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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

I have just completed w1r3. I loved it and even threw in a bit of extra running in the walking bit! Having said that, running for a minute vs running for 30 mins is a daunting prospect!!

I have signed up to a 5k race in the summer by way of something to aim for. I haven't told anyone yet though... I do have form for being very enthusiastic about exercise and then falling off the wagon so I don't want to court derision by telling anyone til I have a few more weeks under my belt, but I thought I could say it here! I know a 5k race is not a big deal... But for me that would be a huge deal! I feel I can do it though!! (Ha the optimism of someone who has only done week one!) good luck to all going out today

Just did w1r3. I've never run before and exercise is not my thing so I'm just taking it a little bit at a time. I think more of my running bits turned out to be downhill this time! The weather was lovely which helps. I'm enjoying it so far and feeling quite pleased with myself though just hoping I can manage 90 seconds instead of 60 next time. I can't even think about a whole half an hour!

Hi everybody. I've been watching this thread every day and it's been a huge motivator since I started in March. Have never posted as all my questions had been answered! I am loving seeing all the new runners who have joined as I'm excited for you as completely understand how daunting it is at the start but I am proof that it can be done. I have never been able to run and was unfit and am so amazed I can now run for 25 minutes, it's a miracle !!!

I am now on week 7 and have a question for those who've progressed further than me please..... I treated myself to a Jawbone Up Move as I was desperate to see how far I was running. Though it registers all the steps I do, I've been timing just the actual running for 25 minutes. I know I've still got a couple of weeks to go and will gradually improve my speed but at the moment I'm only doing about 3km and I don't believe I'll be doing 5k in 30 minutes!! Do you count the walking bit as part of the 5k when you first graduate?? I've noticed that when people first start their park runs their times are around 37/38 minutes for 5k. Should I be aiming for the 5k including the warm up and cool down walks and improving on that time?

Thanks everyone for any input you can give and for all your inspiring stories so far - I am so happy I did this

Hi Shirley
I don't know about everyone else but after a few weeks I found a 5k route and did the programme and walked whatever was left.
I'm now walking 3 mins at the start and running the rest of the way. Last time I did this it took me 34 mins 24 seconds which is a big improvement on the first time which I think was 41 minutes.
Not sure what I'm going to do next.
Am thinking of doing the 5k route twice a week and hopefully speeding up a bit over time. And Adding distance to the third run.

This morning (after I’d done my w1r3 run) on the way to work I saw the bus coming and had to run for it. It was much easier than the last time I had to do it! I’m surprised how much difference just week 1 made. Looking forward to starting week 2 at the weekend, though the weather forecast doesn't look too promising.

Hi all, hope I can join you? Just started c25k 2 weeks ago but ha to stop after 2 runs with knee pain! So frustrated as I was enjoying it. Had anyone else experienced knee issues? How long did it take you to heal? Hoping to stay motivated whilst I wait to get pain free and can run again...

Surely - I'm the same. Just finished w7 but only running 3k. It did concern me, but as Laura says, "it not about the speed" I'm going to follow mamas advice and plan a 5k route and work from there.

Who thinks a half marathon is achievable by October? Ds athletics coach saw my in my running gear and started asking about how far I run. I laughed when she mentioned a half, but she is adamant I could do it (she's doing it herself with a jog club)

I really like the idea but am I running before I can walk (yes, I know groan)

Hi all, hope you don't mind me pulling up a chair for a chat too. I graduated from c25k in March. I have since been running 5k-6k three times a week. I run with two friends and we try to do park run when we can, we also run our routes and we go to a regular running group called 5k Maxx. I am very proud and pleased I have got this far, I am still finding it hard, and want to progress to longer distances.

I don't know Locket, it could be if you train hard. My friend wants us to join a local training group to do 5-10k in eight weeks. I am really unsure of it because I still find 5k tough.

