Couch to 5k- We do run run run, we do run run!

[cinnamongreyhound]

A thread for anyone thinking of starting, doing or completed the c25k plan!

The last thread had so many new people starting and working through the plan it was lovely. As well as those who had finished and working towards faster times or greater distances. Everyone welcome no matter age, fitness or ability.

Join us for lots of support, advice and gentle butt kicking of required

Old Thread

Ideally I wouldn't take her with me but it worked well and think she would be ok occasionally. I cant imagine being able to run a long period of time but I'm just trusting the app and going along with it. I used that nike+ app when I was training for a 14 mile charity walk. Ellie xXx

Random question please! My nails seem to have really improved, much stronger....any connection......increased circulation???.....or complete coincidence?

Well done DigWeedSow! That's pretty amazing to do an extra 5mins!!

I was planning to do my first parkrun on Saturday before flying on holiday in the evening. However, getting a little bit twitchy about possibly injuring myself in a crowd ( I am SO clumsy) and I've just found out there is a fun run (oxymoron a few weeks ago!) where I am going. So maybe the trainers and sports bra go in the suitcase instead looking forward to getting a few different routes on my MaymyRun calendar

Hi there,

I've just got back from W9R3 and at the end, Laura said I should spread the word... So here I am

I just wanted to do my bit to encourage anyone out there who is thinking about it...

I started in May, so it's taken me a bit longer than 9 wks, simply because getting out every other day has proved to be a bit of a challenge...

But that's partly why I did it: I wanted to do something just for me, and to have some time alone... The first time I went out, DS was standing in the doorway asking if I really am going out all by myself and is nobody else definitely not allowed (that's when I knew it was high time to have some me-time )

DD is 18 mos tomorrow, and my aim was to be able to call myself a runner by then (just made it ).

W1... I huffed and puffed, running felt more like hobbling and everything was wonky. I was certain I'd never manage that 20min run in week 5 - but when the time came, it was perfectly doable.

I was incredibly unfit when I started. Seriously, if I can do it, anyone can.

A few things to consider:

It isn't supposed to start feeling easier, because you're running longer every week: but trust the programme, it really is designed to push you, but not too far.

Work out when the best time for you is: I'm definitely at my best in the morning (not a morning person at all, but run best then).

Also, if you can help it, don't leave more than 2 days between runs: it actually feels like hard work if you've left it for a week!

And... Don't get too hung up on weight loss. Muscle weighs more than fat. I was religiously weighing myself when I started, and did actually start seeing the fat % start to creep down, even though the weight itself wasn't exactly plummeting...

My scales then broke, and I took that as a sign .

The thing is: whatever weight I've lost (or not) is actually nothing compared to how much better I feel.

Seriously: from just managing 60 seconds to running half an hour - my body is much, much healthier, clearly.

But what surprised me the most was the "mental benefits": I feel so much happier, far less stressed, calmer... And although I started this as a me-project, in hindsight it benefits the whole family.

Please, please, if you're reading this and thinking about it - download the podcasts, let Laura be your cheerleader (really, it makes such a difference!) and JUST DO IT!

(The me-project might have ended with a me-me-me post, sorry!! blame runners high )

Congratulations Broodzilla! That's a great account!

You can join the graduation party scheduled for Friday night

Thanks watching I'm going to have another attempt on Friday on a more hilly route, hopefully it wasn't just a one off!

Loved reading your post Broodzilla , congrats on completing.

Tracey haven't had time to read mine yet but on flicking through it looks like there is lots of inspiration!

broodzilla - that is a fantastic story, thank you. I actually delta bit emotional reading it and full of admiration. Fantastic to get to the end. Do you have a new goal?

bakingtins - but that's the point: by doing the programme and coming on here to share it you are an inspiration to me I will metaphorically wave to you from w6r1 tomorrow or Friday.

re chat about days off, I have found this fabulous swimming programme designed in a similar way. You pick a motivation - fitness, gen health, weight loss and conditioning & toning from memory - and you get a series of eight work outs of increasing intensity. Organisation is Swimfit if you want to Google it.

Broodzilla, what a brilliant post to read! Well done for making it, and feeling like a runner! Stories like yours are so motivating to read when you're just starting out, like I am!

Congrats broodzilla. Lovely account. Feeling happy for you.

That's a great improvement nextphase!

Yay for the parkrun watchingout a bit late now but think your suggested running schedule sounds fine! If you're worried about crowds then just stick to the back :)

Well done Dingle, for what it's worth I run in a club with ladies who do 20min 5k's and they're pretty red when they finish too :)

Well done dramaAlpaca!!

I've run on holiday before bakingtins and DigWeedSow and I enjoyed being somewhere new, bit of an adventure.

Well done elliemammaroos!

You can use runkeeper, mapmyrun, endomondo or runtastic trickydickie.

Well done broodzilla

Went to training for the first time in ages was a bit complex with timings but basically 1min running out a varying recovery and then another minute back trying to get to the same point. Repeated with reduced recovery time. Covered 6km in 50 mins :)

Great post Broodzilla & congratulations on your graduation .

Eeek. W9r3 for me today. Can't really believe it!

Hope it's a good one.

Go judy go !

Belated for broodzilla well done and lovely post

Woohoo! I've completed it!

Today's run, w9r3 was 5.5km in 44 minutes, including the walking warm up and cool down.

Like broodzilla, and others, I'm sure, this is the only 'me time' I get, with 2 small DCs. I'm definitely going to carry on with three runs a week and hopefully add a swim.

Unfortunately, I can't do the parkrun that I'd hoped to do this weekend as DH has to work. I'm celebrating with a new sports bra instead!

Well done!!! So impressed - I am now going to do it as it should be done, and not repeat days or weeks. W6 r2 tonight - IN THE PARK - woo hoo!!

Congratulations Judy

Go for it Tracey!

Thanks cinnamon. Will get dh to download one of these.

Wow look at you al on w9. Well done.

Does anyone here run at the gym on a treadmill? DH has been away for work this week so I haven't been able to run in the evenings when he's looking after DD. I've been going to the gym instead (there's a crèche) but for some reason I find running on the treadmill so much easier than running outdoors-it makes me feel like I'm cheating...

I don't know whether it's because there are fit people all round me, motivating me, or because I'm distracted by the TVs, or the fact that I can set the pace etc, but I feel like I'm both running a lot faster AND it's a lot easier.

Congratulations Judy -

I have done my last two on the treadmill at the gym - and found it boring to be honest! I don't know if it was easier or not, but think I prefer outside. The main benefit is being able to jump straight into the swimming pool downstairs afterwards

It's not cheating though - and also, as I have a rubbish blackberry which doesn't have the nhs app on it - can't get it :( I at least know my speed and distance - which has been a real boost.

Its not cheating, but the "ground" is much more even, and usually flat unless you put an incline on!
You are running for the time, and covering more disatance. Some outdoor runs will do less distance, but have the odd hill. Its just different!

Hello been in chicken pox purdah so no time to run or post will catch up soon

I run on the treadmill (I am lucky enough to have one at home) but set it on an incline to mimic running outdoors as much as possible.

My plan is to complete C25K on the treadmill, and then start to venture outdoors as my next challenge.

I don't see it as cheating, just different. It is a bit boring though, and being at home I don't even have TV as a distraction, just music.

Will tackle W7R1 tonight or tomorrow. I am still a little bit stiff around the hips from my W6R3 exertions the other day.