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?

W2R2 done. I'm a bit worried about the three minutes runs next week. I've done max 2-2.5 min runs outside and only done longer runs on the treadmill in the past (which is much easier).

@thisenglishlife

W2R2 done. I'm a bit worried about the three minutes runs next week. I've done max 2-2.5 min runs outside and only done longer runs on the treadmill in the past (which is much easier).

You’ll be fine. Just go slowly.

Thanks @imamearcat, I’ll look at that.

Been running for miles and miles a week.. not sure any difference?

@Murmurur that is the other problem I have, nearly every time I use the app I have to choose a different coach. That doesn't matter so much but it is a wee bit annoying.
@imamearcat I use the NHS app and I do like the way it works I just wish it bloody worked every time!

I really need to tackle my weight and was hoping this would help but I suppose until I am running a lot more than I am then it won't budge.
Really need to stop the snacks and the cold beer in the sunshine.

@imamearcat

Been running for miles and miles a week.. not sure any difference?

Definitely leaner in the torso!

Assuming the right photo is after, @imamearcat, you do look a little more toned around the top of your shorts on the front facing image. There wasn’t much to spare in the first place but there appears to be less in the right hand image.

@imamearcat yes there is more tone in your midriff - you look fitter!

I have graduated....from week 2!!! I’m glad I’m doing it but it’s so hard. I found a weight tracking app on my phone. Seems I first started worrying about my weight at 183lbs. So surprisingly I let it get to 243 before I tackled it properly (a lot has gone on!). I am now 231 and running is hard!

@imamearcat how long have you been running for? As in how many weeks?

[quote StillDumDeDumming]@imamearcat yes there is more tone in your midriff - you look fitter!

I have graduated....from week 2!!! I’m glad I’m doing it but it’s so hard. I found a weight tracking app on my phone. Seems I first started worrying about my weight at 183lbs. So surprisingly I let it get to 243 before I tackled it properly (a lot has gone on!). I am now 231 and running is hard![/quote]
Well done on the weight loss!

I'm not sure if I'm still allowed on here if I've finished... I like to have structure so I've decided to start the Active 5 to 10k app.

I now have to have four running speeds in my repertoire. A jog, a steady run (faster than my jog but still conversational), a tempo run (hard but controlled) and a fast run (flat out). Last night was 20 min steady. I did half at steady pace and then slowed down because the heat and humidity was unbearable. My pace was 6:59, so 30 seconds per km faster than my 5k speed. I don't if that's good enough but it's the best I could manage 🤷‍♀️ Today is 10 mins jog, 3 mins tempo, 10 mins jog.

I aim to do the 3 runs plus a 5k each week. Might do some 30 day shred on the other days.

Anyone got any good sports bra recommendations? Something that'll really hold them in place? I don't have huge boobs (34D) but the heat and humidity leads to some uncomfortable chafing.

The panache underwired sports bra is really good. I’m a 32FF and they keep my boobs strapped down during running and riding my bouncy horse

Just completed W6 R3!! Cant believe it, was really struggling around the 8min mark, but listening to Louis Theroux talking to Miriam Margoyles really helped!

Thank you @Sexnotgender - I’m trying not to think of the numbers- I can’t believe it got like this! But still I’m doing it. I’m also doing Team Body Project (the free ones on you tube) - they have lots of do-able workouts and some really hard ones too!

Just finished week five!

Well done

I’ll (hopefully) be doing that tomorrow morning

@justchecking1 about 10 weeks. Maybe expecting too much too soon?

Does anyone else struggle with pacing? I was going too slow and ended up being able to run through the walk on W6R3 which is not a stealth boast but a sign of how slowly I was plodding along!

@imamearcat no not at all! I can definitely see results, you look more toned all over. I was just wondering how long it had taken to see any changes.

I wish I could see changes but I'm still a lardy heifer 🤣🤣🤣

After my 6km disaster on Tuesday I just had a lovely 4km 28 minute run. Stopped at 4km before it turned into a horror story as my tummy was feeling achy and didn't want to run the uphill 1km home with cramps and hating it.

5km next time, on Saturday. Early. I'm definitely a morning runner.

Interesting u feel so much better just 2 days into magnesium supplements. I think I might have needed them

W8 complete. 3 more runs till graduation can't believe I've made it this far. Weighed myself today and even after getting my hair cut I've not lost anything. I'm feeling better by thinking I would have put on loads if I hadn't been out running.

I'm so annoyed that I've completed couch to 5k and not lost 1lb! I think I may have slightly toned up because I put on a pair of jeans the other day that last time I wore had to wear with the button undone because I couldn't breathe and they were loose. The scales aren't shifting though. I'm going to have to diet as well I think I could run a lot faster if I wasn't carrying so much weight around with me.

I was thinking this about not losing weight. I am only in wk 2 (one more run left) and I've not lost an ounce BUT I definitely feel better. Maybe we tone up rather than lose weight and they do say muscle weighs more?

You don’t tend to lose weight from moderate exercise, unfortunately, at least not significant amounts at any speed. The number of calories burned isn’t massively significant compared to the number of calories you used just existing and going about your day, and it makes you hungrier (hence “working up an appetite). But it does make you fitter and healthier! Which is why I’m doing it - I’m actually thinking of trying to lose weight to make the running easier rather than the other way round...

Had an absolutely horrible week 8 run 2 today, I was positively gasping by the time I finished (halfway up the hill) and probably looked like a beetroot! My calves were aching and I had a stitch the whole time but I did it, I’m going to relish the rest tomorrow.

Amazing job everyone and keep it up :)

No idea if I’ve lost weight as have no scales at home - that said feel fitter and definitely more toned - colleagues at work have commented which I view as a good sign