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Original poster

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

972 replies

cinnamongreyhound · 18/07/2013 16:24

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 Wink

Old Thread

OP posts:
Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 03/08/2013 21:42

I just run a couple of routes around my town in the winter and in the forest at weekends. It is really depressing though as I love running in the forest. Thinking of investing in a head torch as quite a few from my club do head torch runs and my dog isn't fond of traffic so I could use it to walk him in the forest still.

Did park run today, only 24 people :( I managed 27m 26s so not bad but still 30s off my pb for that parkrun. Think I could have done it today as I didn't feel as though I'd die just need more confidence to go faster at the start!

OP posts:
watchingout · 03/08/2013 22:22

I'll join you Broodzilla as I am officially on holiday and am calming my nerves at sending off two eldest DCs (17 & 16) on their own to explore. Consoling myself that they have to stay together, there's no traffic and they've already been asked for ID Blush

On the running front, I've been checking out routes in my exploring, and have figured out a starter around 4km, downhill and along the beach. The cool down stretch can be the uphill bit! Calf muscles and ankle still protesting, so another rest day tomorrow Wine

scarecrow22 · 04/08/2013 08:54

woke up feeling weary beyond belief, and grumpy. Family recamped to park to watch cycle race and go on the slide while I did w6r2 and def feel a lot better than if I'd stayed in bed. Though still a bit bleurgh. Funny how exercise can do that. Love how my DD runs to me squealing with joy when I get back Grin It's only half an hour, bless her! Had to stop 2m before end as quad muscle seized up, but walked and stretched lots, and might have hot bath tonight and hope have avoided injury.

happy running ladies

BIWI · 04/08/2013 09:01

Oh - I lost you all!

Just about to go out and do W7/r1 before it gets too hot.

Judyandherdreamofhorses · 04/08/2013 09:11

I'm still surprised at how much better I feel after a run. I did mine at 7 this morning. Fine, fast drizzle and a massive hill I hadn't tackled before.

BIWI · 04/08/2013 10:40

I wish I'd gone out that early, Judy! Was really hot this morning here, even though it was before 10. But managed the run, with a pace of 6.23 mins/km. Faster than the last run of week 6, which is good. And just shows that this programme really works!

Bakingnovice · 04/08/2013 10:44

My zenlabs app says I graduate at w8. So have I graduated or should I do 3 w9 runs too?

I'm going to try a 30 min one tonight. Just hoping it cools down a bit.

pennygallops · 04/08/2013 11:21

Morning ladies.
Don't get disheartened by 24 people turning up cinnamon, I bet loads of people are on holiday. I know my local parkrun is struggling to get volunteers.
I am managing to run whilst on holiday but it's mainly on a treadmill. I am beginning to get used to it. I like the fact you can pace yourself better so it's good for interval training etc. Yesterday I did my first sub-30 5k since my knee hurt back in June.

scarecrow22 · 04/08/2013 11:48

BakingNovice I don't know Zenlabs, but maybe it's just an 8 week programme. I imagine the NHS one is at the gentle end of the spectrum. How much time/distance do you cover by end of week 8? sounds like congratulations are in order! Smile

Bakingnovice · 04/08/2013 12:52

The last run of w8 is 30 minutes. Then it just says you've graduated at w9. I think I might do one final run today and celebrate with a little jig when I come off the TM. Am feeling a bit sad to be finishing the programme.

scarecrow22 · 04/08/2013 14:10

just Googled Zen Labs and it'd says is an 8 week programme. so you are A Runner Grin. Congratulations Thanks and Wine.

EeTraceyluv · 04/08/2013 17:48

Really disheartened :( I seem to have lost my oomph. After managing 20 mins on the treadmill, then doing w6 r1 on the tm as well, I returned to the park and struggled on Friday - tonight have just tried to do w6 r2 in the park and just really flailed. ended up just running randomly - I think probably ran for about 16 mins in all, having three 1 or 2 minute walking breaks. feeling like I'm cocking it up :(

watchingout · 05/08/2013 00:10

That's a horrible feeling EeTracey - I had an awful w7 - one run was only 11 mins Blush but it will come right again. Keeping trusting the program and go out next time with a positive attitude - you are miles fitter than last month, and the month before that! You are over halfway to your target and you will feel FANTASTIC when you get there.

It's not your legs giving out, or your lungs. Just your head. So give that chimp a bashing and tell him to do one.

You CAN do it! Thanks

amigababy · 05/08/2013 10:11

Yippee!! I've finished. I'm officially "qualified" to run 30 minutes now.
It was my first rainy run too, it made a change from it being so hot recently.

