' round in a rectangle. It's a bit dull and my feet get soggy from the wet grass but at least no-one sees me, on the whole.

If When I get to the end of the training, there is a local 5k park run that I hope to join in on Saturday mornings.

W3r3 finally done yesterday, with snotty head. Tomorrow, wk4 contains 5 mins of running (NHS c25k) argh!

[Tyniclogs]

Waves back at everyone. I'm out tomorrow first thing but am in bed knowing all my running things are all over the house...not very organised but so tired! I'm going to attempt to keep running for longer and time how long I manage. I started on grass but got annoyed with wet feet. I find running round the streets is actually working as a bizarre incentive. I don't really care that I look hideous and it makes me not want to walk when there are people about as I am so vain! In my head I think I look like an elite athelete. I would like to run with someone as I reckon it would be a distraction once a week but so far I can't persuade anyone. Well done everyone for sticking to it...I reckon I could actually continue with this for once which is a hopeful thought.

[piprabbit]

Week 3 day 2 done .
The tinkly, folksy banjo music during penultimate walk is starting to wind me up - but with luck I've only got to listen to it one more time.

It was a bit cooler this morning - a lovely crisp autumnal feel - but I need to think about investing in some sort of jacket/weather proof top. Unfortunately I'm a bit skint, so any ideas would be very welcome. I suspect that my elderly fleece would be a bit heavy/hot.

[HalleLouja]

Pip sportsdirect.com or ebay for a cheap jacket. You are in the same place as me. I am doing run 3 tomorrow.

[countingdown]

LaurieFairyCake you have my sympathies, I too had an awful run yesterday. I was doing the first run of week 4, which feels like quite a jump from week 3. It should be quite pleasant to run here as I run alongside a loch, but yesterday I was battling with midges and with the wind which was blowing in my face the whole way. That in itself is bad enough, but we live near a military base, so I also had marines and sailors passing by at speed, as I trotted, very slowly, along!

The only way I can fit in a run tomorrow is if I get up and go before my husband goes to work. Does anyone normally do their runs in the morning, and if so, do you feel ok doing it without breakfast? I'm not sure how it is going to work for me.

pip m and m direct normally have very cheap running clothes, and dare2b often have sales on.

I am thinking of shredding on the days that I don't run - has anyone else done this? My husband says I should stick with the running at the moment and not do anything else - stepping on the scales tells me I need to do something else!

[piprabbit]

counting, I have to do my runs in the morning before my DH goes to work (so he's at home looking after the DCs). I get up at 6:15am, am out of the house by 6:30am and then back by a little after 7am. It is lovely and quiet. I don't eat breakfast before I run - so far it's not caused me any problems eating when I get back.

Having had a look at sportsdirect and m&mdirect (even some 'plus' size sports places online, I've come to the conclusion that I'm simply too fat! So I raided Matalan (£14 performance sports jacket - not rainproof, but good for layering) and Sainsbury's (technical sports trousers and T-shirts from £10) and found stuff in my size. All set to keep going now.

[Tyniclogs]

I agree with Piprabbit, I run in the morning as I also have two DSs at school and nursery. I'm up at 6-7am and aim to do an hour. I was a little worried about lack of food but have found it fine, I took water for the first time today as I was going a bit further and found that really helped. Cheap running clothing I've found in Sports Direct and Lidl...or Aldi. Just bought Karrimor pants and t-shirt in size 18, the sizes do come up small (had hoped I was a size 16!) for £15 from Sports Direct. I like Sainsburys too they have nice stuff that lasts well.

Hope the following helps: I've worked out having been doing this for the past seven weeks (from a complete cold start) that I had some horrrible runs in weeks 4-5, really couldn't hack it. I really hated going out and it was such hard work. I then found it got easier and I've just started to ramp up the miles and time quite easily in the last 3 runs. If someone had told me I'd be out and running/walking 4 miles in seven weeks from starting I'd not have believed them but I did it this morning. I find the first 20-25 minutes are pretty unpleasant, and after that everything is loose and I'm able to run continuously for longer. I think its a double edged sword of taking it easy but not so easy that you're not properly warmed up by the time you're getting home. I'll probably keep the distance the same or lower for now as it takes me an hour but hopefully I'll get to running all the way and not walking.

