C25K newbies support thread

[UnconsciousCoupling]

Hi

Has anyone recently started or just about to start? Would be great to have somewhere to check in and cheer each other on.

I've started very slowly and am about to embark on week 3. I'm spending 2 weeks on each week if that makes sense!

Look forward to anyone else joining in.

Wow, 8k is amazing, I can't imagine even getting to 5k at the min! I'm only running twice a week though as I don't fancy going out in the dark so maybe that's why I'm not moving on as fast as I should be.

I'm thinking I took things too fast now, going to move back a few weeks. There's no should, though - you don't have a time limit! You're doing great.

That's great Scarlett running for 30mins.
Empress I'm dreaming of getting upto 8-10K by spring
Today felt gd went out early did 4km in 30mins walked about 1k of that as I'm still recovering after virus but lovely to have energy back, I had PB on my km and mile splits but I was on a flat run and normally I run round our hse which is more undulating I find the build upto full moon always gives me energy but boy do my neck muscles hurt!? I've had to take ibuprofen to ease them. I tried hard to run relaxed arms with lose hands but still my shoulders and neck sore? Does anyone else suffer with these?

I'm wondering if my V.large boobs could be a factor?! Even though strapped up tight

Well done everyone! Empress, 8km is fantastic, and Scarlett running for 30 mins is such an achievement. I've just done W5R1 and managed it ok (a really hot morning here which was a first), but I was hanging out at the end of every 5 min run for a rest. The thought of being able to run for 30 mins non stop is still quite beyond me.

I've just bought the kids Fitbits for Christmas (if the post can get them here on time). I'm sort of hoping at least one of them gets bored of it fairly quickly so I can use it. .

Biking could you go and see a Sports Physio re the shoulder and neck pain? They may be able to give some tips?? I don't have similar issues but then I don't have huge norks either sadly

Well done everyone! I can't imagine being able to run 8km right now, or to run for 30 mins. But I know I will soon enough if I keep it up

Today I did w6/r1 (2 10-min runs with a 5-min walk in between). I almost didn't do it because it was raining so I had to do it in the gym, and I didn't have any headphones - when I run outside I don't listen to anything, but I can't stand the boredom of the treadmill without a podcast or an audiobook. Anyway, I forced myself and I'm glad I did, not least because it was interesting to see that my desire to give up was the result of boredom, and not because I couldn't do it physically. It was also really encouraging to see that the speed at which I can run comfortably has increased since I last ran on the treadmill. Though i was a bit discouraged to realise that I'm still a good way off being able to run 5km. But I've done it before, so I know I'll get there.

Keep going justfor any run is better than sitting on the couch - that's what I tell myself - well done, the treadmill must be hard going mentally.
I had wanted to go out and run tonight but alas the school Xmas concert over ran so I missed my opportunity but will squeeze one in tom.

Hello, I hope it's not too late for me to join! I started this programme recently and today did my first workout of week 3. Pleased with myself so far as have managed all the workouts to date, and don't feel out of my depth yet!

Not too late at all, waiting, welcome!

That's great waiting it's such a good feeling achieving something
I just did 4K with only 45sec walk at the 15min mark as just could feel me getting dizzy needing more air. Feeling really gd now as I hadn't realised I got a PB on all my segments on strava gosh I love strava it motivates me I'd not had any breakfast so was really finding it hard work and had to push the last half km but was worth it. I'm hoping I can now get back to 4.5k in 30mins at the weekend and put this nasty virus behind me. One new thing I did was really concentrate on my arms after last time I watched couple you tube videos on arm technique and realised mine naturally cross my body and they shouldn't when running, so it felt hard to start with but got easier and speeded me up, as I carried on. I've read if you can start at the top getting technic right the rest of body is easier- so fingers crossed it's helps my sore shoulders & hip!

How's everyone else doing?

Haven't been out for 2 weeks :( and with Christmas coming up, doubt I'll be out much then either as I'm away for a lot of it. I tried a couple of times, but my shins still hurt a lot after I go out, so it seems that about once every fortnight is what I can do! I'll have lost to much fitness now.. MIght try to get out on the weekend though. So hard once you've got out of the routine.

welcome to the new people and congrats to those who are doing all these long runs!!

Hello Crotchet!

Yes, I've had to push myself back into it. Dropping right back seems to have helped.

I've got a question for treadmill runners. When it's time to start walking / start running do you just change the speed?

Empress yes, I just change abruptly. It only takes a couple of (v inelegant!) steps to fall in with it.

Thanks Just!

I can live with inelegant

W5R2 finished! I'm so bloody chuffed I managed to run both the 8min runs. Only last week 5 mins nearly finished me off. I feel AMAZING!

Welcome waiting it sounds like you're doing really well.

I'm interested to hear about running technique tips Biking, I'll try to keep my arms pointing forwards - think I need to do some YouTube research.

I was in a sports shop today shopping for kids xmas presents and all I was interested was the women's running stuff. Am getting addicted

That's brill arch well done its such a buzz isn't it I'd run everyday for that feeling but alas my body SO wouldn't cope with it the arms thing really helped even if I did keep picturing Micheal Johnson and saying to myself "run forest run"(gump style) in my head it felt awkward to start with but got easier swinging the arms and felt faster which was reflected in my times. Then when it got harder I started saying in me head "This girl can" yes I can! to keep me going - luckily no one can read my mind bubbles when I'm running I'd look like a comic strip!

Hello everyone! I'm totally new. Haven't officially exercised for years and am about 5 stone overweight. Is there anything you experienced peeps recommend I should get to start off as a runner novice?

micky I laughed (nicely) at the experienced comment I only started walk/run 12wks ago. Most important thing is trainers and sports bra. My trainers were £35 from new balance sale. I got cheap running leggings from sports direct.
Download the Couch25k app and play your own music or podcast at same time and the C25k app cuts in to say what to do. Go give it a try.

The first session may be tough but you'll feel so proud once you've completed it. And there's no rule at all that says how fast you have to progress, lots of us repeat weeks.

Once you know you're going to stick with it - maybe around week 5 or 6 - it's worth going to a specialist running shop where they'll film you on a treadmill & recommend particular types of trainers, but no need to worry about that for a while. Like Biking said, all you really need at the start is trainers & a sports bra - and somewhere to put your phone! I run in cheap stuff from Sports Direct too, they often have offers on.

Great thank you both! Seems it's the right time of year. Sports direct will get a visit from Santa and come Christmas I'll have my beginners kit. Dug out my treadmill so I can at least get a bit of pre running practice done. I'm trying to get over the self conscious part at the mo. I look like Phoebe from friends when I run lol.

I look like Phoebe from friends when I run lol.

Running technique? You want Biking for that.

The only other stuff you might need is something hi-viz if you're running in the dark.

Arch - there's a new running shop opened opposite my work & I was in there thinking "Yes! I want that, and that, and that..."

I like running at night as I feel self conscious with big boobs and size16, but my neighborhood is "safe" at 5-7pm when dark, or earlish like 8am wend morn no one except dog walkers around - as I feel more confident i now care less what people think seeing "big" lady running just love the buzz afterwards. Go for it!

I just did it, ran for 30mins non-stop!! Whoopeee! First time in 5wks. Feeling super proud of myself did 4.5kms despite we starting I felt like a slug as eaten mostly carbs all day at work. I Can have the wend off now

Biking, YAYYY!!!! Congrats!

Biking well done you that's amazing, I want to be you in a few weeks !