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Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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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Paperdolly · 21/02/2018 15:41

I'm diabetic T2 and am desperate to lower my numbers and get off these horrible, sh**## meds!

Dieting and exercise is the only answer for me.

Keep running, peeps. 👍🏻

BrassicaBabe · 22/02/2018 09:44

Put off running yesterday. Due to do Pacer W2R2. Which is 15 mins, 3 mins faster, 15 mins. Must get my arse into gear today Need to work on positive internal voices!

I've also been thinking about my neglected core. I have a Jillian Michaels Six Week Six Pack dvd still in the wrapper and thought about pulling that into my routine. But actually I'm sat here watching Greys Anatomy on catchup.

Love everyone's motivation for putting ourselves through this.

I don't have much choice other than run outside Time. My closest gym is about a 30 minute drive away. At least with just heading out of the door I'm done and dusted in a relatively short space of time. And you don't need to wish for a banana slalom because the roads are covered with mud! Smile

BrassicaBabe · 22/02/2018 09:46

Oh and time what are you listening to? My music is dire so I've been listening to podcasts. But I need the beat and motivation from some music I think. Just can't quite find the right stuff.

athingthateveryoneneeds · 22/02/2018 10:46

I recently bought a party hits album on Google play, and will cherry pick the best songs into a running playlist. I was lazy a few weeks ago and bought an album named running playlist or somesuch and it's all covers of good songs, sung really, really badly. It was not a good purchase.

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TimeIhadaNameChange · 22/02/2018 11:10

Brassica - I've just looked it up and your W2R2 is the same as W1R2, so I don't know why your internal voices are managing to give you a negative message considering you've ALREADY run this. If you've done it once, you can do it again! And, in my opinion, it must be easier than the W2R1 run you've also, already, done, so you can certainly crack this! (I think I'm planning on staying on W1 forever - the rest of it scares me!)

I've got the Shred. Somewhere. I suspect it's in the far section of the TV unit, which will require some serious furniture moving to get to. I tried it once, and failed, miserable. Though, given all the running I've been doing I suppose I'm fitter and thus should find it easier...? I might get it out at some point and try.

I'm lucky that there's a small gym at my work. I can understand you not wanting to add an hour's travel to your workout. You really are braver than me, I hate the thought at anyone seeing my pathetic attempts at 'running'! I'll try not to wish banana slaloms on you if you have mud to deal with ('trying' being the operative word, you understand!).

As for music, I downloaded The Very Best Running Tracks album from Amazon. I don't tend to have a great selection of music, and I figured that given its title, and the fact there are 105 tracks on it, it should keep me going for a while. Reading the reviews it's not the best if you're into your music (they're all covers, which I hadn't noticed!) but it suits me, and it was cheap. Some of the songs are a bit dire, but then something will start which I like and that will keep me going.

Which podcasts are you listening to? I was thinking about Woman's Hour, but, like you, suspect I really need a beat to keep me moving, rather than just talk.

TimeIhadaNameChange · 22/02/2018 11:11

athing - I suspect I've bought the one you've got. I've only listened to it since starting the 5K pacer and I think I'm so stressed about the run faster sections, even when I'm not doing them, that I don't really listen to the quality of the music!

Littlechocola · 22/02/2018 12:22

I use Spotify for music.

BrassicaBabe · 22/02/2018 14:01

Run done for today. My negative internal voices don't say" i can't do it" time, they say "I hate running", "why are you inflicting this pain on your self" Grin "

I managed 35 mins and 4.76k (plus warm up/down). The first two km being 6.51 and 6.57 min/km! (My last 4 runs were in the 7.10-7.30 range!) Then killed myself doing the 3 min faster run and only managed 2 mins with a 1 min walk. So maybe the 5K Pacer app is working!!

On the positive side though the sun is shining and it "smells" a bit like spring outside. I managed to run without needing my neck warmer and found myself considering how many layers of my current four I could manage without next time Grin

I was listening to Desert Island Discs. Not too bad but quite irritating that they don't include the actual music! i think I'll have a look for women's hour. I haven't really grasped Spotify Little Do you pay for it? I have a free version but I think that's only good via wifi? I run outside.

In other news though, not sure why I'm sharing, I'm at a real risk of redundancy here. Sometime in the next 2-6 months. I'm scared. I'm part time in a professonal role. There is no chance in hell I would be able to find another job that a)pays the same and b) is 3 days per week Sad

TimeIhadaNameChange · 22/02/2018 14:41

Well, then, Brassica, you just need to tell them that they might hate running but you dont, and if they don't shut up you'll run an extra minute as punishment!!!!!!

I'm so impressed by your pace, the fastest I've managed is 7.70! I'll catch you up eventually (after I've been reincarnated as a cheetah, probably!).

The question of what to wear is one of the many issues I have with running outside. I'd have to strip along the way, and hope nobody stole my clothing. I also worry about water: running websites say you shouldn't need any during a 5k, but I can easily drain my bottle on the treadmill. I really wouldn't want to carry a bottle with me. Am thinking about getting a backpack thingy, but that seems ridiculous for such a short distance. Will stick to the treadmill for now.

Most importantly, though, I'm really, really sorry to hear about the job situation. That sucks! You could become a PT and take people running with you.....? Sorry, couldn't resist! I really hope something turns up soon. Will keep my fingers crossed for you. x

Littlechocola · 22/02/2018 15:39

I use the free version and turn on my mobile data. It’s worth it as it distracts me! I run outside to.
Sorry to hear about your job! Any chance it can be saved?

athingthateveryoneneeds · 22/02/2018 21:26

Brassica that's rubbish. I'm sorry to hear it. If it's any consolation, I find running really helps me cope with stress in a positive way, so maybe it will do the same for you? All the best.