As for weight loss, I've lost 2lbs which seems totally unfair but I am feeling less wobbly and really well. I'm hoping now I'm doing a harder run that I'll start with some weight loss and I'm not wanting to eat rubbish as I can feel my body aching after the runs and its reminding me I'll only have to carry that biscuit on the next run! I've done hand weights in the past and its supposed to be really good to combine with running as you're building more muscle to burn the calories with. I think I shall dig them out.

I think its a great achievement to be getting out when you have kids, its hard work to fit it all in but brilliant to know there others in the same position as me.

[agnesf]

Can I join in. Am on Wk1 run 2. Planning to do run 3 on Sat mornng.

I did run1 round the local rec but was surprised how many times I needed to do it so on run 2 went around the lanes and across the fields which was really nice despite the hills. Am a bit daunted by thought of running for more than 60 seconds ...

How do you carry your ipod? I'm using an ipod touch and have a case but have ended up just holding it in hand as couldn't connect the ear phones and the strap was too long to go around my puny arms. its been ok while weather good but need a better solution for bad weather.

[piprabbit]

Hi agnesf. My first few times out I wedged my Ipod down my bra - which seemed quite secure if a little sweaty then DH gave me one of the armband holders (I think he got it off Amazon) so now I look like I know what I'm doing.
Good luck for Saturday morning - I'll be thinking of you when I set out on my Sat am. session.

[countingdown]

I went out at 7am for my run, and loved it! Found it much easier to run when it was fairly quiet out, and it was a little bit chilly. I think I will try to do 2 of my weekday runs in the morning, but stick to evening at the weekend.

agnesf I was horrified at the thought of running for more than 60 seconds, but I have actually found the longer runs to be easier than I thought it would be.

I have one of those arm band things for my iphone, but stopped using it because I liked to look (constantly) at the countdown to see how long I had to go! Now I'm on to longer runs I will maybe start using the armband again.

I have my last week 4 run over the weekend and then the joy of week 5.

[Tyniclogs]

Great Countingdown, it really does get easier. Tesco do an arm holder for phone and ipod for £3. I'm on rest day today and have achey legs but looking forward to tomorrow. Lost a lb this week so the longer runs do seem to be working for weight loss as I've not massively cut calories.

[HalleLouja]

I have finished week 3.

Anyone who has started week 4 - is it really that bad? I can't believe in 2 weeks I will be on the 20 minute run [shudders].

[HalleLouja]

Hi Agnes make yourself comfortable. Well not too comfortable as you might not want to run.

I do the ipod down my bra. It seems to do the trick and it has a cover.

My dad asked me if I put on weight the other day. Thanks dad. I think I was standing at a funny angle. I feel more toned. I am definitely getting fitter and didn't die on my last 3 minute run.

How are the rest of you all?

[piprabbit]

Congratulations HalleLouja - I finished week 3 today too. TBH it was a very hard session, my legs felt really heavy. I'm a bit daunted by week 4 too - but then again it was only a week ago that you were reassuring me that I should give week 3 a try.

[invicta]

Can I join please. I've done the first three 'runs/walks' of week one, and found it okay, although usually struggle towards the end on the run section However, I hope that will get better as I get more fit. One evening, my 10 year son came with me. It was nice to have the company, but discouraging to see how easy he coud do it.

[HalleLouja]

High fives Pip

[piprabbit]

Just watching the 400m race - feeling inspired.

[HalleLouja]

[Joins in Mexican wave].

Am a bit sore today but surely that's because I did a proper work out

[HalleLouja]

Welcome Invicta this place is filling up nicely. It does get easier. She says hopefully.

[AuntieBulgaria]

[Carries on Mexican Wave.] Well done everyone. Hello Invitica and Agnes.

Piprabbit and HalleLouja - I've done 2 Wk4 runs now and I too never thought 'running' and '5 minutes of' would be phases in my vocabulary. I have agreed to do a 5k park run in October - this seems daunting still but with a kernel of ok.

Piprabbit - I know exactly which tinkly banjo track you mean! In week 4 in NHS C25k you can enjoy fake Eminem and Dido, knock off Lily Allen and something which I keep thinking is going to be You got it bad by Nik Kershaw and then isn't.