More Couch to 5k encouragement!

[PrincessWatermelon]

I hope it's ok starting a new thread. I found the last one so encouraging and didn't want it to stop!!

Also, have to share I've just done W6R3 - my first 25 min run. Wasn't sure I was going to make it to the end, but kept moving (as Jo Whiley told me to) and did it!!

How are others getting on?

Managed the 28minutes for run 1 week 8 . Two more of the same to complete the week . The dog loves it and of course would keep going .

@ChanklyBore I just carry my phone and listen to playlists I have on that via wireless Bluetooth headphones. Have found a wide hairband is brilliant for stopping the headphones falling out of my ears!

Err...@RubberDinghyRapids did you just slip in that you'd done W9R3?! Does that mean you've graduated? Very well done if so!! Such an achievement. I think I will do like you, and try and change things up a bit. Not sure how to do the interval thing - someone mentioned redoing the c25k but jog/run instead of walk/jog.

@GuyFawkesDay which watch do you have? I'm loving my Vivoactive 4s 😊

@ChanklyBore I used to run with my phone and wireless headphones and now Hygge band on to keep them in. Once I finish the c25k I can run without my phone as I have Spotify on my watch, and can track pace/distance and things on there.

I don't know whether I enjoy the running or not. I definitely like that I've committed to it and have achieved as much as I have. So I guess I like being smug about it! And having the time to myself is great. I don't dread the runs, but definitely the first 10 mins are super hard. And the last 5 as well. And the middle is maybe slightly less awful!! Not sure when you get to the point of knocking out a 10k just cos you fancy it.

Also bought new trainers today. Hope they're ok. Nike Zoom Vomero. My old ones were knackered. Running tomorrow so shall see.

@PrincessWatermelon Yep, all graduated 🥳 but trying to think of it as a springboard to a lifelong thing, rather than something to have completed (or else my lazy little head will say "done!" and not to anymore).

Fab work RubberDinghyRapids - love the nonchalant approach! Not yet there myself but the healthunlocked forum has a selection of plans and advice for people who've just completed C25k here.

I use one ear of my bluetooth headphones so I can hear what's going on around me, and tuck the connecting cord into my bra strap so I don't lose it if it falls out. Which it does occasionally. I must try a headband, thanks for the tip Hope . Phone is in the pocket of my new running leggings - seems nice and secure and out of the way.

I know what you mean Chanklybore - I think it will take a while to overcome decades of considering myself a definite not-runner!

Glad the new watch is working for you GuyFawkes

Frequentflyer I think treadmill running must be really tough mentally - I get so much out of watching the countryside go by and exploring new places. Can you watch one of those virtual videos for treadmill running on youtube from your treadmill.

Looks beautiful sexnotgender, enjoy your holiday.

Well done HelpMeh, sending encouragement to Lookdontteuch, Muchtoomuchtodo and Stopthehop, and good luck helloyouminx for your IVF appointment. I've heard it's quite normal not to lose weight early in C25k because you're developing muscle, but I'm sure being active will stand you in good stead mentally as well as physically.

RubberDinghyRapids well done!

I finished w4 this morning. I’m actually desperate to get started with longer runs. When I did it before, I always found the first five minutes horrific, and could then get into the flow of it. I’m hoping that when I get into longer stretches, I might hate it less!

I can’t remember who suggested it, but when struggling, thinking about legs, lungs or lazy is fab! Really helped today. Thanks

W2r2 for me this evening. Found it harder than Mondays run. I rode last night and my instructor had me doing lots of no stirrup and standing in my stirrup work, think my legs were feeling that. Weirdly my legs ache more during the walk periods than the run sections

@PrincessWatermelon I have the Samsung galaxy watch active. Offline spotify, GPS. Can go running sans phone. It runs the battery down but so worth it.

It also tells me how shit my sleep is 🤣🤣🤣

Finally managed to complete w5r3!

I think I have been running too fast, so I really slowed down my pace and actually completed it fairly comfortably. I could definitely have run longer.

I’m afraid I’m drinking gin and eating crisps rather than running. I’ll regret this when I’m home I’m sure!

Lots of running happening tonight! I managed W5R2 reasonably smoothly, though I did have a moment of worrying whether the app had stopped because surely I must be more than halfway through that first run section by now!

@RubberDinghyRapids well done! @bengalcat 28 mins, fab!

I am off the wagon, but in my defence I've been decorating. Does that count as cross training?!

Week 5 first run done. It was really good. Feel very motivated

I've not made it out for a run for a week so thinking I'm going to repeat week 7 rather than start week 8. I know it's only 3 extra minutes but I'm also bothered that there's only 2 weeks left then I won't have anything to follow!

