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.

W*as supposed to do 6.1 today but felt fine so didn’t take a break and jogged for 20mins straight so have bypassed into week 7!
*
Wow! I'm doing W5R1 tomorrow so where you were last week and the idea of 20 mins is still untenable!!! Good for you.

W5R1 done - easier than I feared! Police closed the park as I was leaving though ☹️.

Just noticed that on W5R3, I'm supposed to run for 20 mins. How the hell do you go from 5 to 20 in 1 week? Help 😁

5 to 20 isn't the big jump you think it is. Honestly. If you can run for 5 minutes, you can easily run for 20. You just have to slow down, get into a rhythm, remember to breathe steadily, and keep chugging along. There may not even be that much difference in pace, at this point, between your running segments and your walking segments. If you're out of breath, you're going too fast.

Week 5 Run 2 done today, first 8 minute run was okay, second one was tough!

But we are still going and still doing 6 runs per week although with tomorrow's 20 minute run that may end that 😆

Well done to everyone who is getting out there and doing it 🙌🏼

Honestly. If you can run for 5 minutes, you can easily run for 20.

I will have to take your word for that until the weekend

I’ve just looked at the nhs c25k runs and they are definitely different to what my app says!
I have no idea what is right, I agree 5 to 20 seems like a huge jump! But the advice of pace and breathing is definitely sound advice.

DH has just designed a full body workout for me to do on the days I’m not running (he’s a PT). I’ll be unrecognisable by the end of isolation 😂

I'm an idiot. I did W2 D2 again by accident 🙈 I'll just skip onto W3 D1 . I'm doing it every other day. I seem to have hurt my knee though. It's fine when I get into the running but by god I'm limping the rest of the time. I really hope I haven't done something to it. It's a constant pain on the side of it.

Did W2 R2 today. Still enjoying it but have a slight groin niggle

@Spanielsanddaughters

Which app do you use?

@resipsa
It’s just called 5k runner.
It’s also only 8 weeks and gets you to 35minutes of running.

Can I join? Nice to read all your posts - sounds like everyone needs this with lockdown. I live rurally and am hoping I'll be able to run, sometimes with my 10yo, without seeing many other people...

I completed C25K in June last year just before I got pregnant. I had to stop running in the first trimester but have kept relatively active walking, so I'm going to be cocky and try and start up again from W4R1 - might attempt it and totally fail, but I'm 9 weeks postpartum now and hopeful I might be able to cope with the 5 min run section if I take it really slowly...🤞 We'll see!

@MintToBee if you've hurt your knee I'd recommend having a break and letting it rest. I tried C25K last summer, was running every other day and assumed my sore knee was just my body getting used to it so pushed through. Big mistake. I ended up in agony, could hardly walk and had to give up. It took a few weeks to heal. I've just started again in the new year, taken it easy and done two runs a week with other exercise and knee strengthening exercises in-between and the difference is amazing. Now I do still get the odd niggle but it really is a niggle and passes within a few hours. Listen to your body, maybe take two rest days between runs and look up clamshells. Game changer!

@Passmeabrew Yep. I think resting for a few days is probably a good idea. It's a medial knee injury so I suspect MCL or plica irritation. I originally hurt it falling off a mountain path in October. I was non weight bearing for a week and it took a few months to recover properly. And definitely will look up clamshells!

Did W3 r8 today. I like the fact I can just listen to music and run, although the stop-start bits are still annoying. I am looking forward to W5.

I am also looking around for a fun 10k to do in a few months time, after lock-down. I feel relatively confident about getting to that level; anything more may require a running club!

Week 3 run 2 for me today. That second 3 minute run felt hard, I was running about the same speed that I walk.
But felt very buzzy when I got home.

Week 5 Run 3 done! First 15 minutes were okay, struggled the last 5 though!

Proud we managed it though 🙌🏼

C25K has been a great help during lockdown, gives us routine, gets me out of bed and I've lost 5 lbs in 2.5 weeks!

Did week 2 run 3 today, yay! Which voice do people use on the NHS C25K app? I've been listening to Laura.

I am really not a runner - I usually swim regularly but am trying with Couch 2 5k to keep my fitness up, and keep hoping I will find I like running too. I have done week 3 run 3 this morning. It was hard -( not least because there are hills whichever direction I leave the house in!). Anyway,
do you all find that by the 3rd run of each week that it has become easy? I am just wondering whether to repeat week 3 before moving on, or whether you all move on however hard you are finding it? Thanks.

I did W3R1 last night which wasn't too bad. I'm using the One You (Public Health England) app which I like. I have Michael Johnson as my coach but his voice often distorts. Does anyone else find this too?

@MintToBee oh if you've got a previous injury, definitely rest! Id hazard a guess that's it's irritating it a little and need time to calm down? Might be worth reading up on the knee exercises to check what would be suitable for you, I'd normally say consult a physio if you have an injury but not sure you can right now!

Mama, the plan is to pause at your level until you feel ready for the next. If it's a struggle now, it will be more so next jump.

@mama4321, I'm wondering the same. Think I might repeat week 3 before progressing.

W3 R3✔️
Very proud of myself! I run on a treadmill & upped the running speed a little & actually found it easier. I got into a better rhythm. Shattered now.