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Original poster

C25K really works

493 replies

athingthateveryoneneeds · 13/01/2018 17:03

I finished week 7 day 1 today, and surprised myself by running for 25 minutes without stopping. I could have gone longer, too!

I'm not fast.

I haven't gone further than 3.6 km.

But my endurance has increased so much, even when I'm only managing to get out 1-2 times a week.

So for those of you just starting, or feeling like you've got that wall in week 5, keep going. You can do it!

I'm looking forward to managing a full 5 km one day, and I know I can do it because I've improved so much already.

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TimeIhadaNameChange · 15/02/2018 10:54

Brassica - thanks! I've Excel-ed it (as I did C25K) so I can see what's coming up and I like the way the weeks progress. Have avoided the gym this week (had a cold and am having enough problems breathing as it is!) but will start on it next week. Can't wait!

Paper - that sounds fine. You're moving, which is the most important thing. And, if you're anything like me, you'll find your pace increases as the weeks go on anyway.

Paperdolly · 15/02/2018 16:01

Thanks for the encouragement Time... X

BrassicaBabe · 15/02/2018 16:35

Worse. Run. Ever yesterday.

Horizontal winds sucked the life out of me. I completed just over half of my planned run. Ended up with about a 15 min walk home!!!

squiggletea · 15/02/2018 22:52

Paper, that’s great. I agree with Time that the pace is irrelevant. Keep moving!

Brassica, the wind has been horrific this week hasn’t it? I love being in the elements but Tuesday’s run really tested me. Just think of all that extra oxygen - as it winds you!!

In terms of pace, any tips on controlling speed so you don’t go too fast? I might have enjoyed the elements more if I wasn’t worrying about burning myself out.

Keep going everyone. Spring is coming...

squiggletea · 17/02/2018 22:30

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/feb/17/fit-in-my-40s-running-zoe-williams

Zoe documented her first pregnancy at a similar time to mine too!

Only managed 27 minutes until the need to provide dinner dragged me home Confused

VeganCanBeFabulous · 18/02/2018 10:42

Feeling very proud of myself today. I got further in c25k than i’ve ever got before. Just did week 6 run 2. I only ran 4Km in the 33 minutes but that is a new personal best. I run inside on a treadmill at the moment because I find it easier on my knees, but I am feeling really positive about managing my first 25 minute run on Tuesday. I am not in any way a natural runner but have built up since the 1st week of January, not missed one yet. I have done a 47 hour week at work (i’m a nurse), am 3 stone over weight and still managed it. If I can do it, you can do it guys.

Paperdolly · 18/02/2018 12:09

Wow Vegan... that's brilliant. I do indoor treadmill too. I'm feeling a bit 'odd' this morning so may leave my run till a bit later. Keep going!

TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother · 18/02/2018 16:47

Did W4R1 today. Found the second five minutes really hard but I did it!

butterflybuns · 19/02/2018 08:02

I've doing c25k with a local running club who are so lovely. I'm set to do w6r2 tomorrow which I can't quite believe. This is the furthest I've got with this programme (tried and failed 3 times over the last few years). I feel much more positive about it although I am really slow. Set to do parkrun to celebrate graduating on St Patricks day.

TimeIhadaNameChange · 19/02/2018 11:12

Brassica, darling, you are one very lucky person! About an hour ago I was plotting your demise, by the slowest, most painful means possible! I did the first run of the 5K pacer this morning and goodness, was I dying during the faster runs! I wanted to stop completely after the second 2 minute burst (not helped by the fact I was convinced they were going to be one minute long, and almost collapsed when I had to keep going after the 60 seconds!). But I kept going, through sheer determination, and, you know what, when it came back to the slower run my pace, which was the same as it had been earlier, seemed so blinking slow, which suprised me as it came after a walk, so not like I was slowing down at all.

So you have a reprieve, but only for now!!!!!

In all seriousness, though, thank you! It's just what I needed for post C25K. I see what you meet about the narrator, though, tone of a sergeant major and warmth of a glaciar! Where's Laura when you need her?????

BrassicaBabe · 19/02/2018 13:31

Hahahahhahaha Time that's the best internet laugh I've had in an age!! I'm glad you "enjoyed" the app though! I did week 2 day 1 today. Really didn't want to go out. Not convinced I did the "slightly faster" bursts much faster than usual except for the first one. But I like the break from the monotony of a flat long run.

When I went out on Friday for run 3 I turned back to c25k jo Whiley. I missed the chit chat every 5 mins. I ran through the 5 min warm down to do 35 mins and managed 4.9k.

I'm definitely missing the structure, progress and motivational chats of C25k and other apps haven't quite filled the gap. So I'm finding it hard to get out there and keep going.

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 19/02/2018 13:49

I've been avoiding this thread Blush! My motivation has hidden somewhere, which is a pain because DD is finally better and school is back in session so I've no excuse. I need to go out tomorrow morning! I might have to go back to week 8 or something though. Someone kick me!

