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Original poster

Couch to 5k - any advice

60 replies

Nicpem1982 · 01/01/2019 11:47

Hi,

Im terribly unfit and overweight and am now mentally in a place where i feel able to combat this

In order to help my motivation ive signed up to the couch to 5k 12 week programme run by the local authority.

Has anyone got any advice on what i can do pre cpurse?

The programme starts in 2 weeks im quite excited and hope to come out of it with a better level of fitness.

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 01/01/2019 21:22

Download the nhs c25k podcasts and start this week with week 1..before you start the group ....so you can always be one step ahead and you will know you can do the first week etc . Also the group will ask you to do your own sessions in between (unless it meets 3x a week) so the nhs podcasts are a good way to do the homework sessions.

BucketLid · 01/01/2019 21:25

Buy some knee supports.

squiggletea · 01/01/2019 22:10

Well done for joining a group. In my experience, everyone I’ve met through running-even non-runners I’ve met on my way- has been friendly and supportive.

It took me from July to December to cover the 9 weeks, mainly due to work taking over. This year running has taken a higher priority and I do my best not to let work get in the way!

Good luck!!

swimmingdory · 02/01/2019 08:27

I've just started this morning. I am terribly unfit and currently very red. I love the concept of running, never really been able to do it (overweight and big boobs) but am hoping to crack it this year.

Hardest thing I find at the moment is breathing.... any tips?

TheEndofIt · 02/01/2019 08:53

I did it 18 months ago & am still going strong!

Again, start slowly - timing is more important than distance - you will speed up in time.

Agree about a decent sports bra (I wear a Freya Epic) and trainers - I buy from sports shoes.com - usually the previous seasons at half the price.

And I wear proper wicking/breathable leggings/top - I find M&S's stuff is really good - and Trespass.

Good luck!

swimmingdory · 04/01/2019 09:04

How are you getting on? I've just done w1r2 and swear I could cook on my face it's that red and hot!!

Original poster
Nicpem1982 · 04/01/2019 09:12

It doesn't start until wc 14th

Ive been doing some walking in the mean time may try and have a go at jogging on Monday once dd is in school and the park is empty Grin

OP posts:
squiggletea · 04/01/2019 09:22

I started by going out for walks (otherwise I wasn’t getting my 10k steps). Then I could have my trainers on walking. If I noticed there was no one looking, I could do a little jog...

Even if you’re not that brave or are in busier places, getting used to walking is a fab first step. You’re beginning to build up muscle and stamina and finding space to get out during your week .

We can’t wait to hear how you get on!

Original poster
Nicpem1982 · 04/01/2019 09:33

Thank you for being so supportive everyone Smile

OP posts:
swimmingdory · 04/01/2019 09:34

Well done for getting out and walking... would have been so easy to have shelved it till 14th so be proud of yourself.

I'm doing it on a treadmill at home as can't get out due to kids. Always loved the idea of running but never got into it, hoping to catch the bug and work my way through the breathing this year.

I notice at the moment the 1min run isn't too hard on my legs, it's the breathing that's hardest. Sure it will come with time.

shash1982 · 04/01/2019 10:00

I found with running the trick is not to think about your breathing too much.
It seems to get easier after the first 2-3 minutes, almost like you lungs and legs find a rhythm.

shash1982 · 04/01/2019 10:00

And well done for starting, you should be proud of yourself.

swimmingdory · 04/01/2019 11:59

I do hope so, I'm hopeful I can do it this time!

Wellshit · 04/01/2019 12:12

I've just done run 2. The amount of sweat I produce is ridiculous. But, I feel more energized if that makes sense? I do yoga as well which gives the muscles a good stretch after. To keep me going I bought some leggings and trainers that I love so I can feel good as I do it. Well done to everyone who's doing it and still going!

Hezz · 08/01/2019 22:25

I started this today, I am doing it on a treadmill at the gym. I hope that's ok?

vjg13 · 09/01/2019 19:45

I'm doing it on a treadmill too.

swampytiggaa · 09/01/2019 20:34

I did it on a treadmill 🙂 first time I ran outside was at the first local parkrun which was also the first time I ran 5k. Since then (not quite 3 years ago) I have done 97 parkruns 2 10 mile races a half marathon and numerous 10k’s. I am a member of a very friendly running club and am now one of the run directors at my local parkrun.

I have made so many amazing friends through running and it all started with 60 second runs on the treadmill 💕

vjg13 · 09/01/2019 20:54

I love hearing these kind of really inspiring stories, thanks Swampy

swampytiggaa · 10/01/2019 08:09

Pleasure 😁 btw I’m 49 now so wasn’t a spring chicken when I started... i always hated running at school!

Hezz · 10/01/2019 17:17

Day two done today, felt a bit harder than the first time.

swampytiggaa · 10/01/2019 18:29

Stick with it Hezz 💕 the plan will get you there 🙂

Little bit of advice x don’t worry about being able to run 5k in 30 minutes by the end... but if you can run for 30 minutes you will be able to run for long enough to cover 5k.

I have run 5k in 30 minutes once. However I have run a half marathon 😉

Hezz · 11/01/2019 00:13

Thanks Swampy. My legs felt sore but I kept going. They're probably still sore from the first time.

WhatwouldCJdo · 11/01/2019 00:23

Accept that there's times you will be pants compared to other runs/jogs/trots out. It doesn't matter - just being out there and doing it and keeping on doing it is far better than not doing it at all.

I think the group thing will be amazing. I did the C25K on my own and now often run with people and I can jog and talk!! It's brilliant!

Enjoy.

I am particular to comfy socks...

swampytiggaa · 16/01/2019 20:29

How is it going everyone?

vjg13 · 18/01/2019 06:45

It's going well, I did my w5r3 yesterday and it was actually ok.