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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

Thanks addicted and dancingwitch, maybe I will take the 6yo out when I've finished the programme - if she lets me.

Did do a little run through the park on Sunday with DD2 on her scooter - she gave up before I did! Mind you she is bone idle in comparison with her sister.

Well thank you. I have just posted on the general running thread that I am feeling hugely self conscious about being seen out. I am finding that hard to admit because I am usually ok about that sort of thing. Tomorrow will be intervals as it will need to happen in my half hour lunch break. But then I think I am going to write a plan out so that I get back to feeling like I am progressing again.

I managed the speed podcast today (it is not that speedy honestly). I do feel better for it. Will try to write some kind of plan tonight do that I can see a progression.

W3 r1 today. Actually felt really good after the second run. Had a few twinges last week but fingers crossed everything OK. I've missed the Monday run so hopefully will go Friday and again at weekend.

W6r3! 25 mins non stop!

My face was as pink as my running top. It felt better than the previous run which had a 3 mi ute walking interval. Still felt hard but feel better for it.

stillearnin would be really interested to hear how you get on with the speed podcast, I only discovered that yesterday, it's good to know there's something to progress onto if when I get to the end of C25K.

lemonhope well done for keeping going through week 3, the 3 minute run was a really big deal for me but it's amazing how quickly you progress through it.

lagoonablue you are 1 week 1 run ahead of me so am finding your reports back highly encouraging, please keep it up!

Did W5R2 today and was quite nervous about the 8 minutes but it was actually OK. Spent a great deal of time thinking "god have I only done x minutes" but the second half of each run was better than the first, which I'm sure is probably normal but wasn't what I was expecting.

BTW I asked the 6yo if she'd like to come running with me. "NO! Why do I have to?" at which point the 3yo piped up "Can I come running with you?". The difference between my kids in a nutshell, there.

Would it be very bad to go again today? I might not make it on Friday and I loved it yesterday

no twinges today either!

I would wait... but I am very much "by the book" in these things!

I waited

zinnia - I have done the c25k+ podcasts quite a bit. Here is my low down. The speed one is intervals but not high intensity - a minute faster then a minute slower. But it is quite knackering and I think it does me good.

The stepping stones and the stamina podcasts are similar. Starts at a slowish pace then speeds up. I actually used to find the longer one (stamina) more enjoyable because I felt I had longer to relax into it. I have been doing the stepping stones one though (30 mins) as I just cannot imagine being able to run for 35 minutes at the moment. I think it will come if I can just keep at it.

There is a jogging group near me that I might join - its all comers, but starts at 6 when I am usually still working. I might try to get there every other weekend.

Lagoon - do you feel great. You're doing so well!

Yes I am so amazed I can run. The programme really works. I have dabbled in various types of exercise over the years but could never run. This is great. Costs nothing. Easy just to get changed and go. I love it when I'm finished but hate it when I'm doing it! I keep waiting for runner euphoria! Haven't had it!

I started feeling good from it straight away, but got the real buzz from week 4 when you do the 4 minute runs and actually start to feel like you can do it.

I did another 23 minute run last night. I parked at the supermarket as I had to get a couple of bits, and then started my run from there. I ended up back at my car leaning against it red faced and sweaty and trying to regain my composure when a man came out and said excuse me and got in the car. Yes - I was leaning on the wrong car It was dark and one car looks pretty much like the other to me . . .

i mean 5 minute runs in week 4 (not 4)

I think for some people it's hard to be euphoric on shorter runs. I am sure I've read that not all people release endorphins in the same way. But I found once I could handle around 25 mins regularly I felt great. At the moment the sheer effort outweighs the endorphins

Who would - I'm sorry for your blushes but that made me laugh so much! My friend used to say these things are vital to keep us humble. I hope you strode off all athletic like?

Well done lemonhope. How did it go today?

stilllearnin that's really helpful, thanks. It's quite good to think of something to graduate to, rather than just trying to get a bit faster over 30 mins every time!

Whowould that really made me laugh.

Not much euphoria here but I do feel knackered quite good after every run, alternate between not minding and really not enjoying it during. Even when I'm finding it difficult, it's the sense of achievement that's keeping me going, still can't believe I'm able to keep up with the programme tbh.

Mind you acid test is tomorrow morning: W5R3. Am terrified.

Hi everyone. I finished wk1 on Wednesday with a friend. Feels like such a long way to go but its a good start for me-I've never really managed to stick with any sort of exercise and I really want this time to be different. I just wish I had a bit more motivation - glad I've found a friend to go with!

Ooh just found this thread - hope I can join in? I did week 7 run 1 on Wednesday. I am finding it all quite hard but pleased how far I've come. When I get to 5k I am planning to do the upgrade to 10k as i have entered a 10k race in June. Think that may have been z bug ambitious now. I was v unfit and a bit over weight before starting.

Anawi just focus on one week at a time. But honestly it'll fly by.

Zinnia what is w5 r3 - remind me. I find the runs I am not looking forward turn out the best. Which does not bode well as I really want to get out there today. I'm just finishing some work, then I'm going to go.

20 mins non-stop!

I sort of believe I can do it because I have such faith in the programme [drone alert] but 20 mins? really?

Mind you two days ago I thought that about 8 mins and I've done that - ooh - twice now.

Good luck this afternoon.

And hello Marmitelover it's good to have someone else whose runs I can aspire to!

I find the runs without breaks easier. Another 25 mins coming up for me tomorrow.........ugh

Thank you zinnia. The 20mins without stopping wasn't as bad as I feared. Sure you will be fine

Haven't been on for a while but I started c25k at new year and have my first 5k fun run tomorrow - eek! Can't believe that I can run 5k - I do walk several times during 5k but when I started, I couldnt do 30 seconds! Hoping for a 40 minute time.

Keep running everyone!

My theory was wrong - did the stepping stone podcast and felt really strong all the way through. Even finished by running right up the big hill I live on!

Good luck tomorrow butterflies. I must enter a run soon

Well done Stillearnin, I live in a very flat part of the USA, hills are my nemesis!

Definitely book in for a run. It's a fun run / walk with a 5k and 10k - there is a special category for costumes so although I won't dress up I think there will be lots of slow people (deep sea diver costumes?) and plenty of good costumes to take my mind off it to look at on the way.