Midnight, I personally haven't suffered with knee pain, but a few of the people in my c25k group (we have training groups set up by our local council) have. I think the first thing is Ice and heat, and taking it easy. Are your trainers supportive enough? From what I have been told it is very important to have the correct trainers to prevent injury. There is also a lady in my group that hurt her knees she is now running again, but wears compression socks and knee straps and says they help.

Hello everybody. I've just started c25k earlier this week. Can anybody share some positive stories to motivate me please?

W1R3 just done. On my own this time as it is a bit drizzly. Found it better than earlier in the week when it was warmer. Should be early Sunday for the next run

Eleanor I think just read this thread, it should have all the motivation you need! I'm starting week 2 tomorrow, can't wait!!

Shirley - I've just finished the programme, and don't run 5k in 30mins. I manage about 4.5k, but on my last run I kept going beyond 30 mins (which felt OK), and did 5k in 37mins. If you want to do 5k (rather than run for 30 mins) then I'd suggest you follow the programme then add 2 weeks more of increasing time to be sure of getting there.

Just done W2R3. Outside (not round my garden!) for the first time, and with my dog. She will be an excellent running companion, stuck by my heel - when I was running not walking - and it was great to have company . I left my arthritic dog at home though, he was a bit grumpy about it.

Welcome all Newbies!

I use mapmyrun to monitor my distance and speed. The one time I've done 5km in under 30 mins (29mins 50!), It told me I was in the fastest 25%.
So I think the line Laura uses on the NHS podcast near the end "you should now be running for 30 mins covering around 5km" is more acurate.

Personally, I run the 5km route, and tag on the walking. Its about 34 mins of running, so out for 40-45 mins (I often don't walk the full 5 mins post run).

Enjoy, and please keep posting and asking questions.

Thanks addictedtosugar, it's lovely to be here, am surprising myself with my enthusiasm! W2R1 just finished, and when I got home my race number pack for my 5k race for life had been delivered... Surely a sign?!!

I am slightly grumpy, I had to miss yesterdays run as my foot is killing me. Hoping with a couple of days of painkillers I should be back on it by monday.

I've not been on for ages, but I have officially graduated c25k. Running 5k a couple of times a week now, inside and out. Love the outdoors and have got up to 7.7k on longer runs now. Regularly do short ones too, and bringing in cycling too (did 15 miles outside Sunday) I feel fab and am now aiming for a 10k. This is from a girl who couldn't run before Febwhen I signed up. My thigh is a bit niggly right now so got rock tape and exercises to do, but still loving the running.

And to add, I use strava for mapping my runs and my shortest 5k has been just over 30 mins, usually falls in the 30-32 mins

Hi apple - I just did W2R1 today too. It went fine and it didn't rain on me so I'm pleased. Very impressed you've signed up for a 5K run already!

Thanks for ther welcomeaddictedtosugar. It's really encouraging to hear from all the different people here at different stages.

Thanks everyone for answering my query on not running 5k in 30 minutes. Sounds like I just need to build up gradually (like the program) and get comfortable with 30 mins and then run a bit more to see how long 5k actually takes me and then work on that. I'm not worried, just utterly delighted I can actually run!!!! W8R1 today and I ran for 28 minutes, hooray

Hello all newbies
Well done for taking the biggest step and starting. The weeks will fly by - I've completed w8r1 (tonight) and I can honestly say I enjoyed the actual running - not just enduring it iyswim? (not something I could say a few weeks ago )

Surely - I managed 3.9km in 28 mins tonight - the end is in sight

dontDoItDi I sort of felt I had to sign up to have an end goal- to keep me going. I'm planning on seeing my 2 boys at the finish line, knowing I'm doing it for them, to be fit and healthy and be able to keep up with them, but most importantly, for me, to get a bit of "me" back, not just mummy, not just [my job] but me- doing it for apple!

That sounds really great apple, I love the thought of your kids cheering you on! And I agree with doing things that are “for ourselves”. There’s no chance of me keeping up with my DS any more, we used to go out for family walks but now DS is a teenager he’s twice as fast as me unless he’s carrying a huge backpack. DS and DH still go out together but I need something else I can do to stay fit.