Couch to 5k - it's not about speed (thread number 4)

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

I like having you graduates around - convinces me it CAN be done!

I'm worried about running in the winter and what I'll wear (it's summer here now so I've been running in around 23 degree +). I wear running leggings and t-shirt at the moment, but wonder what would be appropriate for wintery runs. What are you UK lot wearing at the moment?

Well done Velma - hope you've got somewhere good to run outdoors! I'm sticking to the local walking/cycling path at the moment which runs along side the railway tracks from one end of our suburb to the other so nice and flat. I will have to move on to the main streets in the dark evenings (safety) but hope that by then i will be mainly running so not too afraid of being seen by people I know!

I run in long tights, a long sleeved teeshirt, and a snood if its very windy. Im cool when walking, but too hot for the rest of the time if I wear any more.

I've seen some in gloves,. or a windproof jacket.

At 23, I was in a sleeveless top and shorts!

I wear long-legged running tights and a sleeveless running top with a long-sleeved thermal vest over the top.

I have just ditched the gloves and headband since the temp has crept over 5 degrees...

Haven't posted for a while, but just done w5r2. I found 8 mins running hard! Not convinced i can manage 20 mins next time. How did others feel about going from 8 to 20? Not sure whether to repeat w5r2 a couple more times before attempting it.

I've been wearing running leggings, long sleeve top and a lightweight jacket ('i keep my phone in its pocket). It's been a bit warmer here my last couple of runs so I've not worn gloves or my woolen headband. I need to get myself one of those armbands to keep my phone in cause hopefully wont need the jacket too much longer.

ginny
I'd give w5r3 a go. It really doesn't get much harder after about 5-10 mins. Remember to go slow - you can always speed up towards the end if your feeling energetic. Trust the program - it really is amazing, and its probably just your head saying no, rather than you not having the fitness.
If its a total disaster, I'd then redo all of week 5, but thats me.
Good luck!

The first time I tried 20 minutes I couldn't do it - went more run 9 walk 1 run 5 walk 1 and then run 4. Next time I managed it. No idea how but I did.

I have C25K before and got to the end, but haven't run for about 18 months. I went on a long walk yesterday and today and will start on the programme again next week I think. I had a rather odd podcast before that had rave-like music and a man telling you when you to start running etc. How are you all keeping to the programme as you run?

I've just done w5r2 and I am not relishing doing 20 mins of running either! I am not sure I can! It feels like a big jump from8 mins to 20! I will be doing it on Weds so will report back on progress.

The programme is good though. I have never run. To be on week 5 and running around 3-4 km, 3 times a week for me is amazing!

I've just done w1r1 with a buggy! I've worked up to doing a parkrun once, but that was before pregnancy wiped out any will to exercise. Just hope I can keep going!

If you're not sure about w5r3 do a couple of extras in between. I extended 8 to 10 or 12 for instance and then 20 didn't feel too big.

Forgot my socks in my gym bag no running for me today. Have an interview before work tomorrow the full day teaching so will grab an hour before school run instead.

I wear the running leggings and a sports cycling hoodie outside. Leggings or cropped trousers and a top inside.

My outdoor run is quite busy roads with wide paths, mostly downhill or flat or very slight incline until the end. Its local roads, with scope to extend quite nicely to 6 or more km so I can warm up, cool down and do a full 5km in the middle. Hated the idea of people I know driving past me though!

Urgh I ran past people I know for the first time yesterday. It was at around 4km so I was a red-faced sweaty mess

W1R1 done today. I'm on the "zen" app as the NHS one wouldn't download for some reason. There isn't much to the app. It just says "start walking" or "start jogging" but it does the job! In the last minute of running, I must have done at least 1min30 as I pressed pause. I found it fairly comfortable.
In terms of what I'm wearing, I'm a bit "all the gear, no idea" at the moment as I went to Decathlon and kitted myself out...new trainers, new sports bra and then I got some "proper" running clothes. Some lined leggings and a couple of thermal tops, one of which is windproof. All I wore today (and it is cold & windy here today) was the leggings, a t-shirt and the windproof jacket &, other than the initial 5 min walk, was fine. The jacket is good as it has thumb holes so the sleeves come down nice & far and then the ends can turn over so it is like wearing gloves. When I used to run (years ago, pre-DC), I only ever ran in the summer so just wore normal clothes but, if I am going to do this, didn't want to be put off by the weather.

