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?

I started wk1 yesterday.
I did complete it a few years ago but then stopped running . Very happy I have started again just need to keep up the momentum.
The biggest hurdle for me is other people seeing me. I have over 3 stone to lose and feel really unfit.
Painting a pretty picture arent I?

@Twilbury My main thought when seeing someone running who is overweight is serious respect - I know they're working harder than I am! Please don't let these thoughts put you off.

@twilbury snap - I also did W1R1 last night. I went out when it was almost dark so that few people could see me as I am obese, hugely unfit and middle aged and thought I would fail straight away.

I can't remember whose voice I chose for the app, but every time he said - are you ready for your next run? - I said 'no' out loud. So add talking to myself to the list.

As I was walking back I crossed paths with a woman puffing away with her phone in her hand, so I waved at her. (She's probably going to go out her of way to avoid me now!).

@ChanklyBore they are some seriously good times, no wonder your legs are sore. Mine are really sore two days later after I did a C25K+ podcast with Laura, it was concentrating on improving speed so you had to run in time with the music. It made me 60s/km slower but used muscles I mustn't have used before. It was also good for technique tips but I don't think it was suited to my short legs, I think my way forward is lots of tiny steps.

@UnaOfStormhold Thank you, I don't think I would care if it was people I didn't know but I live in a busy village. I do also know I need to get over myself and that most people couldn't care less what I am up to.

@notaflyingmonkey I walked to a field that isn't used much and went in the drizzle as I thought there wouldn't be as many people out I really need to get over it and just get on with it otherwise I will give up before I have really begun. Are you planning on doing your next run on thursday ?

Can I join. Wk5r1 next. I was using the old app with Laura and have just discovered from a bbc article there’s an updated one with Jo Whiley. Will try that next. The old app crashed on me last week so had to tune sing my watch.

I have issues with shin splints and plantar fasciitis. Last time I did c25k about 4 years ago I ended up with a really nasty one. Have been to see a physio this time round and hopefully the calf and foot exercises he gave me will help so I can keep going this time.

The more the merrier Crumpet.

I’m doing W5R2 today. My toddler woke me at 5.15 and I’m so tired 🙁

@Fauchelevant some runs are definitely harder that others. In some kind of illogical way

I’ve started Jeffing now after I saw it mentioned on here. Couldn’t get rid of my leg pain. It’s run/walk/run but you just do it all the time rather than building up to continuous running. And it’s working really well. No pain and I’m just as fast as I was before.

@RubberDinghyRapids I find that I just don’t make it a decision. I go every other day and go regardless of what my brain is telling me. Just get into running stuff and then you’ll have to go.

Glad I found the new thread. Everyone is doing so well. I've completed week 4 so now onto week 5. My legs are feeling really stiff today so hopefully I manage.

@ThickFast thanks for reply. Sorry what’s Jeffing?

@Fauchelevant I’d not heard of Jeffing before either. But saw it mentioned on here by someone. It’s the run/walk/run method. Like the beginning of C25k but you just stick to intervals rather than going on to long runs. I’m giving it a go due to ongoing shin splints. Managing to run pain free now and my times are the same as when I was continuously running because I can run faster knowing I’ll have a walk break. Currently doing 60 seconds run and 30 seconds walk.

Thank you. Do you have to do the timings yourself or is there an app?

@ThickFast You're quite right. Limited opportunity now DH has gone to work as I'm at home with the toddler but will make sure I'm in my trainers for when he gets home

@RubberDinghyRapids I have small ones too so can’t just go out whenever I please. So I book it in. And tell husband. And then I have to go coz I’ve told him and don’t wanna back out. Also, it’s the only time I get by myself. And it’s the only time when no one is asking me anything. Precious time.

@Fauchelevant I have an interval timer app. So it beeps or vibrates when it’s time to run or walk. I’ve had to slightly get over the ‘it’s cheating’ feeling. But just keep coming back to the fact that I have no pain and I’m just as fast over the whole distance. Some people even do marathons using this method. I may go back to continuous running at some point. Who knows! I was so happy to complete C25k and so gutted to realise I’d injured myself. And now this is a way I can keep on running so I’m really happy.

Thanks Thick that’s super helpful.

Just to say RubberDinghyRapids I love your username!

Interested to read about the Jeffing. Although it sounds rude, somehow! I think I’d call it interval training.

If I see anyone out running, tall short big or small, I am admiring. Particularly if they look like they are struggling but doing it anyway. Much respect. I watch those people who bound along happily looking like they are expending zero effort with a kind of fascination, well I do for a short time before they overtake me and disappear into the horizon. I’ve got a few friends who are proper runners and I admire their motivation.

I’m lucky to have not been injured and burny legs has been the worst thing that’s occurred. I think I’m settling on a c25k inspired three times a week type rhythm - one run doing intervals, one run seeking out hills, one run trying for the distance (sticking with 5.5k ish) and seeing if the intervals and hills push the time down.

Haha, yes it’s a funny word. It is intervals just refined by an Olympian called Jeff. I always smile when I see runners out too. Some are so sprightly. Then there’s the ones like me who are less gazelle like.

I'm on my third attempt at C25k. Got to week 5 last year then fractured a bone in my foot. Reached week 8 in February but then had terrible shin splints. Currently on week 4...so far so good. I'm embarrassingly slow

@twilbury yes, next run is planned in for tomorrow. Let me know how you get on.

I told DD(22) what I was up to, and she only heard the 5k bit, and was somewhat incredulous that I had just run 5k. I had to explain in Father Ted terms that I was very much at the coach end of the spectrum.

Ugh. Well I did Week 9, Run 3. I used Strava for just the 30 min run. 2.6K in 30 mins. I knew I was slow but ugh. I feel rather demoralised now. I'd need to run for an hour to hit 5K. 🤬

W5R2 done, got a terrible stitch halfway through so plodded round.

Hiya all. I’ve found you! My account isn’t set for @ tagging so I don’t get notifications when my name is used but thanks @RonBurgundyspanpipe

Glad you found us JonHamm