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

I would like to try running to work but no showers at work :/ I don't get overall sweaty but it's just that kind of ick feeling. I have been going out before work at about 6am, getting in for half 6, stretching/lying around/basking in glory till about 7, and then shower /tidy/breakfast until I leave at about 7:45

Done 5k this morning in 30min!!!!!!
got to work at 9:10. (my work is flexible with hours so not a problem, but i might have to streamline my morning next time....)

Wow - well done everyone - I am very impressed with the 20 minutes - can't believe I will be attempting it next week.

I have just done my 2nd week 4 run and I know what you mean about beginning to feel like a runner - especially on the downhill sections!

I met a neighbour today who I don't see very often and it was great to have a little chat - running got me out there- but I also didn't want to stop the program - I'm too much if a perfectionist with these sort of things.

Great to find this thread, I downloaded the app this week and gave just completed day 2. Reading all these success stories is inspirational. I have gained far too much weight and am seriously unfit which is affected so many aspects of my life. Starting a new me this week! I want to be a C25K graduate too!

Starting week 8 this evening with my local running club. It will include a 28 minute run and I am gearing up for a Parkrun this weekend. Only a few weeks back I was struggling to run for a minute! To those of you just starting out, go for it - if I can do it (overweight and in my fifties, never run before) then you can too... good luck!

Checking back in to see how everyone is doing.

Sounds like everyone is progressing.
Well done to those in week 8!
And congratulations to the new ones.

Got week 4 day 2 done tonight.

Still very slow but plodded along in the evening sunshine.

Am lucky to live in beautiful countryside with tiny paved lanes dotted around with no traffic on so can jog along ungracefully quite happily.

As I plod I head the words of all the Super Graduates in my head. "I could not run 30 seconds... Am now doing half marathons" etc. You are my inspiration.

Just saw the OP and want to say well done to all C25kers - I can get a bit evangelical about it, such an effective approach.

From being a running novice and nearly crying during week 1, after 12 weeks I did my first 5k (all running), shortly after a 10k then one year from the start of it all, a half marathon. Still can't believe it really. So it can be done!

Yeah I did W4 Day2 this morning, I think I started off a bit too fast and then struggled so next run I will really work on my pace.

Still, looking at my stats, my average speed is getting better with each run :)

The app I used (ZenLabs) had this assumption that by the end I would be able to run 5K in 30 minutes.

I've run 10K half a dozen times now and my record for a 5K is about 34 minutes.

Around Week 7 I recognised that the app was being unrealistic as far as I was concerned and started focusing on distances instead of times, which worked better for me.

I use zenlabs. It works well with spotify, to fade out the music to give you verbal prompts.

After my first 5k, i have worked on slowly increasing the pace.

I still think it is a really good app. yes the times are based on 6 minute km, but it does help you build up, and feel the improvements each week.

still haven't started the bridge to 10k.

Oh yes, I liked the app very much - easy to use and the buildup was just about right for me. I liked their 5-10K app too.

I just wanted to make the point about speed and distance.

Hello
Running newb here, I downloaded couch to 5k this morning and I've just ordered some trainers.
Where do you put your phone whilst running?

ijust
I recommend getting one of the arm bands.
e.g. www.amazon.co.uk/Anker-Exercise-Sweat-Free-High-Quality-Headphone/dp/B00QUTBPHM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494490588&sr=8-2&keywords=running+phone&tag=mumsnetforum-21

in colder months, you can put it in a pocket, but it may "flap" and annoy you.

Thank you I have ordered that.

I can't run more than 5 paces but I can walk and cycle for miles so I hope this won't be too tough

Bit late but I use a thing called a flip belt. It's just a band made of the same sort of stuff as running tights you can get them with slots or zips and it has a clip to attach a key. Put it round your waist slip your stuff in and off you go. Doesn't slip down find it much more comfortable than an arm band.

Yes, I have a runners' bum bag too :)

Is there such a thing as a vest with a phone pocket? I think a belt would ride up with my generous girth and I think an arm think might annoy me.

I was just going to ask about arm bands!
End of week 3 for me my lungs and throat feel better now but on today's run my legs felt like dead weights really sore!! My mum reckons I should be doing stretches in the warm up to help with leg pain but I've heard stretches aren't good till the cool down? I tend to do brisk walk with some windmill arms and burn kicking / leg raising (attractive) to warm up - anyone do warm up stretches ??

The trainer at my gym told me not to do warm up stretches, Thirty. Brisk walk at the beginning as you said, then cool down stretches at the end.

I used the flip bag thing with magnets which goes over top of waist band of my leggings at the front. It works really well instead of bum bag which did used to move about. In winter I just put phone in jacket pocket. I couldn't get on at all with DH armband thing, I walked around the house with it to try it out and it didn't stay put

I do simple yoga warm up stretches which help me as I have a very stiff back but yes most of stretches are for post run.

I use a bum bag. Weirdly the most comfortable one is one from Primark for about £2!

The flip belt really doesn't move. I bought one as one of the running group leaders had one and it looked fab. It doesn't move at all and my huge phone fits in it. It is just like a tube of stretchy material that is hollow all the way round and it really does stay put. I sit mine more on my hips than waist and they do come in different sizes as well.

I'm supposed to be doing the 20 minute run tonight (week 5 day 3) but my bloody phone died halfway through the day 2 run so I'm repeating it tonight. I found the first 8 minutes was not as tough as I'd made it out to be in my head. It's the first time I've felt like a "runner". Still incredibly slow with a pace of 15 though. I'm hoping the less I weigh the faster I will get. I'm still 5 stone overweight after losing 2 so far.

I'm going to attempt the 20 minute (day 3) at parkrun tomorrow.

I also keep thinking off all you grads who couldn't run before but are doing 10k's and half a. It's incredibly motivating. I've joined DYRT on FB and that has really kept me going.

I have my first race in a month and I don't mind if I come last as just finishing the thing with very little walking will be a huge achievement for me.

funny you say that Bowie it was working though week 5 when I felt like a runner too. The 20 minutes was actually easier when I got going than the 8-5-8 of day two. I really struggled to want to do the second 8 minutes.
I did wk6 d2 this evening and it was a struggle but it was so hot here and it was pretty hard going in the heat.

I have just signed up for a 10k race in August and a half marathon in October - a bit premature on week 4 but something to aim for? Will definitely do some park runs once I can run for 30 minutes.