Did W4R1 this morning - 5 mins was really tough. Particularly 2nd run, was up hill and almost didn't make it - had to turn round and run downhill for the last minute and a half because the incline was getting steeper. I did however run the length of a footpath we use all the time as a shortcut, which felt like a major achievement as not being able to run the length of it was one of my motivations to start C25K in the first place.

However the thought of being able to run for 20 mins at the end of next week is simultaneously terrifying and completely unbelievable.

Gear-wise, part of my motivation was going to Gap and kitting myself out in one of their 30% discount offers; long leggings, vest top with looser t-shirt over the top, wind-proof hooded jacket. Also have a lighter jacket for when it warms up a bit, plus armband for phone (invaluable).

Also passed someone I know (a proper runner, to make matters worse) this morning mid-way through final run - he almost didn't recognise me

Hello! I am now on week 2 of the Get Running App and enjoying it. I am 48 and have had lots of fairly serious injuries in the past so I am trying to take it very slowly. Week 2 has 6 x 90 second runs with walking in between. I found the first day of this just about as tough as I wanted and definitely felt it a bit later on. I think I will repeat weeks to give my legs knees hips etc time to adjust, although I am fairly fit so don't get out of breath and sometimes tempted to move it on a bit quicker!

in terms of kit, I have a very good and massively tight sports bra as I hate my bosoms jiggling when I run (its actually a bit TOO tight and I am very relieved to take it off when I get back), some very old trainers, a pair of thick stretchy leggings that I bought pre children (16 years ago!!), a fleece headband and a collection of old manky t shirts. If I get to week 6 I might buy myself some new stuff.

oh yes and a belt to put my phone in.

lemonhope if you've had problems with injuries in the past I would really, really recommend getting yourself fitted for new trainers in a proper running shop. It's the one piece of advice you see everywhere and having done it myself I'm really glad I did. Spent 40 mins in my local specialist shop trying on about a dozen pairs and having gait analysed etc. Not the cheapest option but I think it's really helped.

I am afraid I don't really believe in the whole gait analysis thing. A pair of trainers with gel in them should be fine for most starter runners. A 40 quid pair of asics should be fine.

OK fair enough! Good luck with the rest of week 2 :)

I did it! Ran for the full 20 mins. w5r3 done. Feel very proud and can't quite believe i managed it. It felt like a huge jump for me too lagoonablue, but some how it worked out. Hope it goes well for you tomorrow.

Im using the zen app one too dancingwitch. I did have one in week 3 which didn't save so then did it again but it still didn't save! So i have one with no completion date. Otherwise I've been quite happy with the app. I also use runkeeper at the same time cause it tracks distance and speed.

Well done Ginny!!!! Massive achievement, well done!

I did 25 mins today, bloody loved it

I recommend gait analysis too tbh. Normal trainers were fine for first few weeks, now I'm running more I had it done and the difference to my right knee. I wasn't ripped off either, got asics, just ones for the way my legs bend(in the weird 5% btw ??)

Lemon hope, even if you don't do gait analysis buy some new trainers, especially if you are injury prone running in very old trainers is it going to be good for you.

Just done w5r1. I found it easier than the week 4 runs, and actually found the walking intervals a bit too long. I am a bit worried that I am due to hit the wall and that it will come on the dreaded w5r3!

Still - if I can do the 8 minute runs on the next run then that'll be the longest I've ever run for in my life!

I would recommend getting decent trainers fitted if you can. It made a massive difference to me.

Congratulations Ginny! Am in awe.

Does everyone hit a wall? Is this something else to add to my list of running worries?