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

Thanks. It's so good knowing you're all out there. It spurs me on.
Good luck Chameleon. You will do it, it is achievable!

Did w5r3 today. Never, ever thought I'd get this far. Every week and every run I think I can't ever do it, but I do. So for all those others like me who worry it can't be done, I'm still doing it and believe me if I can ( very overweight, very unfit ) anyone can !!

Oh, wow, you're all doing so well . It's really motivational to read about it.

I'm going to do W1R3 tonight. I'm going to push myself a little bit harder this time .

Everyone is doing great!

28mins 42 secs for me tonight Going to waste it all now with Chinese and .

No more running until fun run on Sunday, when I entered 9 weeks ago I didn't actually think I would make it and here I am. Don't suppose anyone else is running in Glasgow on Sunday? (Jog Scotland that is, not Commonwealth Games!)

Was thinking tonight, what do we do in the winter? Run in the dark, ice and snow?!? Or get fat and wobbly again?

Well done lovelidl , I think you've earned your takeaway and wine.

I was wondering about winter earlier - I don't immediately feel keen to run outside when it's dark - I'm interested to hear everyone else's thoughts on this. I'm leaning toward a couple of daylight outdoor runs, and the rest in the gym during winter.

Things I have learned today:
Go for a wee before you go for a run .

I have been wondering about winter too as I really don't want to run in the dark either

I only work 4 days a week so may just have to do daytime runs on 2 of those days to keep it ticking over. I really don't fancy running in the gym!

Buy yourselves some reflective clothes for winter. Long sleeved tops and long running tights. My brother said that we won't need a jacket even in winter.

If you are outside a city, get one of those reflective strips that cyclists use.

I'm a scaredy cat though - I'm not keen on running in the dark, not because I won't be visible (I'd get reflective strips / one of those velcro cycling lights etc.), but because other people won't be visible to me .

I'm in different minds about running in winter.

its got to be a whole lot better than running in this heat.
I ran in the dark/dusk about 10 days ago. Part of my route (only about 500m) takes me through an undergrowthy unlit area. Its amazing how far or how fast you can run when you are scared shitless of someone jumping out being attacked by bushes and nettles you can't see.

But I'm a scaredy cat and don't like the dark.

I'm luck though. I do have a treadmill in the garage although I find it boring and too 'easy' to decide I'm knackered and need to stop because I can stop the machine and I'm already home. If I'm out on the road and 2km away might as well run as much of the way back as I can cos it's slightly quicker than walking.

Im going to attempt W2R1 tomorrow. Or at least thats the plan. Its the first day of DPs leave and he's taking me out for a meal so we'll see....

But on a plus I am wearing my size 16 shorts today. I was size 20 in december (although I wasn't wearing shorts).

I would love to be size 14 by Christmas. A comfortable size 14 jeans. But I haven't been size 14 in over 13 years since before DC. Pribably closer to 20 years.

Summer I tend to run in the evenings from home after the kids are in bed.
Winter I started running from work at lunch time - we have showers at work, but I won't run if I have an afternoon meeting, 'cause I look like a beetroot for the rest of the day. I also ran at the weekend. So maybe 1-2 from work, and one at the weekend. I had a long sleeved top, and thermal running trousers. I wore gloves once, but got really hot when running, so just stayed cooler than I'd have preferred for the first 5 mins!

A group of us girls also got a personal alarm for running. The blokes at work just laughed!

Another newbie joining in if I may please.

I've tried (and failed) at C25k so many times before but this time feels different. This time I want to go out each time. And I'm enjoying it. I'm enjoying it most when it gets to the end of the run and I can tick another dash off.

W2R3 for me tomorrow. The forecast is wet but I'm not even going to let that put me off this time. I need to do this. I need to be fitter and stronger. I need to get some weight off. I didn't manage it before I hit 40 (user name was optimistic obviously) but I'm damn sure I'm going to do it now I am 40!!

Well done to all who have done so well so far. You are inspirational to those of us who are at the beginning of the journey.

Am I righ to be scared of my first W2 run tomorrow. How much of a step up is it?

I found it quite a leap, but just do as much as you can, if you have to walk some of it, there's always the next one, and you'll do more then.

I saw Usain Bolt run tonight - now he's a bit speedy..!

Home tomorrow and not sure I'll be in the gym by the end of the day, but definitely by Sunday afternoon - am so looks forward to drinking water and suffering through a run again..!

Oh no, now I'm scared of W2R1 . Let us know how you get on Edwinias!

dotty am very would love to have been there last night. My colleague is going tonight

Week 2 is fine, it is only another 30 seconds which is a blink of an eye

Have just ordered a Yoga for Beginners book as I love yoga but struggling to fit in any classes. I amalso conscious that my tummy is less toned than it was before I started running which is weird. I am assuming that is because I am doing far less gym classes which have abs sections in and running doesn't really do much for your abs so I am going to try and ensure I do abs exercises most days

Well W2R3 done. It was a bit damp and it started to drizzle as I was doing the last couple of runs but it was fine and I didn't melt. Who knew

Wasting - W2 is really ok. It feels like a big jump but once you've completed the first one and find your rhythm it's fine. Looking forward to a 3 minutes run on Monday (not!)

Just a quick questions for the experts. I've started getting a niggly pain across the middle of my back, sort of where my bra strap sits. Does that mean I need a more supportive bra?

I'm trying to convince myself that W1 is 8min of running total; and that W9 is only 9 minutes

And that I will only have to run 6 times instead of 8....

I will do this.

what do you guys do if you don't quite manage a run? Obviously it will be repeated 3 times. Do you aim for 3 successful runs before moving on to the next week. Or do you just attempt it 3 times and move on as long as you are "successful" once?.

Does that make any sense?

I have been known to repeat a day if I thought I hadn't 'properly' achieved it. For example one run it started to thunder and was suddenly a torrential downpour, so I ran home but didn't finish it iyswim.
Another day it was just too hot and I couldn't do it, I was so upset, but just re did it. I think for me that could be an excuse to give it up ( I nearly did after the hot run ) but just keep going and you'll be fine !

W3R3 done. Technically it should have been a rest day but I can't run tomorrow and I really want to run on Monday.

Fitbyforty - could be a couple of things. You may need a better bra. Also, when you run, are your shoulders relaxed? Is you head lifted up or hunched over? There is a thing in the Guardian (the running blog) about technique which I have found interesting.

Just checking in so I don't lose the thread.

Still don't have shoes or anything to wear. Getting a bit disheartened. We're in the back of beyond but went to a biggish sports place for running gear today. They had no shoes in my size and didn't have the first clue when I asked for help with tights etc.

Are there any really good online places I can look?

Just want to get going

What size are you after Coumarin?
I've got clothes (but not shoes) from sports direct - I currently run in something similar to these - mine have a small pocket in the front of the wasitband that takes a front door key and mobile or mp3 player (not a smart phone).

Think I got the sports bra from sports bra bar

I went to a local, independent, running shop for the trainers.