C25k get your encouragement here.

[StripyHorse]

As the last thread has been going so well, with graduates aplenty, here's a new thread for encouragement. Everyone is welcome!

I’ve not ran since Tuesday but I got some nice new trainers!

Out with the old and in with the new

@fizzysister welcome to the group. I though week 1 would kill me off but it does get better somehow. Well done for making that daunting start.

@sleepyhead nearly there, well done. Just one run to graduation and officially not being 'couch' anymore.

@Ikeameatballs they look much better. Nice and ready for W7R1

I couldn't face W8R3 this morning. I've caught the cold that my daughters kindly brought home and just couldn't face a pitch black 6am run this morning when tomorrow is a possible alternative. Hopefully tomorrow's run will be a good finish to week 8 🤞🏻

grin] Graduated! Beautiful Autumn day for it.

Welcome @fizzysister - the week 1 runs are HARD! It's amazing how this programme builds you up though - when you think you can't do the next bit you usually find you can!

Love the new shoes @Ikeameatballs!

Just finished week 1 and it was tough. DH started this morning so I'm looking for some sympathy or encouragement at home. Time will tell.

Well done for starting fizzysister. DEFINITELY breathe in through your nose, it will help your throat, but also it helps keep your rhythm. If you're struggling to breathe through your nose, you need to slow down. I'm also a bit phlegmy, so always take tissues out with me, but often just blow to the side of the path (gross, sorry! But I run rurally, so tends to be blown straight into hedgerows, does that make it any better?!? 😭).

sleepyhead congratulations! What's next?

DH, DS13 and I are all still running - DH is a seasoned runner anyway, I've been running off and on for years, and can usually knock out a 35-37 5km without needing to build up to it. I've really enjoyed running more since doing the C25k, and have been so impressed with non-sporty DS. DH is now training us, aiming for a 30min 5k by Xmas. We're doing pretty well, going out twice a week, and on Thursday managed a 33:05 min 5k, which was quite tough, but doable. Just as amazing as going from struggling to run for 1min to running comfortably for 30 mins after 9 weeks, going from a 7min plus/km average to 6:35/km in 3 weeks has also amazed me. Looks like 30mins is actually in reach. 😲

Glad you got your new shoes ikea, hope they feel good? I'm an ASICS girl, recommended to me by a keen runner physio, and not looked back. Apparently good for my narrow, over-pronating feet (I wear Gel Kayano which have high stability. DH actually wears the same). I've got new trainers too, but keeping them for indoor exercise for now while my outdoor running trainers are still ok. I'm another with far too many trainers, I also wear trainers for work, so have fashion as well as exercise ones. Indoor pairs x 2 (but 1 will become outdoor trainers when my current ones wear out), outdoor running x 1, muddy outdoor x 2 (these are just old trainers), walking trainers x 1, plus about 6 pairs of 'fashion', including 2 pairs that are actually technically running shoes, but I liked the style so wear for work 😂.

Well done @Onthemantle it may not get easier but you will get better!

I feel really guilty as I’ve still not been out in the new trainers. 40mph winds here yesterday and today are my excuse and I was a bit hungover this morning and then at the hairdressers. I will definitely go tomorrow and report back here for accountability!

Re the trainers, I went after work and there wasn’t much choice but I was desperate to get something. They seem to get decent reviews and I went for that colour way as if they turn out to be no good for running in I like the look of them for just casual wear.

Congratulations @sleepyhead

Welcome to those starting out - you can absolutely do this! When I started week 1 I really, really struggled. I had never done any form of exercise before. I can now run 5k! It can be tough, but trust the programme, it does work!

After some previous advice I repressed week 3 and then have just moved onto wk5r1 which was this morning. Actually felt great at the end.

However wk5r3 what the hell??? 20 minutes. I’m going to have to find a decent playlist as I tend to pick a song I like and repeat it on my longer runs.

A thanks again to those that said to repeat runs and take days in between-it’s helped me.

@sleepyhead well done!

W8R3 done today, afternoon run for a change with DD2 on her scooter beside me. Managed 3.3k in my 28 minutes today and it wasn't anywhere near as awful as W8R2.

If I can manage to get to graduation with my rubbish hip/ankle I'm going to try for 5k and see how long it'll take me to run. Something to aim for!

Week 1 starters, we've all been there. You've made the start just keep sticking your trainers on and you'll be amazed at what you're capable of. I remember mentally begging Laura to tell me 90 seconds was up, now I'm running albeit slowly my oversized backside for 28 minutes non-stop. I still can't quite believe it's me doing it.

So my legs felt ok this morning so I took myself off to the gym thinking I would repeat yesterday’s W5R1 but I actually did run 2 and I’m delighted!

However any advice for W5R3? I just cannot see how I can get there. I know it’s mind if matter and I have told myself that on this mornings run which helped. It’s just that the first run or couple of the weeks I get right legs then by the time the second half comes round they are a bit better. Maybe warm up longer? Not sure but I think I might repeat today’s a couple of times before trying run 3

Honestly? I wouldn't bother repeating runs if you've already completed them successfully.

W5 R3 is huge mentally but the programme is carefully structured to get you to the point where you can run for 20 mins without stopping - you've already done the physical prep to be ready for it.

Start slow - you can speed up if you feel like it in the 2nd half once you know you're going to make it.

You don't need the short break - think about it, it's really only taking out a short walking break and replacing that with running.

Also - make sure you have a rest day before you do it to give yourself time to recover even if you feel good.

