Couch to 5k- Cage your inner chimp and get started!

[cinnamongreyhound]

A thread for those thinking of starting, just starting, making good progress or finish the c25k. For all abilities and stages, come and join us for support and advice, we're a lovely bunch!

Old thread

Week 5 is finished. I didn't completely overdo it so was fine. Week 6 starts on Thursday.

Merry Christmas and thanks for the welcome.

I was out at 9, so may have been with you HalleLouja!

Note to self if you don't want to be seen running don't go on Boxing Day dress in a bright yellow running jacket. I think my friends had a good laugh

Anyway week 6 day 1 done and dusted. Anyone else mental enough to join me?

I will tonight Halle, have to wait until it gets dark though so no one can see me but before the storm starts!

Week 6 run 2!

No, week 6 run 3 actually! 25 minutes, scary stuff!

I'm going tomorrow with the dogs :)

Not been out since monday, but will go for 30mins/5km in my new running jacket

Can I join please? I have downloaded the app on my phone and plan to start tomorrow, I hope I don't find an excuse not to.
I have a pair of old leggings and some thermal tops to start me off but plan to get some running gear when I have caught the 'bug'.

I have to say I am properly nervous about this I feel really self conscious about huffing and puffing and running like a moron. Will this pass? I do hope so. I am off to read all of this thread now for tips and inspiration!

Welcome aboard, Bellini

The most important running attire is a good pair of shoes, can't stress that enough, and if you do start off huffing and puffing, it won't be for long!

Laura on the nhs podcasts gives some really good tips too, some of them really helped me.

Bellini, I've only been running in the dark so far to stop people from seeing in me huffing and puffing. I also find turning the volume up as I can't hear myself puffing then.

Good luck!

Bellini well done for getting started. The huffing and puffing will definitely pass. The program is so well done it really develops you gradually. Just go for it! But def make sure you have good shoes, the only important bit of gear you really need imo.

Managed a Christmas Day run and was so pleased I did. Not gonna manage tomorrow, my turn for a lie in! But looking forward to doing w4r1 on Saturday. Man, I need it after the last three days' indulgence

Thank you for the welcomes!

Welcome bellini good luck

I did week 8 run 1 today very pleased to have nearly finished the programme, I can't believe how much progress I've made in just two months! Definitely recommend the programme to anyone who is thinking about it. When I finished chemo in July I could barely walk round the block due to anaemia so if I can do couch to 5K, anyone can! :)

Welcome Bellini81! Don't worry about puffing, the plan really works. I found I was more comfortable in proper running legging (have one pair full length and one pair 3/4) £9.99 from sports direct. I started with very cheap trainers but once you're running regular properly fitting/gait analysed trainers are very useful at stopping injuries but think £70-100.

NCed

Did 45 mins today, training for a 10k. I'm very very slow.

Welcome Bellini and well done Ruby.

Welcome Bellini. Wow runrunruby that is amazing.

Week 6 run 2 - tick.

Week 4 run 3 done this morning! Definitely saw an improvement over the three runs this week. Am kind of nervous about next week's runs though. Anyone who has completed the program and still running - were you complete novices to begin with?

Well done everyone for keeping up the running during the festivities! It actually helped me to know I was gonna get some exercise while eating and drinking to my heart's content

lookout yes, I was definitely a complete running novice and I wasn't really all that fit either - not overweight, but just not really active. You will definitely be able to do W5 - the main thing you have to train is your mind, to think you can do it, not your body. Well, obviously you are improving your physical fitness too, but I (and a number of others) found that the real obstacle to W5 was my mind sabotaging me and not my body. So as the thread title says, cage your inner chimp and go for it - and well done!

I'm a bit disappointed with myself today. For the first time since I started the plan I didn't follow through but gave up mid run.

It was week 7 run 1 which is 25 minutes running, at approx 12.5 minutes I felt tired and stopped. I definitely think it was more mentally than physical, I need to train my mind to keep going. It get like I got bored with running? Has anyone else felt that?

I did week 6 run 3 on Boxing Day which was 25 minutes as well and I managed then, so I know I CAN do it.

I'll try again tomorrow...

Thanks for the encouragement Sarah. I will start training my brain in advance to 'yes I can' rather than 'I can't do this'!

solve I think says at some point that some runs are better than others. Maybe today was an off day and your next run will be fine. Well done for getting to week 7, I am impressed

Runrunruby that is awesome and actually gives me hope that I will see progress at some point!

Solve if you struggle to do the 25 mins which is totally understandable maybe its worth starting week 6 again if you struggle next time. Give you a bit more confidence.

Can I join please.

I did C25K last spring and managed to jog for 30 mins, but it all fell apart in September. On Boxing Day I put my trainers on again and restarted. I did wk 1 on Thursday, wk2 on Friday and wk3 today and that is where I need to stay now and work from there: 5x3mins with 2min intervals. I actually ache today and although I managed the full set, it was tough. I am sure I probably need a rest day before trying again.

I jog alone and am aware I could do with some support to try and get back to being able to jog for 30mins: I have no one who could be a running buddy so am hoping I can find some encouragement here.

Hi, can I join please? Did my first run today (week 1 run 1 from the running bug couch to 5k - are they all the same?). It was hard work and I was only running for a minute at a time . I feel great now though - really proud of myself for finally getting out there. I have been promising to do the C25k for ages but kept making excuses, then I treated myself to a running watch with some xmas vouchers. It arrived today and I went straight out for a jog - I'm such a geek . I love it already.

I'm another newbie! Did my first run today, first time I've gone running since a brief flirtation with jogging in my teens. Headed out in the dark and unfortunately hit my first minute run just as I got to an uphill bit and I sprinted instead of jogging: learnt that lesson quickly!

Hooray and well done to all the newbies! It is def helpful to have the support of the thread. I've only just joined but have just finished week 4. Keep up the good work everyone.

Have woken today with a pain in my thigh, kind of like a strain. Man, I must really be unfit/overweight to have so many injuries so early on!