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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

That's it. There's 9 weeks in total. So when you've done Wk9R3 you've finished the program, ace eh??! I still can't imagine that and I'm on wk6r2.

Yep, buffy, week/run identification.

Well done to everyone who has started, and stuck with it. You've all been chatty while I've been jogging very slowly through life. Running is taking a back seat, and I'm really noticing it when I do get out.

Ha ha stunts , maybe I should pack in my job and become a motivational speaker
I am motivated because it's the first time post dc (as in first time in 5 years) that I've done something exercise-wise and stuck with it, am terrified if I even miss one run that I'll quit, and if I quit this then there is no hope because there are no excuses to not do it anymore! Desperate to lose weight, have only lost a pound or 2 since starting, but I suppose it's better than nothing.

Anyway... Foolish me, I was half way round my shuffle tonight and realised I hadn't switched from my usual app to the wonderful Laura! Maybe next time....!

I am getting fitter as I couldn't run for 3 mins when I started, having said that I saw two snails over taking me on the hill

Couch to 5k.........DONE!! W9R3 completed this evening. Am so pleased, I can't quite believe it actually. For about 20 years, I've been so envious of people who have told me they step out of the door and go running. I sooooo wanted to do that too but told myself, no I'm just not a runner..... Well, now I am! Just wanted to say thanks for this thread. I have been reading it every few days whilst on the program and it's been a fantastic motivator to read everyone's inspiring stories, thank you

surelyshirley, well done you graduated, get yourself a little square hat and take posh photos. whats the plan now then?

Just looked at todays plan and its a 25min eekk scary stuff.

Fantastic Shirley!!! Please keep an eye on this thread and motivate us. When I hear off people who have finished it makes me so determined not to miss a run.

Well done Shirley!

I'm only on w6. I did run 1 today expecting it to be a piece of cake after week 5 run 3 which was 20 solid minutes. In fact it was a real toughie. I wonder if the times on the app are actually right

Well done Shirley! That's inspiring.

Week 5 run 3 done - all 20minutes of it! Not as bad as a I expected, I was more prepared for the uphill bit at the end of my route than last run and I saved some energy for it.

And I note your comment about w6r1 malefridgeblindness so I wont expect an easier run next time (sigh)

Feel as if I may never get up off the sofa again though!

Woohoo dontdoitdi well done, big moment!

Sometimes I find the run at the start of the session is harder than at the end... Why is that?

Didn't get time to post last week but I did make it through week 4. I found it really tough going though.
I just finished w5r1 and found it so much easier than week 4. As Laura says I was recovering much more quickly from the runs.
I have two pairs of basic running trainers and have now established that which ones suit me best. If I finish c25k and keep running DH is going to treat me to a properly fitted pair. Does anyone a good shop in Glasgow?

Just done Wk6R2. God it was hard. Harder than last week. Can't fathom it out sometimes! Didn't give up though, or cheat. Thank god for Laura.

Week 6 was my hardest week.

Even now, if I can keep running to 10 mins, I'm usually OK for the full 5km (graduate lurker here). If I stop before 10 mins, the whole run is full of walking patches. So if you can keep going through week 6, you'll nearly be there, and weeks 7,8,9 will fly by with the continuous runs.

Thanks addicted- if I know it gets easier that helps. I can't believe in 3 weeks I will have cracked it, even if it is snail pace. Amazing really. And hats off to you and all who have graduated. The whole thing does seem like a massive achievement.

I really don't get it. W6 should be easy after the 20min run at the end of w5. Is this some kind of psychological thing, where I think it's going to be easy so it's hard? I honestly thought the app was giving me dodgy timing today, as I couldn't believe how long the 5 min then 8 min went on for.

well done everyone!

I did w8r2 last night (s l o w l y) Instead of running away from home and turning round when I reach halfway I decided to see how far I got round my 'goal route' (5.5-6 km loop) I did getting on for 4 km (including the walking) so I think its going to take me a while to push up the speed, but hey at least I'm shuffling round

w5r2 done this am at 530 in the rain... I still haven't warmed up! I did have to look down at one point to see if my feet were actually moving as I was going so slowly, but I managed the 2 x 8 min runs fine, worried about 20 minute one on wed though- seems a big deal!!

Chickened out of W1R1 this morning. I decided that a morning of rain and lashing wind was not a good day to get started! Fingers crossed for better weather tomorrow.

w6r3 done, again I had 2 walks of about 30 secs each but I was going up a steep hill with the wind in my face. I have got another 3 goes at 25mins to get it right not going to beat myself up about 2 little stops although I wish I could do it without. I dont have a water bottle that I can carry easily so I think I would be better if I could get a gulp of water. Might have to look on amazon.
Bram shott you could always go later ;)

oh and Laura said that I can officially call myself a runner now. I love Laura.

Just wanted to pop in to say two things.

1. I love Laura - I now run about 10k as a minimum and still listen to her for the first 30 mins as I find that bit the hardest and I like her gentle encouragement.

1. Week 6 run 1 was my worst, I had to repeat it - never struggled with any of the others so take heart if you're finding it tough.

W6r2 done this morning bright and early. Better than w6r1 in any case. It's solid running with no breaks from now on, I think.

W1R1 done - no going back now! It was better than I thought it would be.

Is everyone strict about having a day between runs? I am tempted to do R2 and R3 tomorrow and Thurs because I have stuff on on Friday, and weekends are always busy.