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?

@notaflyingmonkey I think 3k in 28 minutes is probably about average!

I think someone else shared it on here, but I found it really helpful to see the average time for doing 5k, split by sex and age. www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-5k-time#by-age-and-sex

I was really worrying that I should be getting to 5k in 30 minutes, but from the link, I shouldn't even be aiming for that!

But, first things first, I want to get to running for 5k, regardless of how slow it is

I'm really trying to ignore distance at the moment (although obviously it's hard not to compare) because the achievement of running for longer than, well any time really, is the important bit.

I'm so, so impressed with this programme so far. I can kind of see how it's gradually accustoming us to run for longer, chopped into bits, and then shortening the walking times in between and then once you're running for 20 minutes gradually upping that - so clever!

Running for 28 minutes without stopping, at any speed and for any distance, is brilliant and our hearts and bones will thank us for it

Only just found this thread! I'm doing W4R2 tonight after the kids have gone to bed. Found quite a jump from week 3 to 4 but managed it! I've just done a ten hour shift at work too so will be knackered later!

Well done Drogonsmile! I've got W4 R2 tomorrow - kudos to you for sticking at it after a shift that long!

I'm still wfh so I'm lucky that I can start earlier and then fit in my runs just before lunch usually.

I'm also still WFM, so I go out early morning, then shower etc before sitting at my desk. Although for some reason DH was faffing this morning which meant I was really pushing it, but managed to be at my desk, coffee in hand (but dripping wet hair pulled back) for a zoom call at 9am.

It's likely that we won't be going back into the office until Xmas, so the test for me will be getting up to go running when it's cold and dark.

@edwardCullensBiteOnTheSide happy to help. Don't look at your google maps timeline if you don't want to be spied on... that logs your locations too - it's terrifying really.

@stripyhorse I know! Google is terrible! Is the Samsung health app accurate for distance do you find?

I don't really use the Samsung app as I have a fitbit so I'm not sure how accurate it is sorry.

Hello can I ask for a bit of a shove please. GCSEs and the funeral, taking too much on and a total crash this afternoon. So I’m behind on this week and missed this morning’s run. we’ve had a take away curry tonight and the thought of running in the morning is quite off putting! But it’s week 6 run 2 and if I don’t do it it’ll get harder.

Shove yourself out of the door in the morning Dum. You know you will feel better for it afterwards!

Yes bright and early! It’s the only way - even if it’s hard I’ll probably do it - and if I don’t it’ll be better than nothing

Yes - shove out of that door in the morning! I've got to get up at 5am for mine tomorrow, and I'm not going to like it

Well I technically graduated today... accidentally paused the app with about 5 minutes to go but according to my music I ran for 30 minutes! The main problem was that my feet were absolutely killing me and I ended up with blood blisters (one pictured, sorry for the TMI and my disgusting feet). Does anyone have any recommendations for less horrible trainers? I just bought cheap ones from M&S.

Going to repeat the final run, anyway, and then head for a 10k!

Congratulations everyone else who is still going

but also ouch!

I dont know anything about running shoes but Ive read quite good reviews about the midrange Decathlon ones.

It’ll be a week since ds and I did week 9 run 2 by the time we get round to finishing!

Oh well, we’ll do it even if we are a bit late!

Well done to everyone for sticking at it. Hope those blisters heal soon @CeciledeVolanges x

You might even find it easier after a week!

Congrats on your graduation Cecilede. I've got a pair of Asics that I bought for £30 from ebay, and they are great. Really light but supportive.

Oh blimey @CeciledeVolanges
Go to a running shop and get your hair analysed. It’s worth it. You don’t have to buy them there. I had to go a size up from my normal shoe size (to a 9!)

Got out there. W6r2 the weeks fly by! Not easy and last nights curry was still with me. Even though I ate a small amount.

Your gait analysed!

Glad you went out @StillDumDeDumming. I want to go this morning but DH is at work and I can't leave DD2 (DD1 comes with me). How did you find the stop / start runs after doing the 20 min one last week?

I have graduated . Did my week 9 run 3 today, running into a headwind to start with and then got rained on. Kept running after the 30 minutes had finished to do another 5k - was just under 33 min which I was pleased with given the rain and wind

Now I have to keep on at it - need to decide what exactly to do next but need to keep on running which is usually where I fall down

Congratulations @MirandaWest! Particularly with the rain and wind in the equation.

@StillDumDeDumming I probably do need my hair analysing too! I think the problem is actually that there is too much room in the trainers, as I run on my toes and it’s probably my feet rubbing against my socks slipping around in the shoes and causing a problem. My next target is 10k, though, so I’m going to have to be properly equipped...

@StripyHorse

Glad you went out *@StillDumDeDumming*. I want to go this morning but DH is at work and I can't leave DD2 (DD1 comes with me). How did you find the stop / start runs after doing the 20 min one last week?

Horrible! But I remember it from last time I think the idea is to prevent injuries by people getting carried away. I’m big so it’s a good idea not to go at it too hard!

I've been rained off this morning and stuck in with the kids for the rest of the day now. I really need to crack W5D1. I'm using 5K runner app so for me it's 5R 3W 6R 3W 5R. The 5 minute runs still seem so hard and I know it skips up to 8 minutes this week

Dh is on W4 R1, so one behind me, and just came in skipping about how straightforward it was and his amazing time . MUST. NOT. TRY. TO. COMPETE!

Thanks for posting those times for an average 5K by age and sex @TeamEponine - helps me recognise that dh & I will be following different paths and there's no issue with me being slower.

It's raining here too and looks miserable but I'm going to try and force myself out later. Maybe.