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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

Blimey this is an inspirational thread. Hats off to kaster for the 10k, that's fantastic.

I've started losing weight but that's because I've been doing Weight Watchers for the last 2 weeks (am on W6 of C25K now) - however I've lost more in this first fortnight than I usually do on WW so wouldn't be surprised if this is down to the running.

How did it go today lemonhope?

Hi everyone, new to this thread. I started my C25K on 6th Jan. I joined a local group of ladies and we ran 3 times a week for 9 weeks. I still can't believe I completed it - even more shocked that I've stuck to it!

The lady who runs the group (pardon the pun!) has a different class for improvers but its at an earlier time and my hubby isn't home from work by then so I can't make it. So I've been going out myself mostly, sometimes with friends I made through the initial group who also can't make the new class time.

I run 5k three times a week. I am slow, was always the slowest in the group and am still slow but at least (I keep telling myself) I AM running and I never stop. Where I live is extremely hilly. I still struggle with the hills but I can manage them. I'm just wondering what is the next step? Do you just stick with the 5k runs? Try to up the distance? Improve the speed? I have no real interest in entering races etc, certainly can't see myself doing a half marathon but I like that I'm able to do this and its good for me. I'm 40, not overweight but would like to tone up a bit more. Maybe running isn't the thing to do that but then again I enjoy it so would like to stick with it. What is 'intervals' that you're all mentioning?

Sorry for all the questions!

Hello McNab - I only have a rough grasp of the technical stuff. intervals is where you run fast for usually a minute and then run a bit slower for a minute - and repeat. It is good for fitness. You can get a podcast on nhs couch to 5k plus.

What do you want to do though. I want to get into trail running. (although I dont have the build for it). I would also like to up my distance. I think running can tone you up.

Hi, I've decided to repeat wk3 as I've had a bit of sciatic type pain and am paranoid

Have found it really easy but won't go to wk4 until next week

am forcing myself to take it easy

I am really enjoying my runs!

lemon I'm just about to restart week 3 too, I've had 2 below par runs this week so don't feel quite ready for week 4 yet!

Did anyone repeat Week1? The last day was a bit easier but I'm still struggling with catching my breath. Shall I try Week 2 and see how I go?

Hi Pete Give week 2 a go! Its amazing how much you can do, and trust the program - it really is amazing.

Still how you going? I've not run in nearly a week, and have a cough / sort throat, so think I'm coming down with a lurgy. Can't decide if I should run this weekend or not - but I haven't run on my afternoon off....

I've been away from mn for a while but I've finally finished C25K! But, I've just discovered that the makers of Zombies, Run! also have a C25K version: Zombies, Run! 5k Training by Six to Start
appsto.re/gb/gnzXH.i

Wish I'd discovered that earlier!

Hi all, checking in as just done W6R3 (25 mins) and feeling pretty puffed chuffed. Actually did 26 mins as late to pick my DD up from ballet (I run while she dances), over 2 miles so quite pleased with that.

The most amazing thing is that I think I could have gone on - am going to stick with the programme and not push it but as have never run for that long in my life before, C25K is basically some kind of miracle as far as I'm concerned.

Anyone not feeling sure, just keep on with it. I promise I was the world's most committed running phobe 7 weeks ago.

Hi addicted, I was doing quite well but there's so many things get in the way. Currently pulled a muscle somehow and so did not run yesterday. Missed Thursdays longer runs as ds had interview in London at short notice that I had to take him. How do others fit in 3 runs? I am determined to enter a 10k this weekend

Sorry to hear you're struggling - especially with the muscle. Hope it's not too painful.

I have pretty fixed schedules for my runs - lunchtime on a Tuesday when I work at home, first thing Thursdays before work and Saturdays mid- morning when DD2 at ballet. Have to vary the times on occasion but stick to the days religiously as don't want the overall timetable to slip.

Hello
I disappeared for a few days as I was really busy but have managed to fit my runs in and have now done W3R3. I amazed not only that I can run for three minutes but that I have been getting up at 5.50am to go running!
On the Zen programme, I have to run for 5 mins next week which I'm nervous about but know should be doable.
Good to hear so many success stories on here.
In terms of the five minute warm up walk, I tend to do at least 60 or 90 seconds of that when I'm still in the house.

Yes, i have days when I can and cannot easily run. I think I should have my days set as you say, zinnia. So that even if I cannot go out at 9am on a thursday, I might be able to get out at 8pm. And if I dont have time to do 4 miles I can still do 2. I think i need to get the regularity properly embedded. My back is still so sore but ok when walking - its just sitting around that does it. 5 hour car drive tomorrow - joy!

Urgh my last couple of runs have been quite horrible, but I've been getting over a cold, and a lack of sleep.

