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Original poster

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

995 replies

cinnamongreyhound · 04/02/2014 12:57

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!

OP posts:
GerundTheBehemoth · 13/02/2014 09:26

I once did a race in a gorilla suit Grin

In fact everyone was wearing gorilla suits - it was a fundraiser for a mountain gorilla conservation charity. Just looked it up and it's still going - this will be its 11th year!

herbaceous · 13/02/2014 09:51

Hi all

Can I join in? I've been slowly working my way through C25K, and have just done my fifth week 2 run. I know, I know - I should be on week 3, but seem incapable of downloading it properly on to the phone.

I always HATED running, was last to be picked for team sports, etc etc, so had always avoided it. But it isn't quite as bad as I'd expected! Especially if I work out the route so the running bits are on the flat or downhill - I find running on even the slightest incline a struggle.

Any tips on knee pain? They don't hurt while running, unless I land awkwardly, but do afterwards, when climbing the stairs, or similar. Just behind the kneecap. I do hope this is just a temporary thing - I actually don't want to stop running...

LaVita - if you download the individual podcasts, they have music built in.

lookout · 13/02/2014 11:54

Well done for getting goingherbaceous Smile what sites are you running in? I had the same knee problem until I got my gait analyzed and new running shoes properly fitted. My knees have never hurt since!

herbaceous · 13/02/2014 12:03

Ah. I bought new shoes from Sweat Shop, which analysed my gait and made me insoles. They do have a 30-day return policy - not sure if I'm still within that date, however....

The shoes are Nike Zoom Elite. I was surprised to be told I only needed slightly supportive shoes, as had assumed I over-pronate terribly. Maybe I do need a bit more arch support...

Cakesnbeer · 13/02/2014 14:10

Perfect gerund, now that is my kind of event:)

lookout · 13/02/2014 14:38

You might take them back and ask then. When I went in and said I had sore knees he pretty much assured me 100% that the shoes would stop the knee pain, and they did! Mine are heavily supportive!

herbaceous · 13/02/2014 14:45

A quick inspection of the receipt reveals I bought them on 20 January, so I do have a while. Though it would be best to do it without DS in tow, so I'll try and do it before half term!

Shame if they have to go back - I love the look of them!

MadMonkeys · 13/02/2014 17:50

cakesnbeer madmonkey running is a very distinct running style which is inelegant and ad hoc and involves much sweating and puffing and blowing... Often practised in the Midlands after dark...

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 13/02/2014 18:18

Interestingly I got new trainers Saturday and after having my gait analysed I apparently am now a neutral runner when I over pronated last year. This probably explains why I have been getting blisters in my old trainers. My trails are neutral and are perfect so I got ones similar to my trails, did 4miles in them today and so far so good.

OP posts:
pennygallops · 14/02/2014 07:26

I went from an over pronator to a neutral. The assistant said is was to do with muscles in the lower leg getting stronger.

poorincashrichinlove · 14/02/2014 07:46

Marking place for inspiration. Have tried couch to 5k twice and havent got past week 2. Awful weather, struggle to run three times in a week, dont like/too tired to run in evening and generally rather lazy are my excuses. I'm not built for runnibg but would love to do tge full programme. Any suggestions?

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 14/02/2014 09:43

We are definitely good for inspiration poorincashrichinlove! BUT there isn't a magic formula, you have to make yourself get out in the horrible weather or when tired and want to feel the great achievement of improving on each run. You need to give it a while of not particularly enjoying it before you can see all the benefits. I would say to keep the momentum 3 times a week is good to aim for but if you can commit to two you will still be fine completing the plan it will just take longer than 9 weeks. Make sure you actually plan the time to get changed and go into your week so you don't have that as an excuse.

OP posts:
anja1cam · 14/02/2014 11:03

Grumble the sun was shining here yesterday afternoon and DDs decision not to go to her ballet class meant I could not go running as I had planned. Who knows when my next chance will be... The 5km target still seems way off.

Ha thanks Cinnamon I'd heard that about RFL, didn't feel it on the day but avoided the jostling in the front just overtook loads of people after the first km... Yes running in crowds is quite a different experience! I've only once managed to run with a friend, enjoyed that very much but it's so tricky to arrange.

anja1cam · 14/02/2014 11:19

poorincash you will have to want to do it. The weather at the moment is not helping, it might be worth waiting till we're further into spring so you can eliminate one negative factor. Then look at your schedule, and see where you can reliably fit in 30 to 45 minutes of time to exercise and get changed. And then stick to it! The feeling of achievement should see you through any wobbles...
Even now 3years after starting, I still need to motivate myself for almost every run.