Well done @SandieCheeks on doing that run again and completing it. It's surprising what a difference pacing yourself makes.

@NCTDN I think repeating the week does no harm. As you say, you're almost at the end and then it begs the question what happens next!

I had my first run with new trainers. And got a new PB. W9R1 and ran 4.71k in the 30mins!! Not sure I'll be able to increase my pace and distance loads more, but feel very pleased.

@TeamEponine I certainly have found the longer runs better for settling into a rhythm. And listening to my podcast to take my mind off it.

@FrequentFlyer96 respect to you for treadmill running. I don't think I could do that easily at all. As I ran today I was appreciating the breeze and the variety of scenery (although i always do the same route!). Can you watch tv as you run? And do you chose a pace on the treadmill? That in itself must be hard. Hope you've managed to break your stalemate 😊

Morning my loves. Can I join as a newbie or is there another thread
I say newbie, last time I was on a thread like this was over 5 years ago. Made it up to half marathons. I then got enormously fat and had to stop .

Starting again tomorrow!

@FrequentFlyer96 I agree, I can’t do two minutes on a treadmill without getting unbearably bored or just... something. I can’t do it at all and regularly subject myself to the massive hills around where I live so I don’t have to even consider a treadmill. I have quite a short attention span and even that bores me a bit after a while.

I have the app on my secondhand iPhone, with my free headphones (my ears are just the right shape, I’m lucky in that respect, so they don’t fall out) and my trainers are £20 children’s trainers from M&S which can go in the washing machine if necessary! I prefer them as minimal as possible, short of actual Green Flash or similar. I think the overall picture is just that I’m very cheap! If I want to know how far I’ve run I go on Google Maps and check the route .

For what next there’s c25k plus on the nhs website. Also the guardian do running podcasts. There’s a few 5k to 10k out there or zombie run app is fun. It’s a story and you are in it collecting supplies and running away from zombies 🧟‍♀️

@LambChopsMcGee how are you doing? I thought of you today when Christina Aguilera was singing "Fighter" in my ear.

W7R2 done. It was ok actually.

Welcome @StillDumDeDumming . I can't imagine ever getting to half marathons!

Thanks @Murmurur!

I'm just back from W4R2. I meant to post after R1 but I was knackered haha! I'm not fully caught up on the thread, but well done to everyone! This is such a great group and it's really helped keep me going with the programme, despite the setbacks.

The step up to 5 min was a big thing for me but I am amazed I've managed it. Scared for week 5 though! I have got myself a bottle of blue powerade to take for the 20 min run as a treat, haha!

The Mumsnet Massive have been with me in spirit, so I'm glad I posted about the shitty men. I genuinely pictured you all running with me when I went on Monday!

Morning my loves. Can I join as a newbie or is there another thread
@StillDumDeDumming I did my W1R3 yesterday so we can be newbs together

Thank you for the welcome and thank you @thisenglishlife.

I did W1 R1 Today and about to upload my pic from the walking cool down and then a bit later on sitting by the river.

I have a kind of dropfoot which makes walking really hard and that is part of what led to the fatness which means I’ve had to start all over again. I don’t really mind starting over again I just wanna get started!

So in actual fact it’s easier for me to run them to walk apart from The lack of fitness! And I had a little light trot through most of the walking parts for this. I’ve also been doing squats I think today’s number is 65. This is to try and strengthen my leg muscles and protect my knees. Because I weigh around 16 1/2 stone!!!

As I’m running so important for my mental health. My DP had a massive brain haemorrhage in February. He is recovering well, Having spent six weeks in intensive care. But I life is changed possibly forever in almost every way. He can walk but not much and he can talk a bit but not always understand.

Anyway that’s me happy running all of you out there today.

PS this isn’t always my view! I’m on a few days break with DP to get a bit of peace.

Some great stories here - this was my view in Hyde Park today ( needless to say dog is much faster than me but she stops to hunt squirrels ) - just done run two of week 8 - can’t believe I can run for 28minutes

Thanks for the tip about slowing down - W4R2 yesterday and managed the 5 min runs (only just though!). I run on a treadmill as the ground is just too uneven around me, and my eyes water as soon as I start running outside; dangerous combination! Once I know I can run a bit farther I'll maybe go find some tarmac

Trying to gear myself up to go out for w7r3 (might do a couple more as I didn't complete w6r3). Would have normally tried to get out earlier but the kids were tag teaming last night so was up for half the night with them and shattered.

Welcome to all that have just joined. Some great pics. I'm just running on the road but think I might try drive somewhere once a week to get better scenery