Couch to 5k...it's not about speed (thread no 2)

[spookyskeleton]

Thought I would start a new thread for us to continue our chat

Well done everyone, all really inspiring. I took the bull by the horns and sussed out a route which is flatish and away from prying eyes although I do have to drive to get there but involves parkland, woods, concrete roads, tracks, dirt and sand and then an uphill hike to get back to the car up a track again. I did it although I did manage to press pause at one time and ran for longer than a minute and I gave up at 50 seconds on the last run as I was running into quite a strong headwind. The dog loved it though.

Thanks for the heads up lidl

W7R1 done and went well. Am realising that at some point in every run now, when I want to give up, I imagine having to report back on this thread and then I realise I have to keep going..! .

I'm also slow at the moment but I'm hoping to start building up some speed over the next few weeks with these longer runs. I did the first 5 minutes at a record breaking 8.2kph but then had to slow down to 7.1kph and ended up doing the last bit at 6.8kph, so I can work on trying not to slow down for longer periods of time.

And obsessing about the time gives me something to think about other than being knackered and wanting to give up!

I failed tonight.

Ran 1K, thought fuck it, ran back home and had two slices of toast and a bar of chocolate.

I have sinned, please forgive me! And give me a suitably hard kick up the arse.

It does help doesn't it Dotty? I also have a very supportive friend who started running last year, she is doing the marathon next year!! What is the app you use that measures your speed?

lovelidl you haven't failed. We have all had runs like that - I've had several- don't beat yourself up about it. At the very least you went out and tried it. Don't let it put you off, your next run will probably be really easy.

You ran a kilometre, That is more than a lot of oeople can do. Don't be hard on yourself and hope you enjoyed the cake.

I didn't go at all today lidl! My ds doesn't sleep and so I was up til 5 worrying about his lack of sleep (!) and then got up at 6.30. This week is busy and so this was my chance to try a longer run. I did do 30 day shred thingy instead. I then googled all the nasty things the Internet says about jm, watched night watch on the iplayer and sat for hours feeling blue and pointless. On other words, you did far better than me!!

Oh and I can't type properly on this phone (but hoping you get the drift)

I went out for W8R3 on Saturday evening and everything was going well until @25 mins when my left knee suddenly started playing up and it felt like my kneecap was sort of sticking as I straightened my leg. I limped through to the end and it was really quite bad that evening and for half of Sunday. But as soon as it happened it seemed to right itself

DD and I re-ran W2R1 tonight and we both listened to the podcast tonight (she just had music the other day) but as they were slightly out of timing with each other she seemed to enjoy running on ahead and then me catching her up throughout it and she completed all the sets too without a fuss!

She says she wants to do W9 (30 mins) across country next so we might have to wait until Thursday for that as she swims on Wed. and tomorrow night might be too soon.

I think you are all fast as I can only run 3k in 30mins so I make that a super slow 6k per hour !!

Hello, is it ok if I join in? I've just started and did w1r1 yesterday, so enjoying the sore thigh muscles today!

It's really interesting to read your stories, and I'm encouraged by your achievements.

I've never run before, and was just wondering if anyone else gets the tingling, itchiness on their skin when they run? I've read through this thread (but not previous ones) and couldn't see any mention of it, but apologies if it's been discussed before!

I seem to get it particularly around my torso and thighs. Anyone know what causes it? I'm paranoid that it's all my flesh jiggling about , or could it be circulation? Will it get better when I get fitter?

Thanks for any advice!

lovelidl you definitely haven't failed! You went out, did a run and came home - I want to be at the stage you're at where I'll go out and sometimes do long runs, sometimes short. And look at the weight you've lost - bloody brilliant.

five I use map my run app which seems to work ok - gives me an update every five minutes as I'm running then gives me a summary at the end.

Hi maffive! Yes I used to get the itching/tingling too - around my stomach and back mainly - used to be desperate to scratch while I was running on the treadmill! Not sure what it was but it's gone now - think it might be a lovely combination of sweat and wobbly bits not used to running?!

Lidl, I had a rubbish run the other day and gave up. I felt really fed up but went out the next day and joggedran really well.

Thanks for all the info about times. I go about 8kph for the run bit or 7mins15secs per km. I'm doing a fun run at the weekend and was terrified I'd be the slowest person there. I reckon it'll take me about 38 mins if I can keep going. I've only done week 8 so far so that's 10 more minutes running than I've ever done. Am I mad to try?

Hi maffive!

I get that sometimes. What do you wear when you are running? It might be sweat that can't escape.

I feel like running today but it's meant to be a rest day and my kit is still wet. Perhaps I'll see how I feel later on.

Lidl I feel ya pain! I just went out & got to 2.5km & just couldn't take anymore! Have had a couple of days off so maybe my body was still in rest mode . I might have time for a run tomorrow morning as I don't have to be in work till late so will see if I can get 5km done then.

Thanks Dotty and Cru . Glad it's not just me.

I'm not really wearing any special gear - just an old t-shirt and yoga pants. Maybe I should invest in something a bit more hi-tech that wicks away the sweat? Gotta love an excuse to shop!

Philomena - DD and I entered a 3k Fun Run back in March and we had only ran the W5R3 session (20 mins) 3 days beforehand! I ran at my own slow pace and only beat a couple of toddlers at the finish (I kid you not!) but everyone was really supportive clapping me on and I just focussed on getting round and completing it. I am sure you will have no problems. Good luck

It might not be a bad idea to get something that allows the sweat to wick away. I think John Lewis had some running gear on sale a little while ago.

I'm converted to wick away sports wear.
I get mine in Sports direct (when I can face it). So much nicer to exercise in. Also got some thermal stuff for over the winter - amazing how much you don't need to wear and can keep warm in- tho the initial walk was chilly sometimes!

Evening all, not to sure who is feeling it more today me or the dog!!

I run in cotton trousers but my friend swears by the proper stuff.

Not sure what is happening over the next few days, DD is going in as a day patient for an enema and she may stay over.

Big announcement everyone.......tonight i ran 10.5k

Went out with my friends and we did it. i am so happy

It took me an hour and a half and my legs are very sore now but I cannot believe that I have run for that length of time. Bring on the proper 10k race on Sunday now.

To anyone doubting this programme works, I could not run 4 months ago and look at me now

five hope your DD is ok

spooky that is fantastic to run that far and to be able to run for an hour and a half is amazing. You really are an inspiration.

spooky I'm properly inspired. Somehow got into about of a grumpy dark way this week- so really need to get on it!

Well done spooky you are truly a runner