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.

[AuntieBulgaria]

Wouldn't it be Good by Nik Kershaw even. Which it isn't, so I don't suppose it matters.

[HalleLouja]

They do park runs by my way so maybe I will go in October too. 3 weeks down and six weeks to go.

Need to get over the fear of 5 minutes after struggling with 3 minutes. Also seems a lot more minutes of running. Oh well onwards and upwards.

[AuntieBulgaria]

Are you doing the NHS one Halle? She tells you when you have got to 2.5 mins and you think, 'good god am I only half way', but then if you can make it to 4 mins, when she next chips in, you think, 'only 60 seconds to go' and then you're done.

I got a stitch in run1, and when I'd finished the run, she then said 'you may find that you experience a stitch whilst running' so that made me feel a bit better too. Was even better just not getting one on this run though.

My 'map my run' app sometimes starts telling me about distance and speed too so concentrating on listening to that takes up another 30 seconds.

There's a song in the second 5 minute run which has a pause in it and twice now I've thought the run was about to end when it didn't!

[LaurieFairyCake]

I did my week 2, run 3 this morning and it was lovely and cool.

Next week I'm supposed to go up to 2.5 minute runs which I can't imagine yet as the one I did today was tough and deserves repeating til I feel more able. So I will repeat til I feel I can do it.

I'm not expecting to do it in 8 weeks and I don't want to get despondent by not managing it. I'm secretly hoping to do it by Christmas

[HalleLouja]

Nope I am on the Robert Ullrey podcasts as they are still on my ipod and I used them first time round.

I had to do 3 minute runs in week 3 and its definitely do able. Just take it a bit easier to make it through Laurie.

My runkeeper app is on my phone being fixed so it will be interesting to see how I am running when I get my phone back.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I can't take it any easier, by the last run today I was going at glacier speed in order to do them all (which I manage) I have to run as slow as humanely possible, anyone watching would be very entertained.

I'm putting it down to the extra 4 stone which I'm having to lug round, bet if I was lighter it would be easier.

I'm using the 5k runner app - it doesn't have music and I think the runs are different to what you're describing.

You're doing really well Halle - I will catch you up

[piprabbit]

AuntieBulgaria - thank for the heads up on tomorrow's musical delights. I was going to run today and Wednesday, but it coincides with busy mornings (teacher home visit this morning and first day of school on Wednesday) so I've decided to do Tuesday and Thursday instead.
The bonus is getting to run early on Saturday when the rest of the world is seriously asleep - fab.

[invicta]

I'm doing the 5k app also. Did week 2 day 1 today. I started off pay but there seemed to be lots of dog walkers tc out tonight, and I felt self-conscious. Consequently, decided to do an extra run at the end. Then spotted two policemen walking to a police car o ended up wlking again. At leat I've done half an hour exercise, whether walking or running.

Should I repeats today schedule again,or go onto the next one?

[invicta]

Okay, not pay.
Least, not leat.

[HalleLouja]

My week 2 was all the same runs. Not sure how the 5k app works so can't comment Invicta. But if they are all the same I would get to the end of the week and see how you feel and add another one if needed.

I did my first run of week 4 and survived [restarts Mexican wave]. The 2nd 3 minute run was the worst but I made it in the end. I was very slow but that's not important. She says triumphantly.

[piprabbit]

Fantastic news HalleLouja - congratulations. One more run and you'll be over half way through.

[HalleLouja]

Nearly halfway to 5k. Has a ring about it. You all have to stay with me so I make it to the end this time.

I nee to make it to the end.

Pip did you get a chance to start week 4 today?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

I'm not using the MP3 player thingie but I'm trying to get out 3 times a week and can now manage about 20 minutes of running time, broken into 5 lots of 4 mins with 30 seconds to one minute-ish of walking between each set. What should I be trying for now? I managed to make it up my first ever small hill yesterday; normally I stop and walk up it!

[HalleLouja]

How long have you been running remus? Maybe its worth going for week 4 or 5 on the mp3 player or timing yourself and building it up. I find as I have targets to meet its pushing me further. If I had to go by my own plan there is no way I would be where I am now. Does that make sense?

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

No MP3 player, so can't do that! Have been doing 3 times a week for the last fortnight and sporadic bits prior to that. I've just been going on what my body is telling me it can/can't do, thus far.

[MirandaWest]

Hello - can I join in? I used to do running a couple of years ago and have decided to try again. Did Robert Ullery last time so am again this time :) did week 2 run 1 today and it was OK - just need to keep going now . Will run again on Wednesday.

[countingdown]

It's really encouraging to read so many positive stories on here about how people really found it difficult to begin with, but are now able to run for longer distances. It does spur me on!

I think I have a different app to most people, I have been using 'ease yourself into 5k'. Has worked for me, as I can add my own music (nothing like a bit of The Pointer Sisters to get you going!) and I don't have someone talking constantly, just beeps and a quick reminder that I am about to walk/run/am half way there!

If anyone is looking for clothes, Dare2b have a sale on at the moment. I bought a t-shirt the other day, reduced from £15 to £4.50 and found a 15% discount code on google. I find their tops to be very clingy though, can't wear the size 10 I already have so ordered a 14 and it fits comfortably.

[piprabbit]

I managed to do my first week 4 shamble run today.
I love the way Laura keeps saying 'just a light jog' - it justifies my slow speed.

It wasn't too bad. Not good but could have been worse. What it did seem to do was generate a lot more sweat than week 3. Even my hands and forearms got sweaty. Weird.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

My face sweated on a run for the first time ever tonight!

I amanged one block of running for 9 and a half minutes and then a couple of 4 minuters to make 23 minutes running in total. I also managed one and a half hills. On Thursday I aim to run for two sets of 8 mins if I can manage it, including the hills!

[piprabbit]

9.5 mins , hills . Well done Remus - I can't imagine managing either of those things.

[tuckingfits]

Hi! Been reading while waiting for my new trainers to arrive. I did week one run one last night - very late,son would not go to sleep & I really wasn't feeling it at ten pm but I forced myself & quite enjoyed it!!

I suffer badly from shin splints so I'm hoping the combo of new support shoes & breaking in gently will keep the pain away.

[LaurieFairyCake]

Waves to Miranda - come and join us

I did my same run again and it was even a bit harder than last time - blaming it on the giantness of my Pmt boobs. But I managed it and hoping for it to get easier.

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Thanks Pip. :)

1. They were v small hills - slopes really
   
2. Even a minute felt like very hard work when I started - it does get easier.
   
   I can't imagine myself ever being able to run for twently minutes without stopping, but it feels slightly less impossible now than it did a few weeks ago!

[invicta]

Remus - the 1 minute comment is encouraging. I feel quite embaresed that I can just about manage 1 minute.

[MirandaWest]

Thank you everyone - will be running again tomorrow :)

I know I have fallen off the running track so to speak but honestly it took me just over a couple of months to happily run for about 25 min or so at a time. And at my peak I could do 10k in just over an hour.

Running 90s is a little painful at the moment but it will get better I hope