You will ache to start with. I did just now after having two months off, but if you manage to keep to a regular schedule of about 3 a week, them it will go away as you build up muscle strength etc.

lookout · 14/02/2014 13:27

My turn for a grumble now. Alarm went off at 6.30 this morning for my run and I just couldn't get out of bed. I've slept really badly all week due to dh's sleep problems (he has a form of parasomnia which wakes him me up 2-5 times a night) and I just could not motivate myself this morning. I've lost my Christmas momentum and feel really annoyed Sad

GerundTheBehemoth · 14/02/2014 14:33

Just back from today's plod. Got absolutely soaked. I'd rather run when it's rainy than when it's windy though.

For motivation, I think having a running partner/buddy is the single biggest help. Not always easy to find someone though. Clubs work for some people - didn't work for me though, I'd rather run with just one or two people than a group. Another big motivator is having an event to train for, though again that's not for everyone.

herbaceous · 14/02/2014 15:00

I try to combine it with the school run, using the walk to school as the warm up, then 'running' back. Quick shower, all done for the day.

I'm 'inspired' to do it by something someone said on Mumsnet. Something along the lines of 'don't expect to enjoy exercise. Just see it as something that has to be done to keep you healthy, like cleaning your teeth.' The thought that it might keep me alive/healthy for a few more years to see DS grow up has given me the kick up the arse I needed!

Dharmalovesdraco · 14/02/2014 16:27

I struggled yesterday and it was a beautiful day, as soon as I started running I thought 'uh oh' it was like I'd never run before. My friend phoned me whilst I was out and I found by talking to her (by talking I mean making gasping/grunting/monosyllabic noises) I managed to go for a full 5k which felt like a massive achievment :)

I agree with the others poorin you have to make yourself do it, I found having signed up to do a Parkrun for someone's birthday weekend gave me a goal, it made me go out when all I wanted to was sit in front of the tv. The other thing to bear in mind is of you can make yourself run in this weather you can run in anything, good luck :)

anja1cam · 14/02/2014 19:37

herbaceous that's a perfect quote - it explains exactly why I drag myself out there (most times, but I really can't cope with the wind at the moment)

dizzyday07 · 15/02/2014 02:20

Things have gone to pot here. DD and I haven't been out for nearly 2 weeks Blush. A combination of bad weather and an excess of activities has made it virtually impossible to get out. I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and go out on my own during the day whilst she is at school Hmm.

Herbaceous - that is the reason I have decided I NEED to lose weight and get fit. My Dad got late onset diabetes and died from a heart attack at 51. I am 46 so can't leave it much longer esp. as DD is only 9.

HalleLouja · 15/02/2014 08:25

Was going to go for a run last nighy but wind was hideous. I love my Friday night runs Sad . Hopefully I can get out later.

OryxCrake · 15/02/2014 11:56

Hi - can I join you all? I've been working my way through the podcasts with the Getrunning app and have just done W6R1.

It was hard to run in the wind today and, weirdly, I found this one more of a struggle that W5R3, even though the runs were shorter.

I'm loving it, but don't feel like a runner yet - still heavy of leg and very slow of pace! I'm finding all your comments and insights inspirational, though, and they are definitely helping me stick with the programme.

My goal is to do a 5k parkrun once I get to the end of week 9, but I'm a bit nervous about it as our parkrun course is rather hilly.

anja1cam · 15/02/2014 12:07

Written off this week but definitely going out tomorrow, my 44th birthday Hmm. I would not have believed had you told me the future on my 40th!! Since then I lost two stones extra weight I had been carrying all my adult life, then started the running. Now my doctor actually praises my blood pressure, and my weight is sort of stable Wink! And under normal circumstances I run 15k a week at a passable pace.

As I said before, if a un-sporty person like me can do it then anyone can!

anja1cam · 15/02/2014 12:12

Oryx I still don't think of myself as a runner... Also I ran the'last' podcasts for weeks and weeks, gradually improving my pace and eventually changing the music... Only then did I feel confident enough to join a public race, which incidentally was sport relief last time round.

OryxCrake · 15/02/2014 12:21

Thanks, anja1cam - that's reassuring to know. You've done amazingly well with your weight loss and fitness. Happy birthday for tomorrow!

I wanted to ask what might be an odd question. I've just bought some running tights/leggings, but chickened out of wearing them this morning for fear of inadvertently revealing more than the dog-walkers in the park might wish to see. So I went with my normal tracky bottoms. Do any of you wear them and do you wear shorts over them or does that look daft?

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