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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

Hi Autumn Welcome.
Just remember - those who can run will know what your going through - they all started at some point as well.
Those that have never ruin, well, who cares what they think, 'cause they are sat on their backside on the couch while your out improving your fitness and health.
Hope you had a nice trip out, and are in the shower now.

Good luck autumn! Totally second what addicted said, you will always be much more self-conscious than anyone else is aware of you (IYSWIM).

I was exactly like that at school too, part of my motivation to do the C25K was to finally get over that remembered feeling of humiliation and inadequacy (not that I feel that now but it still lurks in the subconscious, somewhere...).

Hope you are now feeling suitably proud of having got started.

autumn, am sure it went well. I totally get the sports-embarrassment - actually I think most people who take no exercise are secretly too embarrassed to show how unfit they are.
I was totally mortified the first time I went out running (and drove to deserted nature reserve after dark...).

I was super worried about people staring at me Autumn, but really no one paid me any attention at all!

Did my first 5K 'race' today - it was the local Color Run so great fun getting splashed with paint. About 90% of the people walked though so it was a bit awkward trying to get round them, and then at the end it turned out to only be 4.2k as we had torrential rain last night so they discarded some of the course for safety. It was really hot and muggy so I struggled a bit and walked for a minute or two in the middle. Still had great fun though!

The Wellington Marathon is coming up in June so I am going to enter the 5k race for that - that'll be my first 'proper' race.

Hello all, i am planning to start the C25K tomorrow morning. I am very overweight and asthmatic, but have an active job and am very motivated! I love the idea of being a "runner" but in the past have found I struggle to run and breathe at the same time! Has anyone got any tips for a very apprehensive but determined first timer?!

Hi can I join please?

I have 4 stones to lose and have been doing ww but I have lost my way recently.

My dd was recently in hospital and the care she received was amazing. I would love to run a 10k in October to raise money for Yorkhill in Glasgow.

I would also love to find an exercise that fits in with life with two young children. Pulling on my trainers and going out for a half hour run would be so much more likely than me driving to the swimming pool or gym.

The only problem is I am not a runner. I am mega unfit, I have huge boobs and I am generally a lazy lump. I am not lazy in life but when it comes to structured exercise any excuse will do!!

Can I do this?!!

Oh and can anyone recommend a decent sports bra to get me started? Don't want to spend too much...

Hello pontouf well done on deciding to do it - lots of people here (myself included) have been quite anxious to start off with. I can only speak from my own experience, but trust the programme, go with it and you will be amazed at what you can do after just a couple of weeks. I remember the first time I ran for 5 mins straight, couldn't believe I was capable of it!

Would strongly advise doing the warm up and cool down periods, and stretching afterwards (NHS C25K page here). I've done them religiously after every run and so far no aches & pains at all.

Ran W8R1 today (28 mins) which was admittedly knackering (there was an OK bit in the middle but by the end I was almost dropping. Still managed it and went over the 4k mark so was pretty chuffed afterwards. Afterwards is great.

Hi Haverina welcome too - I'm doing ww as well and this is the first time I've combined it with extensive exercise, do think it helps.

My bra is just an M&S v v high impact one (though I did treat myself to a new one); I've seen lots of suggestions for the big of boob to wear two bras, M&S do double packs so you could start there.

If you start the C25K now you'll definitely be up for a 10K in October!

Thanks so much Zinnia, very encouraging! I have set my alarm and laid out my running clothes. Unfortunately because I work long days and have kids who get up at 6ish I am setting my alarm for 5am! This makes me feel I'll but does mean I can avoid being seen by too many people! Am off to bed now to get some sleep in.......

Welcome Newbies.
Warning, Running can become addictive!

I get my bras from here. If you put your size in the search bar, hopefully something in the sale will do the job.

Kudos to Pontouf and others running at 5am.

Thanks addicted, I hope I deserve your kudos....so far all I have done is set the alarm! But I WILL do it!

Pontouf the worst bit is getting out of bed. If you can just get your kit on before you have time to think about it and then get yourself outside you have won! Good luck for the morning, let us know how you get on.

Hello Runners!

Well done newbies! Running in the morning is madness in my eyes. I did it yesterday just to check, and yes, horrible! It works for some but I find I'm always a bit dehydrated and either too hungry or too full. I find evening running works best for me, after DS is in bed and I've spent the afternoon hydrating in preparation.

I've realised I've gone backwards. I can't remember the last time I ran solidly for 30 mins, I'm having about 3 little walks each time at the moment. Maybe I need to leave the HR monitor at home and find somewhere with fewer hills.

Pontouf, I've asthma too ! I've been taking one puff on my reliever before starting, and that way I'm sure I have it with me. Running has actually really helped my asthma (and I'm only mid-way through week7).
As to morning running, good on you! My own feeling is that running in the morning is better than not running at all....

Can I join please
Have started running about 3 weeks ago. Have just been doing what I could manage Without using an app or anything.
Yesterday I did 3 mins walk, 5 run, 2 walk, 5 run, 3 wawalk, 5 run and then walked.
I had tried to use the week 4 podcast as I thought that might be about right for me now. But the minute I walked through the door and lost contact with my WiFi it stopped. So I've now downloaded the app- will it work now without Internet signal? (clueless)
And do you think week 4 is about right?
Am trying to get some fitness back and also lose some weight after baby no. 2.
Would like to lose a stone or one and a half So I can fit in my old clothes.
By the time DS1 was a year in got back to 7 stone 10 but weight much slower coming off second time around.

Hi mama pants c25k is perfect if you have little ones as its a quick bit of time put. I downloaded each podcast from iTunes but the app should work for you. Not sure what w4 is as I finished a while ago.

I think depends on which programme you use as to what wk4 amounts too, but the NHS one has runs of 5 mins and 3 mins. If you go to the website then it'll tell you. I think from memory that the 15 mins of running (in total - broken up with walking) as about what wk4 has, so if you're feeling ambitious you could maybe go to wk5 instead....?
I put podcast onto my v elderly ipad, as don't have a good phone, so no help on that one!

Yep c25k is fab with kids, I can manage to fit in work lunch break or while oh is getting act together/watching kids. Check website for podcast content but w4 sounds ok. Harverina I am 2.5 stones overweight, hated school sport and have been spasmodic about exercise ever since, and can be seen jogging round Glasgow south side parks x3 per week. Also thinking about Oct 10k ....

Thanks for the encouragement. Have read the whole thread today and feeling very inspired.
Went for another run yesterday. Haven't got an armband for my phone so just did my own thing again.
Did 3 mins walk 10 run, 3 mins walk 10 run, 3 mins walk. So really pleased with that.
So need to try and get hold of armband so can start using the app.
So yoga dvd tonight I think once kids are in bed.

mamapants, you could always follow a programme without an app - look online for run/walk times and then just use them (and a watch!).
I've just finished wk7 - hurrah! Have mild shin pain - on the front of my shins, about half-way up, a small, definite area. Is ignoring it OK - it's really not that bad?

Finally finished! Unfortunately I have a sore knee which isn't great. Finding these 30 mins runs tough tbh. However I am just going to continue to do the 30 mins until it gets easier and then maybe push on a bit. I can't think when it might get easier though. It is such a slog, still 9 weeks ago I couldn't run at all.

lagoon be proud of yourself! Well done for finishing.
Think back to when you started and how far you have come. 30 minutes running is great. It's bound to still be tough but it is so worth it.

Thanks!