Couch to 5 K Its not about Speed (5!)

[addictedtosugar]

So, we seem to have filled up the 4th thread. Anyone want to join me here?

I didn't ever think about actually running a race at the start, rowingboat,

just wanted to get a bit fitter. I downloaded the C25k app at new year & took 6 months to get round to it . A friend signed me up for the Great Scottish Run so there was no getting out of it !
The race was great, lots of folk lining the streets and cheering us on - it was actually enjoyable .

rowing yes I was a bit like you, just to get fitter. And it worked.I can get up hills, stairs etc and not be out of breath. I'm not ambitious (just look at my non-career) so I'm happy to just plod along. When then weather is nice its great to be out, like last Sunday. But unlike many others, I'm not at all addicted and need to make myself do it, I could stop any day.
I started the summer of 2011, and then just stuck with my 5k, on some days when I had the time I took it as far as 7k, this was after several months though. But then the second winter I struggled with a back problem so intermitted Nov to Feb. The next year I did the same, no injury though. Last winter I stopped for about 6months so had to start from scratch. I should add that I also gained weight, maybe 4kg in the first few years and another 6 in the last 18months so my grandiose 2stone loss in the summer of 2010 has all but disappeared. My body shape is still a bit trimmer though. And I'd like to lose it again of course, but after 4 years of fighting I could no longer stand it. The running has not affected it, does not really seem to make me hungrier.

To my annoyance, I seem to be having knee problems. I worried this would happen, being old and enormously fat, but having got away with it so far I thought I might be ok.

I'd been tackling 5k chunks via my app (for those worrying about their speed, my fastest 5k - including walking at each end and a little bit near the end - is 56 minutes!), and was feeling pretty pleased I'd managed to run further than usual, albeit just as slowly. Then I had a few twinges in my knee whilst running. Then a stabbing pain like my kneecap was in the wrong place whilst walking later, but it went off. When I tried running again another day, the pain kept kicking in after a while and wasn't the sort you could run through. So I've given myself the week off and will have another go at running on Sunday.

Do you think I'm doomed? I know I need to lose a lot of weight to take the pressure off my joints, but this is only happening very slowly. I'll be so fed up if I have to stop, but I don't want to end up damaging myself either given my struggle to feel better mentally and physically.

It's hard to say, not being a medical professional (and I definitely do think you should see one of those if you keep having trouble, as knee injuries can be bad!) However, there is some hope - I really hurt the ligament down the side of my knee on one short run ages ago, because it turned out I wasn't placing my feet entirely straight. I'd been totally fine before then, so not sure where the bad habit came from, but once I'd recognised it, I could fix it. Once the pain had gone from my knee (1-2 weeks, sadly), and I was back to running, sorting out the position of my feet fixed everything immediately. So it's worth having a little look at your form - even when you think you're running exactly the same, you can make odd little adjustments by accident which don't correct themselves.

Hi everyone, please may I join you? I have just come back from my second run - week 1. Can't really call it a run yet, more a waddle. Quite proud I went though. Second one has definitely felt harder with my legs being more jelly like.

I need to lose some weight so hopefully this will contribute.

Hi everyone - I posted ages ago saying on was on week 1 I think... Well I'm now on week 7 of the nhs app so here on in its 25 min solid blocks of running until until the end of week 9 eek. First run of this kind is today

Can I join in? I'm really overweight but I have changed my diet rdcenyly and lost nearly a stone in 6 weeks. I did my first "run" tonight. I'm doing the fat girl's guide to running programme so I did 10 minutes out and ten back. I covered 1.6k walking between one lamp post and running to the next one. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be!

Can I join in?! I downloaded the nhs app and did w1r1 last night. I feel great for having done it and am looking forward to progressing!

So I never did my third run. Did one and two on Saturday and Monday and then never got back up early enough.

So I need to do run 3 week 1 now and it will have been spread over 9 days. Will try and be better next week

So glad I've found this thread. I've just completed w5 r2 and dreading my next run. I know it's been discussed on here previously but I can't get my head around how I'm meant to go from 8 min to 20 min
A gentle increase would have been better for me.

