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 have just read through the last three pages and there are so many doing so well I can’t name check. One question that did stick with me was whether I enjoy running (I started c25k on 8th April, ran my first 5k 6th May and graduated 1st June) I’m still not sure. I know I like the feeling after running, and I know that I don’t think I’ll ever go back to not doing cardio because my breathing is so much easier now.

Popped back on here to share my little revelation on what to do after c25k ends as I know there are a few people still on here after graduating. I’ve been playing with hill runs and intervals and honestly avoiding going some days because it was raining. I’ve been out repeating runs from weeks 6/7 for no reason other than I couldn’t think what to do by myself and just running until I’m too tired to carry on isnt that exciting. Anyway here is my new thing - today I ran 5k for the first time since last tuesday but instead of running a circuit I ran it in a near straight line away from home. Then I had to get back so i put the c25k programme on week 1 run 1 and did another 4.6km on the way home in the 60 secs run/ 90 secs walk format. I actually really enjoyed parts of today and I think I’m on to a winner. If only because I can run to much more interesting places. And actually after a little rest in the middle I’m totally up for running again. I’m so glad I tried it.

I covered the first 5k in 33.58 and 9.6km in 1 hour 13.40 using the 60sec/90sec system. I’m going to try this again.

Important psychological battle won yesterday. For some reason this time around I’ve been absolutely crippled by anxiety and self-consciousness, to the point of actually being in tears at the thought of going running. I’ve been running very close to my house in the hope that nobody will see me. But I was getting a bit bored doing 5-6 laps of the same place.

So today I slapped on my best glittery lippy and braved a much more public area. There were people about and guess what...nobody laughed, nobody pointed, nobody shouted ‘oi fatty’ and the world just kept on turning.

I'm on the dreaded week 5 this week. I know I can do it because I did it at the beginning of the year...but I don't feel as fit. Maybe it's the weather but I'm really struggling to breathe at the moment. I'm slowing right down but I can't seem to catch my breath properly.

@MsPants you're my run twin!!! Let's cheer each other on! When are you doing W5R3? I'm not sure of mine yet - could be Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

(Great name by the way-I used to have a chat called Mrs Pants!)

@MyGhastIsFlabbered your post resonated with me. One of the reasons I hadn't tackled C25K before is that I was certain the whole world would be watching, judging and laughing. At the beginning of lockdown I saw lots of people who were older/fatter/less fit/slow running and nobody seemed to take notice. This really gave me the impetus to start. Guess what, nobody has pointed a finger and when I have seen people I know they have all been really supportive and encouraging. I reckon even doing it not brilliantly (for whatever reason), is better than those not doing it at all!

Chankly. Sounds a great way to get home. I hope I'm in your shoes by sept 👍

I just finished w5r1! Never ever thought I'd get here. Getting out of bed this morning was soooo hard but I'm so glad I did.

Does anybody else find it easier to run fasted? I'm definitely finding morning runs before breakfast much better.

@MyGhastIsFlabbered excellent, I'll be your cheerleader!

I'll be doing mine on Friday, I have to do it on set days otherwise I'll give myself an excuse to put it off. I go for 1st thing in the morning so there are fewer people to see my fat arse wobbling around the place. I've let it put me off before but I think I've just reached a point in my life where I don't have the fucks to give. I just stick a good podcast on and I'm completely oblivious to what's going on around me.

Let me know how you get on with your 1st 8 minuter - I'll be doing mine tomorrow

Ooh @hellolilacs, you're at the same point as us too.

Yes, I prefer to go before breakfast. I feel a bit sick if I eat before I go.

I tried to do wk 8 run 2 this morning, Ds 14 wanted to come with me so I told him when to start running and he shot off like a rocket. I caught up with him after a mile and he was being sick in a bush. We had to go home so I will repeat the run Thursday.