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Littlechocola · 19/02/2018 14:01

I lost my motivation too! I’ve got so many excuses but none are good enough.
I need to start again.

Paperdolly · 19/02/2018 20:08

Right! A kick up the arris for you two! Come on!!!

I did W2 R2 and found it a bit difficult and my muscles were cramping at the back of my lower legs. I nearly gave up but I ended walking it off at a brisk pace rather than running on the 2nd jog. I hope I did the right thing. 🙁

Littlechocola · 19/02/2018 21:21

Tomorrow Grin it was actually really foggy today.

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 19/02/2018 21:32

I'm going out tomorrow morning. :D

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Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 20/02/2018 11:06

Ok, ok, I did it. I did w1r2 and ran a teeny bit faster during the running minutes. My ego feels assuaged when the rabbit icon appears at the end, what can I say?

It was challenging - pushing the buggy and tying the dog around my waist - but I did it.

I'm going to make the effort to go again tomorrow; I last ran 10 days ago and I felt it.

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BrassicaBabe · 20/02/2018 18:04

By way of motivation maybe we can call out why we are putting ourselves through this?

For me...
I took up a new sport by "accident" that I love (rowing) and running/c25k is helping improve my fitness so that I can keep up with my counterparts
I'm doing low carb boot camp and I'm sure running is helping lose the last few lbs. Even though I always previously said that weight loss was only down to diet not exercise
My body shape is changing in a positive way. Check out my thighs please!
I quite like that I'm becoming known as a runner! Smile

I'm also going to try to stop with the negative internal voice that goes "I don't want to go running, I hate running" etc and try for a more positive tone!

Littlechocola · 20/02/2018 18:58

Week 2 day 2 today! The app stopped working though so had to guess! I really struggled but think it was not having the voice giving encouragement. Also the dog was an idiot.

I’m doing it simply because I need to do something. I walk a lot and dip in and out of yoga but that’s it. I’m getting older and need to practice what I preach.

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 20/02/2018 19:35

I want to be a runner. I want to be able to eat the miles, as it were, and feel good doing it. I also want to obtain a runner's physique, what can I say. Grin I also want to be a good example to my DC because we are quite a naturally sedentary family. DH especially.

DD vomited today so won't be back to school until Friday at the earliest. She has a water infection. This kid can't catch a break! This also means I won't be going running again this week, probably. I am working every evening and can't get out in the morning due to she's work schedule. I do have a double running buggy but pushing a 1 yo and a 4 yo is a bit farcical.

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BrassicaBabe · 20/02/2018 21:19

little my apps have done that a few times. It's very frustrating!

Not sure I can ever squeeze my physique to being that of a runner athing but certainly get the concept! Smile Poor DD. And poor you. I hope it passes quickly for her.

Littlechocola · 20/02/2018 21:59

athing hope she’s better soon

TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother · 21/02/2018 09:46

I'm doing it to get fit so that I don't spend my life getting out of breath climbing stairs again. Also about creating a better relationship with my body.

Original poster
athingthateveryoneneeds · 21/02/2018 09:50

ThanksBrassica and Little. 3 days of antibiotics ought to sort her out!

Ghost I need a better relationship with my body too. Good motivation. (The runners physique may be a pipe dream, to be fair...)

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TimeIhadaNameChange · 21/02/2018 11:37

athing - just think how good a workout pushing both of them would be! I think you should go for it!!!!!

Hope the antibiotics do their stuff and your DD is feeling much better very soon,

Brassica - am glad the thought of someone planning to kill you amuses you! (Actually, I am, I was slightly concerned you'd take it the wrong way!) This morning I got as far as planning a banana-skin slalom for your running route, but then the FR section started and plotting required more spare effort than I had! All in all, plotting revenge is a great way of getting me through!!!!!

Was going to give up part way through the 3 mins, but then Pretty Woman started so I couldn't. Actually made it to the end of the song before slowing, which added an extra 45 seconds to the faster run. And then ran through the cool down, so I did good. Am wondering about redoing Week 1 though, to see if I can get through the furst run without needing more time to get my breath back.

I'm really impressed about you doing this outside, though. I mean, on the treadmill I just plug in my speeds for the run, and run faster, and then don't have a choice. If I were doing it outside it would be SO much harder to up the pace. So hats off to you!

As for why I'm doing it is multi-stranded:

  1. like you I'm BCing and decided the weight loss needed a boost, especially since I carry fat around the middle and I really wanted to lose it. If I ever get a flat tummy you'll hear me shouting about it wherever you are in the world!
  2. "DP" (it's a complicated setup) likes his women thin and toned. We'd not had sex for 3.5 years and I was getting desperate. It's working!
  3. Due to problems with DP and work last year I got close to a breakdown, and was signed off work. C25K gave me something to fill some of my free time.