Thoughts? - well the main one is, it's only been 27 runs. That's not a lot really, to get from running just 1 minute, up to 30. Just following the plan 27 times, and it worked. The simplicity is the key, one foot in front of the other, not too fast, follow the beeps, and that's it! Job done. Smile

iloveaglassofwine · 05/08/2013 10:22

Have crept in from the new c25k thread - I am inspired by you all and I need you as my motivation! I'm only on wk2 and will be attempting run 2 tomorrow.

Can I ask, was there a moment that you thought, "Actually, I can do this and I feel like a runner"? Obviously it's early days for me yet and I still feel like a bit of a fraud as I spend more time walking than running.
The main reason I'm doing this is to get fit, but if I could lose some weight and tone up a bit at the same time that would be a huge bonus! Has that been anyone's experience?

Shitsinger · 05/08/2013 11:58

Ack will have to start over as felled by a nasty bug - only place I ran was to the loo Grin

Day 1 week 1 Sad

watchingout · 05/08/2013 12:25

Congratulations amigababy! Great achievement Grin parkrun next?!

watchingout · 05/08/2013 12:29

I've lost my "fraudster" feeling! Only been two months since the start,and this morning I went out, while on holiday, AND in the rain (first time) Grin OK, so I didn't go as far bit lost and a fecking great hill but if I had a ponytail, it would have been swinging jauntily GrinGrin

pennygallops · 05/08/2013 12:31

Congratulations amigababy. The program does work and I loved it. You are definitely a runner now. When I first finished, I listened to week 9 for a couple of weeks until I had the confidence to do it by myself.

Iloveaglassofwine for me it was the week when you ran for 20mins (can't remember which week) that I thought I could do it. But the real epiphany moment was just after i finished and I did a parkrun and managed to complete it without stopping.

Bakingnovice · 05/08/2013 17:27

Congrats Amiga! I've graduated too. Did a wonderful 30 min run today. Just over 5k in 35 mins. It was much cooler in the garage and I enjoyed every second. No time watching. No slowing the speed.

These last few weeks have been tough. Lots going in my life, lots of stress, not much sleep, not drinking enough water or eating properly. I'm delighted I've graduated. Thank you to everyone who encouraged me to keep moving forward to the next week, irrespective of very bad runs at w6. It's been an up and down journey. I haven't lost much weight but my body looks better, and mentally I feel very calm and in control. In fact, I've had no only headaches at all this week and no TOM symptoms at all. I wonder if its because of the running? Anyway, just wanted to say that running has changed my life. I feel really really in control of every aspect of my life. I feel a huge sense of achievement and feel really proud of myself. I haven't felt low at all since starting. Exercise is the best anti depressant. I get 30 mins to myself to plan my day, sort through my feelings and get things into perspective. Am so excited! If someone like me who had zero self belief can do it anyone can!

Park run next.

watchingout · 05/08/2013 17:44

Congrats Bakingnovice! You need one of these Wink

I definitely think that this program has helped other parts of my life too. My work is more organised and completely up-to-date and barring stroppy teenagers I'm calmer.

Choice for tomorrow - 2mile or 5k fun run?

amigababy · 05/08/2013 19:17

Well done bakingnovice Wine for you.

It really does make us feel better doesn't it, once we're able to get going. And generates some real self-belief.

I'm going to carry on with week 9 till the end of August and then start building up one longer run a week as well.

nextphase · 05/08/2013 20:10

iloveaglassofwine the general feeling seems to be toning is practically given, as is an increase in fitness. The weight loss seems to be less of a given (possibly dependant on how much muscle you put on?) I still wouldn't class myself as a runner, but I have graduated. I'm not sure I'll ever be a runner, but my fitness has improved massively.

BUT, since graduating on friday, I feel like I've been hit by a ton of bricks. Fell asleep at 5.30 last night, and just about to disappear again. Considered walking the w5r3 route, but couldn't even find the energy to do that. Hopefully its just a temporary set back, and I'm not going to loose all fitness before I can get out again.

boxoftricks · 05/08/2013 20:57

Hello everyone!

I started C25K around Christmas, and completed it and started to do the 10k one but then "life got in the way" new job etc and I've lost it all!
I started low-carbing today, and am about to go and do my first run. Wish me luck....

scarecrow22 · 05/08/2013 20:57

Amiga and Baking, huge congrats. And a lovely post about your journey, thank you for sharing that.

EeTracey, sorry you having a bad week. that you have a "bad run" prices you know what a good run is: ergo you are a runner. But not a super hero. To you and Watching (or whomever feels mega tired) a couple of friends have a horrible bug which seems to mostly consist of feeling supersonically tired, so also bear that in mind.

ILoveAGlass (me too Smile ) 20 min run is w5r3. Stick with it: the slow start really does.prepare you surprisingly well. Welcome.

Felt v low earlier and really wanted to go for a run. had both DC so took DD swimming. Nearly as good. But tomorrow is not a rest day Grin

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