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Original poster

Anyone planning to start c25k in the post Christmas period?

54 replies

TwinsTrollsAndHunz · 27/12/2019 19:25

Hi all.

I stopped doing an active job in the summer and since then I’ve unwittingly become a couch potato. I’ve put a stone on (that was pre Christmas, so possibly 1.5 now) and feel horribly sluggish. I need to break the sofa cycle.

I’m planning to get out for the first run in the next couple of days. Anyone else?

OP posts:
SophieTurnersEyebrows · 30/12/2019 07:09

W1 R1 dome here with a very encouraging DC1 (8) who runs cross country for her school.

In the dark to minimise being seen.

Shoobydoo123 · 30/12/2019 09:10

If you’re thinking of doing C25k please consider your local running club! I help run/lead C25k for ours and we’re a motley crew of shapes, size and ages ...but truth be told mainly overweight ladies in their 30s - 50s ( of which I’m one) .

If you commit to a group then you’re more likely to see it through and you’ll also get support from seeing how everyone is in the same boat. You also have the safety and anonymity of a group.

We’ve got 2 groups starting in January - last year we had 100+ , so why not give it a try.?

myfuckingfreezer · 30/12/2019 09:12

I did Week 1 run 1 yesterday! For those worrying - I'm obese (16stone) and haven't done any form of exercise in about 5 years an and managed it fine! Just take it slow and enjoy the fresh air. I was worried about looking daft at my size but no one gave two figs and there were loads of people out running!

myfuckingfreezer · 30/12/2019 09:12

@shoobydoo123 any idea how you go about finding the groups?

Shoobydoo123 · 30/12/2019 11:05

@myfuckingfreezer there are several ways
Running groups runtogether.co.uk/
Running clubs www.englandathletics.org/find-a-club/englandathletics.org/find-an-athletics-club/
Or just google ‘running clubs in ...’

Once you have names then you can see when they run / costs etc ...Our c25k is £15 for 11 weeks (1 led session and 2 ‘homework’ runs a week), but also includes a medal, fb group, support etc. We’re in the south.

If you google / search on fb then you’ll see what the group is like ..are all the photos of skinny men in vests or lots of shapes and sizes, ages etc We focus on the social side as much as the running or speed and my plod is just as valid as those skinny blokes that run at twice my speed. C25k is an integral part of the club and we try so hard not to be scary ...but honestly the first step is the hardest.

StillDumDeDumming · 30/12/2019 11:43

I have done W1R1 - it was ok!

Spartonian · 30/12/2019 12:12

This might sound like a stupid question but do you go out the same time each day or just whenever you can get out?

TheBitchOfTheVicar · 30/12/2019 12:26

@Spartonian you do three runs a week, with at least one rest day between runs. Most weeks the runs are identical, but there are a couple of weeks in the middle aren't.

It is really manageable.

myfuckingfreezer · 05/01/2020 08:30

Has everyone started? I'm doing week 2 run 1 today and would love the virtual company!

StillDumDeDumming · 05/01/2020 10:25

Hi I’m struggling to get into it. For a number of reasons. I have a mobility thing which means I fall over a lot hence I’ve put in 5 stone in 2 years (when i was running HMs). But also my running kit is so small on me it’s awful! I’ve just done a home workout and I’m going to do W1R2 tomorrow I think. I’ve ordered some more kit too (size 20 mine is size 14)! I do remember that 3 times a week or if not 5 a fortnight is key. The consistency makes it so much easier.

redavocado · 05/01/2020 10:57

Hello! Can I join you all please? I finished week 1 on Friday and I'm debating whether to start week 2 today or tomorrow. I'm not feeling super motivated to run today but I think my mental health would benefit from getting out!

myfuckingfreezer · 06/01/2020 11:04

@StillDumDeDumming I had to do the same! Ordered a load of size 18/20 kit (decathlon tops and Nike tights) and it makes me feel more confident out and about.

@redavocado did you go? I'm a bit like that but remember that I want to be able to run without it hurting and the only way is to get out there and improve!

StillDumDeDumming · 06/01/2020 11:09

The first few weeks are absolutely the hardest.

redavocado · 06/01/2020 11:13

I went! And I felt a million times better for it. Tempted to go today as well now that the sun's come out.

JewelTheft · 06/01/2020 12:40

Went for first run today - didnt actually follow the app as a friend came out with me for moral support, and we did 5.9km over an hour, mix of walking and slow running probably about 60% walking.Legs like jelly now but it's a start. Next run on weds, I'm also planning on taking a long walk tomorrow at some point.

JewelTheft · 11/01/2020 10:49

Hows everyone done after first week or so? Just got back from another week 1 run, I can feel it getting easier. 5 k still seems a long way off though to me

InTheNorth123 · 11/01/2020 20:42

Hi, can I please join? I started this week and I'm doing W1R3 tomorrow.

I have done C25K before (a few years ago) but didn't finish it. I think I got up to 5 minute runs if I remember correctly. It definitely does get easier as you go along, but I don't feel that I'll ever manage a full 30mins of running!

I have 3 stone to lose minimum this year. Could probably do with losing 4 in total.

GrumpySausage · 12/01/2020 13:51

Hi can I join too. I started last week and really enjoyed week 1. Was really looking forward to doing week 2 run 2 today and set out with good intentions. But I got terrible stitch half way and had to walk most of the 2nd half. Feel deflated now.

Just tying to improve my fitness and of course lose that post baby (OK baby is a stretch, toddler) weight. Also it was doing wonders for my mental health, being out in te fresh air but now I'm feeling a bit glum.

Anyone got any recommendations of what to do if they get stitch? I remember hearing walking with your arms up on your head helps as it stretches it out but that may be rubbish.

Also what is everyone doing for drinks? I've got a sports bottle but I struggle to hold it and it keeps falling out my pocket.

Thanks all, great to see others are doing it too.

GrumpySausage · 12/01/2020 13:53

Sorry, I did put paragraphs!

mouldygrapes · 12/01/2020 20:26

I’ve been meaning to do this for ages but kept chickening out.
Did W1 R1 today - can’t say I enjoyed it but didn’t hate it. Does it get easier?! I could feel the last few 1m runs were a bit less terrible than the first so I’m hoping so

Florabella · 14/01/2020 11:57

I've just started too. Have just done run 2 wk 1. I managed it, but not sure I'll be ready to step it up for week 2 on Saturday!

mouldygrapes · 14/01/2020 18:22

Run 2 wk1 done today in the rain and with some resistance training from the wind! Felt a bit better today

@Florabella - I’m sure you’ll be OK - see how run 3 goes. A colleague was inspiring me, she started a year ago and was really unfit (out of breath walking) but did c25k really slowly, repeating weeks till she felt ready to move on. A year later she is running 10K races!

InTheNorth123 · 14/01/2020 19:10

Just done week1 run3 and I didn't feel anywhere near as out of breath as I did on run 2.

I will attempt week2 run1 on Thursday. Feeling quite anxious about it.

Ohhgreat · 15/01/2020 16:25

Just done week 3 run 1, legs definitely ache now but I'm glad I did it...I've been impressed how much I've progressed since week 1. Just hope it continues...

InTheNorth123 · 16/01/2020 20:20

Week 2 run 1 completed. It was definitely easier than I thought it would be!