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 picked up a few bits in Decathlon if you've one near you and Sports Direct too. I currently run in a t-shirt, a fleecy zipped top (the most expensive item of clothing I've bought at £14.99), running leggings and a waterproof hoodie over the top. I found very early on that my hands get very, very cold (they do anyway so I shouldn't have been so surprised!) so I've been wearing gloves too and one of dh's hats.

PinkFondant I have also found that it seemed just as hard or harder each time in the first 3 weeks. However, I must be improving as I am coping with the increase each week. Just yesterday I struggled with 3 minutes on W3r3 but today I managed two x 5 minutes on W4r1 more easily somehow. Yes, keep the speed very slow, this really does make a difference. :-)

I've just completed w5r3 at last....I smashed the 20 mins and lived to tell the tale!
I'm beyond pleased right now

Well done Peas!

Thank you.....it took a lot of building up the courage to go for it.
For those who have it coming up, I found I settled into the run after about 10 mins and felt like I could run and run. The second 10 mins actually felt easier as it was on countdown to finish.
Once you've done 12 you know you've only got 8 left and you've done that in w5r2 twice
Week 6 here I come!

Well done everyone, it's so inspiring reading about your first steps into the wonderful world of running. I'm very late to this party but I just wanted to say that a fab way to check if you're running too fast is to do the Talk Test. Basically you need to be able to hold a normal conversation while running if you want to be running at a speed that's slow and steady and sustainable. Isn't that totally wonderful? I have NEVER officially been told it's OK to talk - it's usually the exact opposite. The Talk Test is a faff free way of monitoring your speed and ensuring you're not going too fast. Of course if you want to get faster, then you can use it to judge that too. For example, during a tempo run you should be able to speak in short phrases, and during an all-out speed session you should only be able to say one word at a time.

My DD has been sick, so haven't made it out last 2 days. She still has a fever and DH is working early tomorrow and I'm on a late shift so I think it will be Wednesday before I get to run again. A few days break makes it harder to contemplate getting out again.

I did it! 20 minutes. I slowed down and I did it. Thanks all for the tips!

Thanks for the talk test tip! It made a huge difference - I did the 2 five minute chunks yesterday and they were actually fine!

Well done peas and stellar, a massive hurdle completed. I did W6R1 today; seemed so much easier then previously having down the 20min one!

I am contemplating doing my first Park Run (5k) this weekend. I was planning on waiting until I finished the programme but I kinda feel I want to try now. Anyone else ever done one?

Waves I did one a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't do the 20 mins. Walked a bit as I was intimidated. Wasn't last, and I know I can top it. I joined a monthly car run from my village so it's quite a good one. And I now have aspirations.

Good to know stellar ; I think my main aim is not to be last! Although I've had a look at the times for other people on it; seems the one I'm going to join has lots of people who are quite fast!!

Hello all, it is inspiring to see all your progress! I did w2r2 on Sunday but it gave me sore ankles (running in old trainers I think). They don't feel as bad now and I was hoping to do run 3 today (in new trainers) but not sure. What would you do? Did you experience this at the beginning? I just want to get out!

I'm so glad I got over the fear and started to run, I feel so much better physically and mentally already I think it could be sort of life changing for me.

I managed w3r1 today! Very proud of myself for doing both 3 minute runs without stopping even tho on the second I felt like I was struggling.
Snake I'm not sure about your ankle pain but logically if your trainers were old and not supportive id think new ones would help. If your ankles don't hurt any more what's the harm in trying? You can always walk if they do hurt again I guess

Finally (5 days later) I made it out for w2r2! Plan is to finish week 2 on Saturday and start w3 Monday.

Well done to the three ladies who've completed their first 20 minute run.

I've just done week 5 run 2 with two 8 minute runs (although the first was around 10 minutes as my app paused!)

I see I have the 20 minute run up next. I'm quite surprised at the leap but shall let you know how I get on.

All those starting, keep going. The first week was the worst for me. I thought I'd vomit on the 60
Second runs and am quite amazed that I've just run for 8 minutes.

Still no weight loss though 😢

coolpatterngirl it's such a daunting run after 8 minutes but you settle into it after a while and it's an amazing feeling once you've done it and cracked it.

Everyone is getting on so well, it is such a good program to do.
I've joined a local running group (gulp), to try and improve my running outside, first one is monday but I might wait another week as I think my legs need a good rest.

I haven't attempted W6 yet, just been doing a few shorter runs to try and improve my stamina.

I'm so impressed with you 20 minuters! Just done w1r3, really enjoyed it and it seemed v easy (weird). Had a big gap of 6 days though.
My running partnerdog was very excited when she saw me putting my trainers on, so I can think she's enjoying it too! Does any one else run with a dog?
My aim is to join a running group and eventually be able to do 10 k runs, it seems a lot nag way off.
Does anyone else get really cold afterwards?

Well done everyone. I think you are all doing brilliantly.
I just did 25 minutes today and I had to stop after 20 minutes as my knee started to ache. I walked for a minute then did another 5 mins jogging.
I am gutted. It's sore. I'd ordered a strap as I felt it the other day, but just a slight twinge. Sitting now with an ice pack to see if that helps.

Stellar I've had a lot of knee trouble over the years as I had an injury from hiking as a teenager. I recommend seeing a physio if you can afford it at all for a session or two and getting some exercises to do at home. I do squats and lunges between runs or I end up with pain.

W6R2 done today. The last one with no short runs with walking in between! Was fine too. Feel fine about doing the next one...25 mins! Though I think the next run I'll do is a Park Run on Sat; we'll see how long I can run for before I stop!

I did it! 20 minutes of consecutive running. I think I'm still in shock 😀

Thank you for the encouragement, I'm looking forward to seeing what next week brings. I'm not going to peep ahead though as I spent a lot of yesterday worrying about today.

I suspect I'm running too slowly as only covering 4kms over the 30 minutes.

I can't wait to join the 20 min club! One day I hope!
W3r2 today and it was ok, felt the burn a bit on last run but not unbearable.
No joy in primark for the clothes so next try is sainsburys and matalan :-)

Well done coolpatterngirl!!

Thanks Rince. I will have a look into that. I don't want to give this up already!

You definitely don't want to stop now after all the hard work! I can't wait to be able to go 20mins either! I'm hoping the squats will help tone me up as well!