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

spooky in my head you look like a proper runner - think Paula Radcliffe - because you're one of our completed C25K gurus - so you can't possibly have any weight to lose..!

I've lost lots of inches so far - haven't measured but am getting into clothes I haven't been able to get into for a couple of years. Still got 3 stone to lose though...

Welcome Lynnoggs! The programme is great - I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do most of the time .

Spooky, well done on such a fantastic achievement! I hope you are still grinning about it!

I am (shhhh!) diverting from the programme for a bit. I am finding it really hard to consistently do the longer runs which I think is psychological so I'm setting myself smaller targets which I know I can achieve. So yesterday (wasn't feeling very well and I'd had 10 days away from running) did 12 minutes, today 16 and aiming to do 19, then 22 to put me back in the right place for w6 r3.

Going for my first run this morning after I have taken my ds to school. hoping I get through it... will soon see just how unfit I really am! lol! wish me luck... ill come back and let you all know how I got on.

Hey lynnoggs, you will feel AWESOME afterwards.

Woohoo Go Me!! I am sat on a bench in my local park and I have just completed my very first run on the c25k.... I didn't die and it wasn't as bad as I thought. Even had a random dog running with me and one point. I do feel so good and got my breath back quite quickly... really looking forward to my next run. So proud of me!

Well done Lyn! Great feeling when it's over, isn't it..?!

I'm off to the gym at 1pm (when cricket breaks for lunch!) to stagger through W7R2, hopefully...

Week 7? that's amazing.... seems soooo far!

Eugh.... Well that was the first one I've failed at...

I was stupid and started really quickly (for me!) so then slowed down at 10 minutes but had to stop running at 20 minutes... Then walked/jogged the last 5.

Am trying not to be too miserable about it. I'm still under the weather with this virus and haven't got my oomph back yet..!

So, will go again on Wednesday so see if I can get through W7R3 and if not I'll go back to the beginning of week 7 and keep doing it until I can...

well done lynnoggs that's it now, you won't look back.

Dotty don't be hard on yourself, like you said you are just recovering from being unwell. It takes a bit of time for your body to recover. It's hard at first on the longer runs to get your pacing right. I always used to set off too fast and found the last ten minutes really difficult. Even though I finished the programme a good couple of months ago I consciously have to pace myself and not start off too fast. You'll find you get some runs that you just can't do. The first one you can't finish is the worst, I remember that feeling well. If I'm struggling with one now, I don't beat myself up. Like I went out on Saturday evening and only managed to run a mile, I was light headed and felt sick so I just stopped. So I went on Sunday morning instead and did three miles. It just happens like that.

Just look how far you have come already

Just a quick question, what do you listen to - or not - when you run? I listened to the podcasts while I was doing the C25K. I continued listening to the week nine one for a while, even once I'd finished it. The last few runs I had been listening to my own music. Then yesterday I went out without listening to anything at all. To my surprise I actually preferred it. I didn't have my earphones flapping around and in the way, and found it a bit easier to pace myself without changes in the speed of music. The best bit though was I had passed a lady pushing her pram, then I passed her again on my way back round the block. She said as I was running past 'wow, how far have you run'. I was as I wasn't going very fast or got that far really.

I listen to Laura with my playlist in the background. Love it when Bat out of Hell comes on because it's 9 minutes long..!

dotty don't panic. We all have bad runs, even mo farah they are usually followed by brilliant runs so look forward, not backwards .

I couldn't look less like Paula Radcliffe if I tried I would need to shed at least 5 stone for that!

I used to always think I had to listen to music to run and couldn't contemplate running without it. However my best runs have been without music and not sure if that is a coincidence or because I am running with someone else. You can hear your breath without headphones but not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing

lynnoggs well done that sense of achievement that you feel, you will fell that after every run and every time you move up to the next level - it gets you hooked

dotty I always find it better to start of slowly, and if I'm feeling good, speed it up.

I still listen to Laura, and her pretty dire music, but have walked to radio before. Don't think my prehistoric mp3 player can do timing and play (currently I mentally add up if I go over one podcast )

I also only ever run with one earphone in - the other earbud is tucked into my bra strap, and it means I've got one ear out to listen for cars / people etc.

Running with others is good - they are often doing good when your flagging, so pull you along when your struggling, and you do the same for them. Really interesting that you struggle at different points.

Thanks - must admit I'm a bit down about it but trying not to dwell and not to let it put me off! I might go for a short 10 minute run tomorrow evening just to keep me in the mood

I'm really worried about running outside with others because I know I won't be able to talk and can only run if I really focus on my heavy breathing..! So I'd hate to feel like I had to make conversation and/or be all jolly...

Hey, well done lynnoggs. It is a nice feeling, isn't it?

Re music, I am still on the podcasts. However my nanny runs to Eminem - she says it's aggressive in the right way.

I have pulled a muscle or just slept funny on my neck and it really hurts. It doesn't help that I have spent the day dealing with small children, including cleaning up after the potty training boy.

I am meant to go running tomorrow and I think I will (it can't feel worse and the exercise may loosen it up). However it is W3R1 and I may not be able to do it.

Dotty - I think failed is the wrong word completely. You have come really far, I can't imagine running for 20 minutes.

If I'm right dotty- you did do the whole run. you did a bit of walking at the end but you did keep going? I think that's ok you know and defo not a disaster. I did the c25k + stepping stone. It puts you at intervals increasing pace. I kept up fine but not quite to 5k in 30 mins. I got back from a festival last night so a bit tired but off to anotherthis week so made myself go out for a run. So glad I did!

Yes I didn't stop, which is something - just walked the last few minutes, but didn't stop...

Being wide awake at random times doesn't help - hello 4am - stupid cough!

dotty you're recovering from being ill the next one will be perfect.

I'm really struggling to find enough child free time to run. I tried the park suggestion but she kept needing me . It's only a few more weeks till she starts school then I'll be on it properly.

Hi all

I have just had an emergency chiropractors appointment. He said I have a sprained neck and Must Not Run for the time being. Got another appointment on Thursday and have to put frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on it in the meantime.

ooh Cru that doesn't sound good Hope it gets better soon - have you had it before? dp suffers really badly with a bad back and is finding the running tricky sometimes.

Thanks Dotty. Nope, not had it before - the frozen peas are making it better. I think I may just have picked up a child awkwardly.

It's a real arse because I'm all fired up for running but no one thinks this is a valid concern. They just tell me not to be so silly. Ugh.

Sorry I sound really whingey. I will get over it.