Couch to 5k - any graduates

[Zohz123]

I did the first run today, it was quite tough just looking for some reassurance and encouragement really. I have a tendency of not sticking to things/making excuses and would love to see myself get fitter over time.. motivation/tips/stories needed!

Thanks x

Lobster and Possum, to both of you!

5 weeks to go until my 10K, I'll get through that first...

Thanks to all the graduates for sharing your stories are inspiring especially the ones who struggled with week one and are now marathon runners!!!

I managed day 1 week 3 at the weekend with a cold. Had thought about going back and doing day 3 week 2 again but my very sporty and fit 17 year old DS came with me and pushed me to try. So glad I did.

I can only manage 2 runs a week (time constraints) but can already feel a difference.

The first 2 weeks I had pains in one knee for 2 days afterwards - that made climbing stairs hard. This week no pain .

I think the success if the programme is the fact that each run is achievable and you finish thinking I could have done more. Whoever designed it really understood the psychological dimension.

I did couch four years ago and it has totally changed my life. I've now run several marathons, a50 km ultra marathon and now I'm training for a 24 hour Non stop race where you have 24 hours to run as far as you can.
I really, really struggled with couch at the beginning and would only go out after dark so that nobody could see me plodding along and gasping. Now I help other ladies to get off the couch and get going - love running beside someone when they do their first race! I'm still not fast, I'm more into going further than going faster. Going fast is just too hard!
Nothing wrong with repeating a week of the plan if you're finding it tough, just don't jump ahead or do extra days. The only times I've been injured were when I got too confident and didn't follow the plan!
After couch I found Jeff Galloway's plans were fantastic, much more gentle on my body.

Hi all I'm a newbie to the programme but just wanted to ask did you all get proper running trainers At the start? I know dh will take the mick if I buy expensive trainers one week into it but think quite important or did you wait till you knew you were going to keep going with the running 🏃?? Any recommendations for trainers ?

Hi Thirty

I started in a pair of new but cheap Nikes and looked at getting proper trainers around Week 6, when I went to a specialist running shop. They watched me running on their treadmill and advised me on the best trainers to get. The brands they recommended were Brooks, Saucony and Asics.

I also picked up non-blister socks at that point (Hilly twin skins) which have been a godsend!

If I get a stitch, I find gently reducing the pace and consciously breathing in 1, 2 and out "relax" helps- inspired by hypnobirthing techniques!

You get them less as your body gets used to it.

If only I'd known that when doing the 1500m at school!

graduated on monday . (started end sep!)

it has taken me a while as i struggle to run 3 days a week.

I want to continue, but i will struggle to do long runs after work. I hope i can do 5k in the week and a long run at the weekend?

Hey, Hep! Congratulations!

I'd say do whatever works for you.

Did week 2 run 3 today. Really love getting out in the mornings and going for it!! Started stretching before and after too so I hope I can prevent injuries!

Hello Zohz you are just one run behind me. I looked at my app and felt daunted by trying week 3 day 1 as it looked much harder than week 2 day 3 but in fact it was fine 😃

I can only manage 2 a week so will do week 3 day 2 tomorrow. I am starting to crave the post run buzz.

who would have thought it

Good luck with week 3

Yes, I'm really enjoying running! It's such a great start to the day before work! I really hope I can keep it up! I'm also using Strava just to track my routes and my speed etc and it's always a boost knowing how many calories I've burnt. I've told myself that if I finish week 3 then il go and buy myself some actual running bits like more sports bras and possibly something like a Fitbit seeing as I do Zumba too so seeing the numbers is good. It's abit of a faff to have to bring my phone with me as it just bounces in my pocket. Went without a water bottle today as that's a bit cumbersome to hold, and i was fine without water. As I said, looks like il have to take a break for Ramadhan as il be fasting, but I'd love to give it a go!!

Congratulations everyone! What great running! Have you found out about parkrun yet? You could be going to a parkrun now and just doing your c25k workout there. Awesome for motivation and for meeting other runners. It's free and very welcoming. You are definitely. " good enough" to do it now. You don't need to run it all.

I've just started - in my 50s! I can't manage 60 secs though and reading thread see others started and found it similarly hard so I'm sticking with it - and being inspired by you guys. I have to do the 60 in 3 bits, I'm more like bed to 5k! I suspect I will be on week one for a while (!)

Finished wk1 I find the first half of running and walki g really tough but the second half I'm wanting to run for longer hoping that wk 2 won't be too tough. Also need to decide whether to buy the app I'm on the fitness 2 one where you can play your own songs which I really like but could just use a watch and iTunes I guess

I'm a long ago graduate! Started in January 2012, finished in march and kept running 30mins 3x a week. I ran my first 5k in June in 37mins and by the August I'd lost 5.5st and joined a running club. Most of friends are now runners, I also run canicross and apparently get very grumpy if I can't get out to run! I'll never be super speedy but I've worked on my pace and I now love running. It's a great program just remember not to do the running parts too fast or it will put you off forever.

And yes to parkrun, everyone is welcome whether walking or running or a bit of both. We have a very friendly parkrun thread so feel free to come and ask some questions or share your first time parkrun experiences

Love reading all the success stories

Thirty, I used the ZenLabs free app and had iTunes on in the background.

Going to start Week 3 hopefully on Monday, just got back from w2d3! My app kept switching off in my pocket meaning I did a lot of extra walking but more calories burned I guess! Does anybody use a Fitbit?

I've got one somewhere, Zohz, but I lost the charger & haven't got round to replacing it.

Good luck with Week 3!

Starting wk 2 now after 2 rest days- anyone else feel really nervous before a walk/run ? Probably adrenaline gearing up for it but get proper butterflies before starting!

I was the overweight kid at school, who HATED exercise and much preferred to be buried in a book.

Four years ago, new to a foreign country and with PND (plus associated newborn) I did the C25K.

Since then have done two half marathons, 10 and 5ks and love running. At 40, I have never been so fit. It has also really helped my mental health and deal with an eating disorder.

I know everyone says this but, honestly, if I can do it, anyone can.

Actually, also go me. Written down, I'm quite impressed with myself.

Thirty - I always get nervous when I look at what the app has in store
For me!

I completed week 3 yesterday and before running was not convinced I could do a 3 minute run for the first time! Somehow I did it

Am finding the breathing is not much of an issue now just my creaky old legs which hold me back! Am hoping that as I lose weight that will get easier.

Good luck to everyone running this weekend.

I just did the first of week 3. Gosh 3 minutes has never seemed so long, but I did it all without stopping so hoping it gets easier as the week goes by!

If you can run 3 minutes you're over halfway to being able to run 5 minutes...

I still get nervous. I've just got used to it and it wears off reasonably soon once I'm actually running.