Thanks to you lot, I convinced myself to go for a run after work today (and to earn my chippy tea, haha). The poor dog needed some fresh air too since she hasn't been exercised nearly to her satisfaction since DD has been poorly. We managed 5.11 km at an astounding pace of 8:11 per km!! Wink And that's even with me shallolming along behind her when she got fed up of my plodding and tried to pull me off my feet!

But it was 5k. So that's good!

For anyone thinking they couldn't possibly manage 5k, take heart - I am 3 stone overweight, sliding into my late 30s and have several young children. I started in November, taking it very slow, but even after 10 days of nothing I didn't lose a huge amount of fitness. This is possible.

My birthday is in a few months (tends to dovetail quite profitably with mothering Sunday!) and I think I'm going to ask for a session in a professional running shoes shop. My cheapies are giving up the ghost - my feet feel a bit tingly right now from the jarring.

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swampytiggaa · 22/02/2018 21:56

Well done everyone! I did c25k about 3 years ago aged 45 on a treadmill. Once completed I ran intermittently. About 2 years ago I heard that parkrun was coming to my town. So I went. I had never run outside or run 5k until that morning 🙂

Since then I have run 67 parkruns and volunteered about 30 and am a run director at my local parkrun 🙂 I have joined a very casual running group 🙂 I have completed 5 official 10k races, 2 10 mile races and a half marathon 🙂

I have helped out with c25k groups and encouraged lots of new runners.

I have also made some amazing friends, got very drunk with them and eaten huge amounts of cake with them.

I still don’t run 5k in 30 minutes but I run and enjoy it. Running has transformed my life and my legs 😁

If my pe teacher could see me now she would die of shock 😂😂😂

athingthateveryoneneeds · 22/02/2018 22:05

swampy thanks for sharing your experiences! You've seriously given me a boost. :) I think I'll try to follow your footsteps.

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athingthateveryoneneeds · 22/02/2018 22:05

Badum tss

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Paperdolly · 23/02/2018 04:38

Swampy. Great inspiration.

I'm on and off with this cold/flu thing at the moment. Eyes and nose running more than my legs are. I'm a treadmill runner on W3R1. Should I still attempt it? Sponsored by a well known cold and flu company at the moment! 😂

Nakedavenger74 · 23/02/2018 05:16

Can anyone help? Ive tried C25k a few times and I love running. Problem is I get a dull ache down the front of my shins when I run. That's the only thing that stops me. It's agonising.

The ache starts around 20 seconds in and gets worse and worse until I stop and the pain goes away.

I've tried different trainers, different surfaces, treadmills but every time is the same. I've tried toe tap exercises before I run and that helps a little but in the sense of I can run a minute before it kicks in rather than 30 seconds.

I don't think it's shin splints as the pain feels muscular, dull and goes away as soon as I stop.

Is this something others have had? Do I just 'run through it' and this is beginners pains?

I'm about 4 stone overweight but have been lighter and had it then.

It's sooo frustrating. I have cardiovascular strength and stamina but it's these bloody shins!!!

swampytiggaa · 23/02/2018 08:29

Glad I have helped 😁 I forgot that I did a 10k commando run too (tough mudder lite 😂😂😂) which was the best fun ever with a group of my running buddies. Laughed screamed and swore far more than I should have 😁

I like to think I am inspiring my kids too x number one did c25k last summer 🙂 others aren’t interested at the moment but see me go out and achieve stuff and I think they are proud of me 🙂

Btw my reasons for exercise - dad and brother and 2 cousins died young with cancer as well as older relatives also dying from cancer. I know that exercise won’t stop that but I want to be in good health in case I have to have treatment. Plus my legs are amazing 😉

TimeIhadaNameChange · 23/02/2018 10:54

Nakedavenger74 - I'd speak to your GP about it, but also I'd find your nearest sports shop that does gait analysis and see what they say. It may be that they can recommend different trainers which would help.

TheGhostOfBarryFairbrother · 23/02/2018 18:42

Finished W4! Going to repeat it as I'm going away for ten days...

athingthateveryoneneeds · 24/02/2018 15:11

Today's run:

6.33 km
7:49 km/hr

I'm shocked at that speed, tbh.

Is it time to start aiming for 10k??!

I think I need to find a 5k race first. Where do I look? Is there a main website with races listed?

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athingthateveryoneneeds · 24/02/2018 15:14

Naked I think new trainers are a good idea as well as a gp visit. Can't hurt!

Ghost I had 10 days off recently and my fitness level didn't decrease by much. I was relieved. Hopefully it's much the same for you.

I've been using Runkeeper, which I quite.like because it checks in every five minutes and gives an up to date speed progress. It motivated me today for sure - I didn't want to drop to 8mins/km.

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athingthateveryoneneeds · 24/02/2018 16:07

Good gracious I'm an idiot. I completely misunderstood my timings.

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Paperdolly · 25/02/2018 09:16

Athing.... I'm not understanding? What's occurred?

Paperdolly · 25/02/2018 13:58

I can't believe it!!! I 'ran' for three minutes without stopping today!!!! WK3R1. 🏃🏼‍♀️

athingthateveryoneneeds · 25/02/2018 15:02

I have confused 8min/km with 8km/min. I think this confusion has only been in my head, and I haven't typed it out here?

I really don't know what I'm talking about.

Congratulations Paper!!! Such a good feeling isn't it!

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