I tried to run yesterday but only did a couple of km before stopping. My headphones had broken and it just isn't the same without music. It was also really hot as well - much prefer running in the dark and cool of night!

Actually - reading that back, a few weeks ago I would have been amazed at myself for running 2 km so I shouldn't be too hard on myself!

You will find that the 5 min runs will fly by dancinwitch

Hi can I jump in and join you?

I did w2 r2 this morning and found it really tough. I seem to find early morning runs much harder than evening runs. Is this a thing? Much more convenient to go in the morning but I struggle so much more.

I got about halfway through zombies! Run last year before I got pregnant and it was good, although it creeped me out so I'm listening to the nhs podcast this time.

Welcome Pourquio
I find I need to have eaten sensibly an hour or 2 before I run. Otherwise its really hard. If you run early morning, is that before breakfast?

Whowould you are still out running them sat on the couch (me this week)..
Post graduation, I'm not running as regularly. Aiming for twice a week, and probably averaging 1-2 a week, illness baring.

dancin I found building up to 5 mins hardest. Once I could do 5 mins, longer runs didn't seem to get any harder (that doesn't mean some times I need to slow down for a minute).

Hi,

I hope it's ok that I join you? I've completed c25k twice before but haven't been running in a while so will struggle.

I'm doing week 1 run 1 tonight.

I too struggle much more in the mornings so will make sure to run in the evenings.

I did w1 r1 today. I have a 4 mile route I used to run, but have been walking recently. I did it as part of that. So good to be outside in the lovely weather.

I am following the Get Running app as religiously as I can and last night it said wk 4 r1 so that's what I did. I did find the 5 minute runs the toughest thing so far, having said that I ran throughout and also managed to chat to my 8 year old who decided to come with me.

I don't feel any different weight or fitness wise yet but I am coping with quite a lot of stress fairly well so I do think the runs are helping.

I still cannot believe that I will have the willpower/strength of body to ever run a 5k!!

I sat down on the grass watching a sports thing yesterday and my knee hurt quite seriously for a good 10 minutes - really scared me - convinced something is going to happen to stop me running. Not really surprising that I am so worried as both serious leg injuries occured while running - I broke my foot in three places whilst running in converse - how?? gawd knows! Then I ripped both ligaments in my knee sprinting a year later.

Going to take A LOT to gain confidence.

A confession, ladies, having done my first 5 min run this morning I whooped & did an air punch! I was surprised by my reaction as I don't normally do that sort of thing. This morning was the first time I really prevaricated before going on a run, I did the three min one easily but as soon as I started the 5 min one I was coming up with all sorts of reasons to stop...my lace felt a bit flappy, was my hip hurting etc but I kept going & felt so proud of myself. Knowing I had done it once meant I had no concerns about the second 5k run.
I am amazed. I am also delighted as my legs are changing shape & looking leaner.

Hi all, mind if I join you?

I started c25k last year and got up to week 4. I was enjoying it and not finding it too hard, despite never having run before. Then life/work/general slubbery got in the way and you know the rest. I've started at week 1 three times since January and each time have found it so difficult. Each time, I've thought it was because I was getting a cold or because it's so cold outside but I started Wk1 R1 again tonight and just felt like utter, utter shite. I honestly felt like I couldn't do it, though I did.

I just feel really low and disappointed in myself - I was really enjoying running before, much to my surprise and looked forward to it. I would add in wee extra 1 min runs so I could enjoy the next tune on my iPod. And now I feel like I can do it. I can't believe I struggled so much with Wk 1 R1 when it found it easy before. I feel like I'm losing all motivation and I'm dread the next one. I quit smoking 3 months ago and was looking forward to enjoying running even more.

Sorry to moan, just feeling a bit shite - has anyone experienced setbacks like this?

Sorry to hear you're finding it difficult. Keep at it. I've had some horrible runs, but also some very enjoyable ones to balance those out.

Ultimately, though, if you don't enjoy running maybe try something else? I tried Zumba once, thought it looked like a great laugh. I hated it!

Thanks, Indomitable, I just wish I could start enjoying it again as I really did before! I honestly feel like a good cry now.

DH got me proper running shoes for Christmas and I don't want to waste them

AgentCooper, would switching to a different c25K programme help? There are loads of different versions, maybe a change of scene would be good?
It sounds more like you're disheartened at having to re-start, and have lost faith in your ability to complete a programme -hence thinking you could swap to a different version.

That's an idea, thanks Saz, I've been using the same once since I started (American one) so I might try the NHS one.

Does anyone else find the cold weather is tougher on their breathing? The only major change I can think of is that I had a massively heavy period which lasted for over a month in February and I kept fainting. They're normally very light and it took ages for me to have any energy again. I've found it hard to even walk up hills since then. The Dr checked my blood pressure but said it looked ok and my body would repair itself with time but it feels a bit like it's still in the repair shop!