@MyGhastIsFlabbered @Alamindah completely with you there. Always just so self conscious about running in public. Did my second C25K run this morning and fingers crossed the whole way I didn’t see anybody I knew.
Also found it easier to go earlier before breakfast (and before it gets too hot). Was really stiff today in the hips and shins tight but actually found running and brisk walking ok.
So impressed with you all getting to 8 minutes! Seems so far off but really inspired by you all.

I figured near the start of lockdown that there would be a lot more runners and cyclists once they closed the gyms and pools. And I was definitely right round here. All the people who would normally run with their running club were suddenly solo and with the closure of park run, the 5k runners were spread out over the whole week. I figured it was the least conspicuous time to start running because I could conceivably have simply switched from my usual exercise/running location and taken up road running instead.

I think I was right - have run into several people I know when out running now, have to say it’s not my favourite thing and I agonise about the chance meeting after. But i notice other runners so much more and I see all ages and sizes. I was overtaken multiple times by other runners yesterday as I chose the canal path which is always a popular route. What’s that saying? Still slow, still lapping the people on the couch?

Oh and there was something said on one of these threads a few months ago that also helped me - the person you’ve run into has no way of knowing if you’re on your sixth or sixtieth minute of running. I used to be self conscious about dropping to a walk when anyone could see me in case they judged, which sounds ridiculous however now I realise how many longer distance runners run intervals for training. So again, they have no way of knowing why I’m dropping down the gears. Even if they cared, which they don’t!

When I see someone walking in running clothes I definitely now think, ooh, wonder if they're doing C25K! I even asked someone and she was a few weeks ahead of me!

Joining ! On week 2 , I love it ...I have had a really bad lower back from gardening , is it ok to still carry on ?!

Should have been W7R2 today but I couldn't face it so repeated W6R1. Not sure it was any easier! Ugh.

After my disaster run (Week9 run 2) I had another go today. I seemed to get stuck in a slower pace but it was easy to keep up. I got to 30 minutes and felt so good I thought I could carry on, so I did. I got to the end of the 5 minute warm down and still felt great, so I carried on for a few hundred yards to the gate off the common. 37 minutes running and not knackered. Kind of euphoric, like I wanted to climb a hill after the run and shout "I am a running god!" to the world. Remembered I'm English and went home and had a cup of tea instead.

One run to go. Crazy to think back to doing that first batch of minute long runs and feeling like throwing up afterwards.

Murmurur the important thing is that you got out there!

Girlofthenorth does running make your back worse? If not you're probably ok though plenty of stretching and strengthening exercise in between runs might be good for both. I have tight hip flexors which give me lower back pain, so I make sure I do some hip opening stretches as part of my warm up and make sure my posture is nice and upright when I run.

W6r1 done. Found it harder than w5r3 which surprised me as there was less running and intervals. Never thought I would say 20min solid running was better

So after failing all W6 runs last week I decided to go back and try W6 R1 today and it was great! Do you think your period would affect running? Thats the only difference I can see, I really struggled last week yet today wasnt too bad?

@mumto2unicorns

W6r1 done. Found it harder than w5r3 which surprised me as there was less running and intervals. Never thought I would say 20min solid running was better

Totally agree. Didn’t help that I had a dreadful stitch but I was so fed up by the third run last night 😂

@FloatOn

So after failing all W6 runs last week I decided to go back and try W6 R1 today and it was great! Do you think your period would affect running? Thats the only difference I can see, I really struggled last week yet today wasnt too bad?

Absolutely. I was so bloated and rubbish last night as well as a stitch!

On Saturday I ran 20 minutes averaging 6.45 per km. last night my average was 8.20!

Thanks @@UnaOfStormhold no I don't think so, my back is just bad most of the time, though starting to worry it's making it worse...I'll try and have a break and see how it goes, thanks re stretching I'll try that

Finished. Woo hoo. Thanks for all the thread support.

Congrats @Cherrypi !

Congratulations!!

I'm up to nearly a week off now. Oops. Bra plus feeling a bit yucky.

I can't work out if I should get a Covid check or if I just have end of term teacher exhaustion! I'm feeling tired and headachy but glands are up and just feel yucky.