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.

I’ve completed Week 5 Run 3 this morning. I cannot believe I ran for a whole 20 minutes! Am feeling very pleased with myself! Well done everyone!! This training programme works. If I can get this far then anyone can.

Ooh you're giving me hope!! Done W5R2 this morning and really enjoyed it.

Actually had that mental headspace thing o. Second run, I just forgot I was running and started thinking about all sorts of unrelated things.

I think this is a good thing?!!

I think so, I think it means it means you've moved beyond thinking 'when is this part of the run over'

I have a running belt (cheap, from eBay) and like it. It has plenty of room for keys and phone and I use cheap bluetooth headphones for my music etc so no wires to get tangled up with.

Yes definitely a good thing guyfawkes I try and give myself something to think about, to take my mind off the run itself.

Week 3 done here

I'm doing week 2 day 2 tonight and I've surprised myself. I thought I hated running but I'm actually really enjoying it, I look forward to going out each time. I find though that I hate the first interval of each run and always think about packing it in but then it gets better after that, even though the first interval is still on 90 seconds long. Do other people find that too?

Well done all the week 5-ers. It really is magic, this.

Interested looking at those leggings. I’m not sure I’ll lose any weight from running because I’m working from home and losing out on the general movement of everyday life, and drinking too much in the evenings. But having said that - yesterday I was running along and had to keep pulling up my leggings (generic black cotton size 12) because they were falling down .... that hasn’t happened before....

My husband has upped his exercise a lot in lockdown. Runs every day between 5 and 10km and does Joe Wicks.

He's only lost 4lb according not the scales but he's definitely noticeably toned up.

I'm feeling less wobbly I think. Am back onto the intermittent fasting I think. It's easy to do, it's been a mindset issue recently for me but now I don't want to undermine my hard work relearning how to run.

I've also discovered my old hockey shorts have epic pockets and I've sewn some velcro along the outer edge. Now my phone stays put and I can wear shorts cos it's getting toasty this week. Going to need to be up early!!!

The first 5 minutes of any run is the hardest, definitely @imaflutteringkite.

Weirdly even though the runs are far longer in week 5 I'm finding them easier than week 3 🤷‍♀️

W9r1 done! I was counting down a bit from 20 mins which is annoying as I'd done the week of 28 mins. Can't believe only 2 more runs to go!!

Congrats to the week 5ers! That 20mins is a great feeling.
Sports watch being delivered! So I can track my running now not the warm up and cook down messing up my pace

Also just finished week 5 run 3 and I'm so relieved as that felt like a huge hurdle in my head! It was totally fine in the end, not my fastest but I really wanted to make sure I got to the end. I wish I'd done this a few years ago now.

What running watch are you getting bold? I find the C25k app crashes when I run strava too on my phone so wondering if it's worth looking at something else

I abandoned my run 2/3 of the way through today. I was doing ok but my ankle was feeling a bit stiff, but then I got an nightmare stitch under my ribs. I tried to walk it off and then thought ‘screw it’. I’ve pushed my next Garmin coach run back and added a repeat of this run.

Argh so I got to Week 6 and got plantar fasciitis! So annoying. Any tips? I've ordered some new running shoes as my current ones are a bit old now. Does anyone know how long it'll take to get better?!

W1r1 done today, I haven't run properly in a few years after an injury. Decided to get back to it, got my brooks shoes during the week as well. I have to say I loved getting back running, although my fitness levels are shocking. We live in the countryside in an area with lots of hills so picked the best bit near our house and went over and back. I'm sure the neighbours thought I was crazy. I'd just like to build up my levels and confidence before taking off through the town!

W6R3 done.
I miss the regular 5 minute reminders..
One at 5, 12.5 and then 20 did not make this easy.
20-25 was torture. I'm sure I was almost walking.
But I did it and that's what matters.

@BekindStayhome have a look at people you're following on Strava and see what watches and stuff they use. That's what inspired me.
Garmin Forerunner 35
Garmin Vivoactive 3
Polar M430
Garmin Forerunner 630

They were ones I kept seeing pop up. My budget was £100 because the 35 is that much new.
I watched ebay auctions for a week or so and ended up with a Vivoactive for my budget (worth £200 new). Wanted the 630 as that's £400 ish new and an auction the same night ended at £81.

But they are well sought after on Ebay so I can always resell

Oh and I finished Strava as soon as the run finished today so my stats are only really inclusive of my warm up. That's given me motivation!

I’m not running fast - it’s more of a jog at times - but I’m not stopping or slowing it down to a walk (until Jo Whiley tells me I’m allowed to) so as far I’m concerned, that’s fine. I can think about times when I’ve completed the whole programme!

That's really helpful, thanks! Last night I was looking at the Huawei Band 3 Pro which seems amazing value. I really like your point about resale value of the others though.

@Thankssomuch exactly. Let me just run for 30 and then I can speed it up

@BeKind I looked at that one but I'm not 100% sure its compatible with strava. If you click through the Strava app and click into someones run you can scroll down and see the kit they use (some people put watches or bikes or trainers... or none) but that narrowed some down for me so I know what worked for others

@bold I think you're right, the Band 4 Pro is compatible apparently but costs about £20 more

@BeKind
Oh I hope it does for you. I didnt even look at that brand again in the end. I'm hoping that just having the ability to start the timer when I run and end it when finishing will give me a more accurate pace without including warm ups etc .
I'll still take my phone for music and the app (will probably use week 9 after I finish as a motivational factor), and.. because I dont trust myself to not fall over.