You can do it and it will feel amazing!

Thanks. You’re right I suppose I’m Being a bit of a wimp thinking I need to be flying on R2 to be able to contend with run 3. I’ll most certainly have a rest day or two. I’m hoping to pick the right moment mentally to get it done. During the week I take a lunch break and run on that so smack bang in the middle of work so I suppose it depends how my morning has gone.

Thanks for the tips. I’m just nervous about it but if I fail then I can repeat it until it’s manageable

@Mortgagehelp2020 I felt exactly the same as you about W5R3. I thought about repeating W5R2?etc etc. In the end I just thought, screw it I’m going to go for it, and it was fine. I felt absolutely elated afterwards. I really think it is mind over matter so pick when you do it carefully. And you know what, if you can’t run for 20min I bit you can still run for a lot longer than you could 6 weeks ago!

I’ve just come in from W7R1 (first in my new trainers) but again because of MapMyRun pausing the C25K app, and I think what’s app messages paused it too, so I managed to run for 4.77km in 29min. I am
Amazed by how much this app has improved my fitness.

@Ikeameatballs thanks so much for sharing your experience it helps. And the encouragement.

I had that same attitude today I just thought sod it let’s click on the next run and see what happens. I’m going to mix up my playlist to see if that helps. You’re so right I hated the first few runs. I felt out of breath but can hurt sky day my breathing isn’t an issue at all, my legs hurt sometimes and I just keep telling them to keep going. Will keep you posted.

Went out for a run today - first run in two weeks. My last two runs were and 4K and a 5k, but I knew if I didn’t get out, I’d lose momentum and possibly not run again until the spring. I’m not letting all my hard work go to waste. It wasn’t a great run. Did 3k then had to stop for a break, then did another 1.5k. Still, I got out there and did it - that’s what counts!

Well done to everyone who is still plugging away at it.

I had got to WK9 R1 by running every other day. Then I caught a horrible cold and just moved very slowly and tried not to bend down for 8 days! I ventured out tentatively this morning as I’m not 100% and did the one where you go ten minutes then a break and another ten. It was Ok so I will try a longer one next time. I know I could probably just go back to wk 9 but it is all about not scaring the horses with my mentality and running. I need to not be dreading it and also to find a way to maintain it when I finish the programme.

Hi, hope it's OK to join

I did W3R1 on Saturday and felt quite good so I thought I'd carry on at the end and see how I got on. I managed an extra 15 mins on the end of the run which shocked me not fast at all, and not really very long in the grand scheme of running, but it felt huge to me! You'd think I was Paula Radcliffe I was so chuffed with myself

I'm enjoying it so far but feeling apprehensive for the jump to the longer runs in the coming weeks. Keep telling myself to trust the programme! It's really inspirational seeing so many people on here that are at the end of the programme, just got to stick at it

Thanks everyone! @EmmaStone I re-did the run yesterday, taking your advice and it was SO much better

I might actually be able to keep this up, and maybe even enjoy it!

Yay, glad it helped fizzy

W4 R1 today and still enjoying it!
Couldn't go any slower but it seems to be working. When Laura announced the final minute I even managed to speed up a bit without dying.

My thighs still hurt from yesterday’s run. Hoping they feel better by tomorrow evening when I plan to go out again.

Well I’m back on the horse, went for my first run in over a week yesterday, debated whether or not to repeat a run or crack on but decided to keep going so started W4 R1 and actually it went better than I thought. Was pleasantly surprised that the 5 minute runs weren’t too savage, I went off slower and was able to sustain it.
New trainers are a revelation for my shins and knees although there was a strange bit of discomfort along the outside edge of my right foot but I carried on regardless.
Felt amazing getting home.
@LakeFlyPie we are at the same stage!

@onthemantle and @fizzysister welcome and well done for starting, that's almost the hardest part (I think I had the app on my phone for a year before actually starting!). Keep coming back here... everyone is so positive... and I think most of us did the silent pleading with Sarah / Laura / whoever asking for 60 or 90 seconds to be up!

@sleepyhead congratulations. What's next?

@Mortgagehelp2020 you can do it! Remember to keep your pace slow. Think about how far you have come. (That said, if you do repeat runs, that's all fine - better to keep running than worry too much about getting to the end of the programme quickly).

@Cathpot I think that 10 min plus a break is such a good confidence booster isn't it? I did that one a couple of times when I struggled with the 25 mins.

Welcome @Jujuball - bloody hell an extra 15 minutes on the end, I don't think you need to be worried about the longer runs at all 🤣

I am on the home stretch, just finished W8r1. DH insisted on coming out with me on Saturday which I was kind of dreading because he kept saying about how I should run with him so he could push me a bit more (NO, I want to go MY pace!). In the end it was nice having the company and he didn't make me go faster than I was comfortable with - actually I was slower than I had been on the previous run. Including the walks, I managed to cover just over 5k in the 38 minutes so I actually feel a 5k might be possible.

First time out since my graduation run on Saturday.

I'm going to see how I go not following any particular programme and just try to get out for at least 30 minutes running 2 or 3 times a week.

When (if?!) things get back to normal I've got the choice of several local parkruns which I'd like to try, and I'm going to stop avoiding the very hilly areas round about and just go for shorter, slower runs incorporating them.

So, today I did 6K! Running for 45 minutes. I don't really want to run much further than that, but it felt good today and as I ended up further from home than I'd originally planned before turning around I just kept going for a bit.

Great to see the new faces and that we're all progressing at our own pace