Couch to 5K - Run 1 done...

[resipsa]

I did my first 'run' today. Think I'm going to need help to go all the way to week 9 but determined to do it before I hit the big 50. Anyone else started this week? Fancy a support thread? Couldn't see an active recent one.

Absolutely go for it - and you should be slowing right down anyway. At this point, your "run" should be no more than a very steady jog. The aim is time on feet, not speed. Once you're at 5k, and the distance feels manageable, then you can worry about increasing the pace. I've taken around 12 mins off my 5k since I started!

If your 2nd 8 minute section felt really tough, you're going too quickly. Do you know what pace you run at, in mins per mile?

I’m so happy to have found this thread, I don’t know how many times I’ve started C25K and never finished it. I’ve just completed week 2 today and am determined to get to 5k this time.

My only issue is I’m really struggling with pains in my calves which is why I’m actually away at the moment!! Feels like a constant cramp but has been hurting since about 11pm and it happened two days ago too when I did my last run, anyone else get really pad calf pains?

Ah this thread had made me so happy Well done @resipsa and everyone else. I did this and over about 5 years worked my way up to a half marathon. That first run was the turning point. Keep going!!

@Blurpblorp
😁 Thanks
Just back from W7R2.
Feeling lucky to live between a beautiful park and a nature reserve, surrounded by quiet residential streets for maximum contact free running.
Hi to everyone else going out today. Remember it's Sunday!

@BlahBlahLand
I asked the same question as you about the 20 min run. It's fine, really. Just keep going!

Knee brace has arrived! Went on a 3 mile dog walk yesterday and not a twinge or a pain. So that's me starting again on Monday!

@MintToBee
Good luck!

Massive well done to you all good trainers and stretching most important .

Anyone run during heavy days of period? I'm on day 2 which should be a run day but feeling too heavy and sluggish.

I did last period RonBurgundyspanpipe I wore a mooncup and a pad in case of any leaking (which there wasn't), but listen to your body - if you are not feeling up to it, then have a rest day :)

@RonBurgundyspanpipe how well do you feel? I judge it based on that really, but take it easy while I'm out and don't expect to beat any records! I suffer with lots of side effects though, some are helped by exercise but some made worse so have to judge it by how I feel at the time. I have learned to make sure I stay well hydrated, not just after the run but before as well, as this seems to help. It's actually a good rule in general but even more important during my period.

I find running helps during my period. It definitely eases cramps and makes me feel less heavy.

I find I can't not run during my period - it's far better to be used to it, IMO. If a race falls during my period, for example, it's better to be prepared for how that is going to feel.

Does it get easier as you get fitter/your body gets more used to running @Runningonempty84 ? I started C25K in January, and it does feel like some months I just couldn't imagine being able to go out and run. But I do get very light headed and dizzy with it sometimes and I haven't wanted to risk not being able to finish my runs have planned around it for days I'm feeling better. I do still go if I'm just feeling rough, because it does often help but the bad days are awful and I've not been brave enough to try then

It gets much easier, @passmeabrew. And my periods got much lighter too, as I did more exercise and lost weight. After starting running, I went from overweight to being the low side of a normal BMI, and over that time went from having heavy-ish, painful periods to ones I barely notice. Which was a very welcome side effect!

I shall keep seeing how I get on then @Runningonempty84 and also an added incentive to keep going if I lose my motivation

Right-o. I’m about to start week 2 before I lose my mojo. I’ll report back

Ouch. Shin splints. 😣

Just found this thread! I finished W5R3 today - that 20 minutes was not nearly as bad as I feared, though I did wind up running uphill for the last 2 minutes and kinda wanted to die. But it was fine up until then, even the uphills. I expect that Week6 will hurt more...

I did it, week 3 complete and despite the period I ran my furthest (ok only 2.78km up in 2.71km) and fastest pace. It felt great, got held up at the road so ran additional time at the end to make up for it.

Runningonempty gave me the incentive, lighter periods are a big bonus if I can achieve that.

Just wanted to record how proud I am of myself. Can't believe I've been itching to get out today

Completed DH’s programme today. Ran 18 minutes in total (6x 3 minutes) in a 30 minute session. Managed 3.5km which is the furthest I’ve gone. It was REALLY tough but mentally I found it easier because I know I can run 3 minutes (ha- 30 seconds would have been tough a month ago!)

Congratulations @happytobemrsg! DH obviously knows his onions

I'm very confused, @happytobemrsg! You've clearly done brilliantly...but you were struggling to even complete the week and now you've done 3.5k in 18 mins?
IMO you're taking your running sections far too fast, which is why you're struggling to keep it consistent.

Unless you mean you covered 3.5k in the full 30 minute session (not the 18 mins of running) ... in which case that sounds very sensible for a beginner, and feel free to completely ignore me

I’m rubbish at explaining, I’m sorry. I completed 3.5k in the full 30 minutes which consisted of 18 minutes of running & 12 minutes of walking

Aha, that makes more sense!! Massive well done. Hope you're feeling better about your running now, too.

Hi, just checking in for some moral support. I completed week one yesterday. Looking forward doing week 2.