Couch to 5k Run 1 done....the jogging continues!

[GuyFawkesDay]

Thread 2

I am currently running for 30 mins 3 times a week and have been during lockdown. It makes absolutely no difference to my weight and never has. I have a friend who runs marathons who maintains her weight but doesn't lose anything.

Running makes me hungry so i probably eat back as many calories as i expend!

I don’t think I’ve been eating any more than usual though. I thought I’d lose some of the flab. 🙁

Don't forget the several stones that lockdown hair weighs too...

That’s a fantastic pace and an outstanding bruise @imamearcat 😱

I've been lurking for ages but just wanted to encourage anyone starting out. I finished week 6 today and today's run of 25 mins was hard but I could do it (slowly!).
The program really does work if you just stick with it.
I'm 47, unfit and a good 5 to 8 kg overweight. I found week 1 jolly hard and can't quite believe I ran for 25 mins today.

Thank you to everyone on these threads, it has really helped me to carry on.

My legs are starting to look a little more toned and I'm definitely feeling fitter and generally better in myself.

Go for it anyone who's thinking about it / starting out. It's amazing how quickly the weeks pass and you will surprise yourself and feel great much quicker than you imagine

I don’t know if I’ve lost any weight, I don’t have any scales and I don’t know how much I weigh other than a vague guess. I don’t think I have really, but I eat lots of chocolate and I drink lots of beer and I don’t have plans to stop doing that. I reckon if I was being picky I wuold benefit from dropping a stone, maybe more.

My bum looks great though. I mean, compared to what it was before. It’s gone all perky. I don’t mind a life of chocolate, running and beer. I’d be OK with that.

Just popping on to log a graduate 5k. I had a bit of a niggle in my left foot about halfway but I changed my gait slightly and it eased off after a few mins.

Congratulations to all those smashing their PBs 💪. No outstanding times for me, just happy plodding.

Well done to everyone ploughing through the programme.

I've gained weight! Only approaching the end of W3, but have been steadily losing over the last couple of months (only half a stone and now in the healthy range). But was quite looking forward to dropping some more pounds and a bit disgruntled to have gained 0.5lb every week for the last 3 weeks! But am holding to the hope that I'll be toning up.

Hi all, it’s so inspiring reading your posts!

I just wanted to come back and say thank you to the poster who suggested I was running too fast and to slow down ... I did that today and I managed to complete Week 2 Run 2 much more easily than when I’ve got this far (and given up!) before.

I actually feel quite chuffed with myself

@imamearcat fantastic time!

@Mysterian the 25min run on week 6 was fine but the first 25 min run on week 7 I failed and walked half of. Second 25 min run I ended up running for 30 too! It's all in the mind!

For times I've done 5k 3 times now and all been 40mins. Improving on the seconds but wanted to reassure some people

I dont think I'm losing any weight but my clothes are definitely fitting a lot better!

W2R1 done, was ok. Went a little fast on one run but felt good generally.

I just did wk9r1 and I'm feeling so pleased I have it this far. If you are earlier on, keep going!!
I haven't lost weight (I've put on a pound) though I do feel better. I might try and address my diet next month.
Does anyone know if it's OK to run more than every other day once you've got used to it? I don't want to risk injuring myself but I feel I could do more.

I've been doing hiit exercise on my rest days. I haven't actually had a day off exercise in the last 12 days. Really enjoying it and it is making me stop snacking and drinking alcohol every night which I seemed to get into a bad habit of since lockdown. I've not weighed myself for a few days but clothes feel better

Slow and steady but managed an 8k/5 miles this morning. I didn't run the whole way but vast majority. Loving those calories burned!! Hopefully at some point the scales will start to turn

That’s impressive @imamearcat

Well done @JonHammIsMyJamm

I’ve put on a few pounds, that’s more biscuit and wine related though.

@imamearcat, you’ve really taken to it!

Well done @imamearcat - that's a brilliant time!

I did week 9 run 2 this morning and conquered the 5k!

It took me 33 mins and 33 seconds so I was happy with that. One more run to go then going to focus on running 5k more comfortable before I push onto the 10k plan.

Re weight loss - I think I've said before that I've never lost weight with running alone. People over estimate the calories burned vs extra calories eaten as a 'reward' or 'earned treat' after running! I read somewhere that we burn approx 100 cals per mile so for most of us at the moment we're only burning an extra 200-300 calories per run.

Better to notice it in fitness and tone though.

Thanks guys I'm really enjoying it. Getting to a stage where at the slower speed of 6-7 mins per K I can just happily jog along now without it really bothering me (so long as it's not up hill!).

I'm really watching what I eat as well which is why I'm a bit disappointed. I've not massively restricted calories but been eating very sensibly, nothing sweet, controlled portions etc. Also cut down a lot of alcohol. I do feel smaller in my clothes, so that's the main thing.

Thank you to everyone who told me to get on with it!

I did my first round this morning and it was better than I expected. I have to walk up a short but steep hill to get to a playing field where I can run and the warm up walk nearly killed me 🤣. After that the running / walking didn't seem so bad although it had to be said I was VERY slow. I completed what I should and didn't think I was going to die which was a complete revelation!
Anyhow things I've learned, stretches before you start, have a drink before you go and just get on with it.

Well done @YorkshireParentalPerson! Making a start is the biggest step.

Well done imamearcat and everyone else.

W5R1 done here. So we think we'll repeat it, then do a couple of W5R2s... Not procrastinating at all. Oh no.

Well done @imamearcat and @Murmurur I'm hoping to do w3 r1 tonight

Week 3 in the bag.

A little apprehensive about week 4 - I'm trusting the fact it is designed to improve you and stretch you. But don't see how I can to 2x5 min runs as well as 2x5 mins! But 2 days rest first, so I'll be ready

Yes to stretching! I do quite a lot of stretches when I finish too and it really helps.