Couch to 5k- fantastic plan that works for all!

[cinnamongreyhound]

Come and join us for support, advice and a gentle butt kicked when needed!

From starting out to those of us who started 2 years ago, and everyone in between!

I been considering starting this but am a bit worried as im really overweight (even after losing 22lbs so far on ww, I still have a loooooong way to go) I suppose I'm worried about people thinking Im an elephant running along the road!

Have you guys seen good results body shape wise? And have any of you done it while being overweight (like 7ish stone overweight)

Currently 17.5 stone, MrsM2509. Anyone can think whatever they like. I don't give a shit! I'm out there running. And almost enjoying it!

Kasterborous well done! It's funny you should say that, it WAS humid last night, even at 9pm. I'm definitely blaming my breathing problems on that

MrsM2509 I was probably four stone overweight when I started (now three ish). I'm about to start week 4. I'm stunned that I'm doing this. I just think bollocks to the onlookers. Let people stare if they want. I'm taking control of my health and they aren't. (Having said that nearly everyone has been very encouraging and loads have joined in). There's an amazing buzz after each run and the plan seems to really work. I'm actually getting fitter!

Well, just finished week three. Cannot begin to imagine I'll be able to do week four but I'll give it a bash. Elated!

MrsM2509 I think you should go for it if you've been thinking of doing it. It will help with your weight loss. My legs are firmer than when I started, not massively so but they are and I'm a lot fitter. The best tip someone gave me was to buy some running tights which I did as they are comfy to run in and reduce 'wobble'. I always wore a pair of shorts over them so you couldn't see all my bulges. But tonight I went out in my short, shorts I thought knickers to it I don't care what anyone else thinks. I think when you first start it's hard to think like that, but give yourself a couple of weeks and like MooseyMouse said you won't care and it is you who is doing this and taking control and there is nothing like the buzz you get for completing each run.

I've just finished W6R3, 25mins straight. I just can't believe I've got this far. The app often says trust in the plan and I must say, I really do! I can't say that I've lost a tonne of weight but my clothes feel amazing and I know my bum and thighs feel better to me. I'm in awe of everyone on here - you're all running! That's fantastic. I've also stopped putting pressure on myself to get faster. I've found my rhythm and I enjoy it even more!

Thanks guys, I am going to start it on Saturday, I can't wait to get going now! Will need to download the podcast onto my old iPod shuffle as I'll have nowhere to put my iPhone, so unfortunately won't get my own music but hopefully the music given is fine. Can't wait now I shall update here on Saturday night

Mrs go for it, you won't regret it . I did my plan in a running group with over 200 other people and there were all sorts of shapes and sizes!

minstrels well done . I remember that feeling of amazement well when you run for 25 minutes only 6 weeks after you started

Completed W1R2 of the bridge to 10k last night. Was good. I am enjoying this much more than I enjoyed my 5k runs so I wonder if I am just meant to be a runner with walking breaks in it Covered just over 6k and ran for 40 minutes in total so a good run.

My running group is starting a new programme tomorrow - they are expecting 700 people I am volunteering so I can motivate and help others achieve and have those feelings of amazement and pride

Go for it MrsM!!

And well done everybody on your achievements. I did w8 at last yesterday, will repeat it again. I took spooky's advice and went vv slowly, but did the whole 28 minutes. I went at 6am as I just find it too hot later on. Strangely I met 2 other women I know also exercising, despite the early hour and that I live in the sticks!

Oh and minstrels, "You can call yourself a runner now."

Go for it MrsM! I'm 4 stone overweight and managing ok at the moment and am just happy I've found something I like doing that's good for me! W3R2 tonight and then a swim tomorrow morning (dp and I have got in the habit of going swimming early every Saturday morning and are really enjoying it).

All of which will help compensate for the bottle of wine I'll be drinking tonight

ladyflip woohoo, well done as our group leader says, it is not about speed, that can come later...I am still waiting for that

week 3 run 2 done! it was a hard one. the second 3 min was uphill. I was slow but I got there. I'm begining to have faith in myself that I could end up running for 5 k. The 90 second runs get easier and easier. so if they do the 3 min and then 5 min ones must do to.

Oooh Ink well done! Am hugely impressed with all of you and feel like I'm a bit of a cheat doing mine on a treadmill - all entirely flat and indoors. But I've paid for membership so am sodding well going to use it! Maybe if I get to the end of the programme I'll celebrate by venturing outside for a proper run!

w3r1 done I stopped a little early on the first 3mins but managed the 2nd one. the I drank last night really didn't help but I did it

W7R3 completed last night. I think I went a few metres more in a minute of so less than last time!

MrsM - I need to lose 7 stone and I am now up to 25 mins running so you can do it too!

I need some advice about headbands etc. Along with going the colour of a tomato, my face sweats like a waterfall and it's damn annoying when it drips off my eyebrows (attractive emoticon!). I don't know whether one of those towelling headbands (or something similar - bandana??) will help or whether I will look like an even bigger nit! Maybe a couple of wrists ones just to use to wipe may be a more dignified option!

I use wristbands to write the sweat away .

Woo! W3R2 done - went well and I went faster this time on the 90 second runs - but still slower on the 3 minute ones!

My hair is so thin that even if there's the merest hint of sun, I have to wear a baseball cap. That stops the sweat drip nicely.

whatsthenoise - I had to stop on the first 3 min run but the other times were def better.

dotty - same here, 90 seconds were faster than week 2. must be getting fitter!

Fantastic progress Kaster! It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm in a 5k colour run. Except I shall be walking as dd is coming too (hope she doesn't moan as that is the thing that really grates!!) so I'm looking for a 5k to actually run in the autumn. I'm getting up super early (yes on my birthday) to do my w9 podcast!

still look at the park run website. They happen every Saturday morning in parks all over the country so find a local one and go - they are 5k runs.

That's dedication for you stillearnin getting up early on your own birthday to go running. . Enjoy your colour run tomorrow and have a good birthday.

I've just got in from being in the actual pub (well within my limits but still impressed that I went out of the house). So running first thing may be optimistic!! Yes I did look at park runs but Saturday mornings are tricky - although I could presumably do it quite infrequently.

Yes, you can do them as little as you want - they are just handy to know about if you ever fancy doing a 5k run. Happy birthday

Happy Birthday stilllearnin

Happy birthday still!

Rest day for me today but have been for a swim this morning to do something and I might attempt to shred this afternoon but not 100% committed to that as jillian Michaels is, in fact, a torturer. Looking forward to W3R3 tomorrow