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

[CruCru]

Would you all like to join me here?

Thanks sugar.

Hi everyone, can I join please?

I'm 32 and always been terrible at running. Even as a teen when I played lots of sports, I could never run for more than a minute.

I'm hoping to start the couch to 5k thing (maybe tomorrow morning - eek!) but am after some advice about hills. I live in a really hilly area and am basically wondering how to best manage the uphill/downhill scenario. Any wisdom?

Also, I am quite slim but with enormous norks. Any advice other than just spending a fortune a monstrous sports bra?

I'm kind of excited about this but also very tentative! I'm still not sure that the idea's not just a passing fancy...

Welcome, Cheap
Yes, a decent sports bra to stop things moving is pretty essential!
With the hills, I'd say come up with a route, and aim to run out for the first half, and then turn round, but if the hill is really getting too much, you can always turn round, run down it, and then when the time is up, turn round again, and walk up the hill.
Hills are excellent for strength training tho, so it will make you pretty fit if you hill run it all.
Enjoy tomorrows run :)

Hello, can I join you?
I'm clearly a New Years cliché but I'm accepting that and moving on!

I'm 33 and in the 'I didn't think I could run' gang. But I've mentioned I wanted to try a few times, and yesterday a mate invited me (not thinking I'd say yes) and I went! And I ran! And then I walked a bit, but it felt gooood!

I was suprised that I could run at all.

I've now downloaded a C25K app and will officially do week 1 run 2 tomorrow. I've arranged to go with friends so can't back out!

And I did yoga tonight. I'm feeling very smug about it all! x

Sports bra wise, I would also say its essential- i am a 32h and it is impossible in a normal bra, it would make me more likely to give up. I have an enell corsety thing. It was expensive but it's had regular use for more than a decade and shows no signs of giving up. Put it this way- its the cost of a gym membership for a month. Invest, I'd say!!

Definitely don't stint on the bra - it is impossible to run without having your boobs lashed down if you are generous in the chest department, IME. I have a shock absorber level 4 (bought from Ebay, but amazon also sell them) and my large bosoms barely move.

I have now finished C25k. Last run this morning. I am so thrilled that I have done it and even enjoyed it. Now to keep it up. I was the world's most useful runner when I started and now I can run for 30m (although not 5k yet) without collapsing. If I can, anyone can, quite literally.

Keeeeeeeeeep on running

Useful - useless! Sorry.

Well done Montserrat!

I've just done week 1 run 2! I'm pretty impressed with myself. It felt fairly easy, but I can't imagine being able to run for 30 minutes solid. I'll be amazed if I manage it!

Ok, I've downloaded the app (again) and am now sitting in my dressing down working up the motivation to just dig out my running gear. I managed to get to 10k level a couple of years ago but let it lapse after a silly heart scare that was actually nothing. I am now blobbier than ever and so unfit that I need to get off my arse. I am forty this year.
I present my fat backside for a kick please.

Can I join please? I started on this date last year and did c25k in the 9 weeks, then moved up to 10k.

Then got pg with DC2 so stopped running. Am now sat waiting to be discharged after having DS yesterday and keen to start running again ASAP!

Lilli a gentle push to go root out your running gear. You know how good you'll feel when you get back.

finch Your keenness is admirable, but do you think waiting a week or two might be a good idea??

God yes, by ASAP I mean a couple of weeks' time! But thought I'd declare myself on here now so I am less likely to wuss out when the time comes

Must start on those pelvic floor exercises...

Hello, im about to start c25k today. I havent run since school so have zero fitness at all.

Any tips?

Well I got out and it was ok. The first step is always the hardest. I'm not sure how I will manage when back at work though.

I got to 5k and beyond too years ago, but gave up when my doc noticed I had almost zero iron and had coeliac disease.

Iron levels fine now, and it was great to be out running again today. For anyone doing it for the first time, the graduated steps really work. I was the kid at school who came last in every race and was practically phobic about running,and I got totally addicted.

My goal is to do the Bere Island park run in West Cork in a decent time this Easter.

Welcome all Newbies!

I think Lilli has done the hardest step - going out for that first run. Congrats.

Funchum I'm very relieved to hear that, now, squeeze-2-3-4, and you'll soon be back out. Sorry I mashed up your name previously.

Surly Trust the programme. It really is amazing. If you can't complete a run, slow down for the next one. Speed isn't everything, duration is. And don't worry what anyone is thinking - if they are out there running, they WILL be supporting you. And if their not running, well, your doing better than them, so who cares what they think?

Oh, and who wanted to know how things would work when they were back at work?

Last winter, I ran twice a week at lunchtime from work (we have showers, and flexi time), and then once at the weekend.

This winter, I'm trying to run once after work while DH feeds the kids, and one longer (8km ish) run at the weekend.

I'm in week 2 and did a park run today. We walked/ran it in 40 minutes and would defenitly recomend it even if you just walk.

People are really encouraging and nice :)

Ok, I have today invested in a monstrous sports bra as advised and now just need to persuade a semi-supportive dh to find and return my iPod headphones so that I can use the app.

And then I have no more excuses to not do this!

I am just going to have to run in the dark to keep it up once back to work. I leave for work at 8.15 and am usually back by 6 so it's a case of planning and being disciplined. I have been telling myself for the last year that I am too knackered to exercise so need to get out of that mindset.

Surly Trust the programme. It really is amazing. If you can't complete a run, slow down for the next one. Speed isn't everything, duration is. And don't worry what anyone is thinking - if they are out there running, they WILL be supporting you. And if their not running, well, your doing better than them, so who cares what they think?

Thanks addicted i went out and as you say couldnt finish the first run so walked most of it. Will take it easier on monday.

Can I join please? I've downloaded the bhs c25k app today and I am going to do my first run tomorrow. I'm not looking to lose weight, I just want to improve my fitness and hopefully stop feeling so tired all of the time. I'm a teacher and my job is stressful and draining. Duting term time, by 8pm I am usually asleep or falling asleep. I'm hoping this will give me a focus. I would be greatful for any tips.

Loki I am starting tomorrow too! I bought some running gear today to make myself commit to it but I kind of skimped a bit and think I'm going to be cold!

I have good running shoes but will be wearing my jogging bottoms and one of DH'S tshirts! Once I'm back at work I'm going to have to run in the dark so I might borrow a high vis vest from work. Anyone else run in the dark? I'm more nervous about the dark than the running!

High vis is another thing I hadn't considered. I'm only running around residential streets and it will be 6:30am on a Sunday so I'm hoping there won't be too many people about!