Still, I would love to be able to complete this programme. If I do it then DH will do it so I'm determined to show him it can be done.

Hi All, this will be my third attempt at C25K. I always seem to hit a plateau and give up. Determined this time and have signed up for a 5k to spur me on.
I'm doing the NHS one? Is that a good one?

I'm doing the NHS one too and I think it's great. I like the sound of Laura's voice.

What stage do you find it gets difficult for you?

Week 6. I just feel like I'm going to be sick. I use an inhaler and that puts me off. Maybe I'm scared. Maybe I should repeat week 5?
Anyway the last time I did it was in the summer so I'm going for a newbie start again, and hopefully get support here too.
I like Laura's voice too. I think I will stick with what I know. But would be interested to hear about other plans.

Looks like we're at the same stage. I think repeating w5 sounds like a good idea but hopefully someone with more experience will come along and help.

w5 r3 is supposed to be on Friday but there's no way I'm going to attempt a 20 min run on NY day. I did a run on Christmas Day (never in a million years did I think THAT would ever happen!) but DH and the DC came for moral support and a play in the park so it was quite lovely.

Blimey, I did it! I ran for 20 mins straight. Ok maybe run is an exaggeration, it was more of a light jog but I finished it. I didn't feel sick but my legs felt like lead once it was over.

How is everyone else doing?

Well done dead witch.
I did my first week 1 yesterday it was OK actually. So today (without a rest day I know but I felt fine) ds and u went for a parkrun. I walked ran the course so feeling pretty good about myself
. Will get through the c25k though. I downloaded 2 pod casts one the NHS and one by a guy called Rob Lange. I prefer the 2nd as he does periods of 2 mins jog and 3 mins walk. Rather than the 6pm secs run 90 walk of NHS. So I think kan I will stick with Robs one rather than the NHS. That one is a 8 week programme.

Just done run 1 week 1. Can't believe I actually ran - I'm 50, I can't run. I was ok, had to run on the beach as I took the dog at the same time - he had no idea what was going on as I was running/walking up and down - his face was all wtaf is she doing

Hi all. Just found this thread and looking for guidance. I got to w6r3 at beginning of Dec, since then had cough (killed me for 10days), tried to restart run at point i left off and wound up with a damaged heel, and am now recovering from a bad back (believe it or not the calamity bit of the name is longer standing). Where do you think would be good to start back? Am thinking week 3? Any help/advice gratefully received

This is my 4th attempt at c25k, have started on week 2 today. I actually did it, my goal is to get fit and be able to do the local parkrun in the spring.
I think getting back into it gently is the best idea calamity, working back up to that 20 minute run.

Thanks Butterfly, yes i think you are right about the gently approach. It is just frustrating. Good luck with the rest of week 2.

Good luck with the all the runs everyone!

awks running on the beach is hard, lots of resistance.

calamity you have been through the wars. I agree with butterfly, I would start again at week 3/4 and work up to the 20 min run.

I'm about to go out for w7r1

Hello, may I join you? I've just done the very first run of c25k and can't believe I did that. I can't even run up the stairs but I am desperate to get fit. I'm still buzzing. I ran!

Hi, can I come in?
I've completed my first run of c25k this morning. I'm a bit disappointed with myself & how hard I did find it. I'm even more unfit than I thought. Onwards and upwards though.
Question for the more experienced runners; I don't really want to run on a Wednesday, largely due to other commitments. Do you think it would be OK to do maybe Monday. Tuesday and Thursday instead? TIA.

UpwithPup I did the first one too today, also very unfit. And it was muddy so I'm running on concrete next time.

Me too please, w1r2 so and several exercise classes later - please let the fat melt off.

Does anyone use podiatric (Vassili) insoles on their normal shoes? And if so what do you do with trainers? I've used my lightweight hiking boots so far, and I realise I need proper running trainers - but what to do about the insoles?