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 meant the 3rd and 4th one of those plans actually, the 5th one is something I might consider if when I finish the C25K programme, whenever that is, slow and steady wins the race right?! .

@Namechange1245 I firmly hated every minute of week 1! When your body hasn't done it for a while or before it feels a lot.

First time I did C25k was a month after surgery in 2016 (healthy defiance from me). I religiously completed every week twice although arguably sometimes this was because in a week I would only do 2 runs.

I'm a fan of leggings and Decathlon is cheap.

Thank you so much for all your great suggestions and support. I think this is the loveliest thread I’ve ever found on Mumsnet.

minipie I know we were at the same stage! I had a small op and was told not to exercise for a week so had to do W2 again - aiming to start W3 tomorrow! It's been v inspiring seeing you race ahead with the weeks!
namechange another vote for leggings - I like nike too as someone else mentioned upthread. Mainly because they are good quality but plain back and I definitely don't feel young, cool or fit enough for some of the funky coloured ones or the ones with the see-through stripey bits! Do you have a decent sports bra?x

Ah Cavagirl well done you for getting back on the program, I’m sure I would have used that op as an excuse to stop for ages. I’m not sure I’ll be racing ahead from here on as my next run is the dreaded w5r3. Going to try it tomorrow... if I can’t manage it I think I’ll repeat w5r2 for a bit.

Namechange don’t feel embarrassed, just think if you managed to run at all in jeans you’re probably better than you think you are!

Still impressed at all those running on hills. I avoid hills like the plague and really notice even a slight slope although it does mean a nice bit of downhill after.

W2 Run2 this morning.

It was not good. Feeling very disappointed. I knew I was on too much of a high after the last run. Really strong cross wind coming off the sea made it really hard work. Got a stitch. Also having a heavy period too.

Trying not to make excuses. That’s why I’m unfit.

Beautiful sunshine and lovely place to run are all positives.

I’ll have to re run this week I think.

Maybe trying to run at the weekend isn’t a good plan. I felt really motivated when I left home, but the wind was hard. DH is a proper runner and he said it makes a difference.

Oh sorry to hear that @DobbyTheHouseElk ! I NEVER run on my period. Am sure it is fine for other people but I just give myself the day off and postpone it; I feel too uncomfortable and sore. That combined with a strong wind and I think you’ve done really well to get out there and do it! Pat yourself on the back and call it a success. It all contributes towards building stamina and fitness, after all.

@Misandrylovescompany thank you so much. You’ve made me feel a whole lot better. I didn’t want to miss the run and give myself an excuse, but maybe it wasn’t a good idea.

I suppose I am still getting fit. The cross wind was nasty and I haven’t had a stitch before.

I’ll wait til Tuesday I think before doing the next run.

Thank you for your kind words, you really have cheered me up.

Cross winds are the worst. Especially when your core is sore.

I finally got out for a run after a severe case of the CBAs. 3.6 miles in 40 minutes, couple of walk breaks. 1 early on to remove coat, one in the middle.

Where I run I’m on the edge of the water and I was trying to stop myself from getting blown in. On a high track with the water below, beautiful but no good with this wind.

There is another route, but it’s in the shade. A fraction less wind.

severe case of the CBAs I love this phrase

I agree running with a heavy period must be really tough, I don’t feel like leaving the sofa on those days never mind running. Your scenery sounds amazing though!

Dobby but you did it, right? It's not supposed to be easy (that's what I tell myself anyway!) When Mo Farah runs a marathon in like half an hour, he's probably also feeling like he's going to die. If he wasn't, he'd be going faster! If it was easy then you'd make no progress.
So give yourself a big pat on the back, you did it! And in windy conditions which are the absolute worst, you should be bloody proud of yourself!

Well, I am officially onto week 6 now! w6r1 done.

Btw @DobbyTheHouseElk - at some point fairly early on Laura talks about what to do if you suffer from stitches, it’s mostly about drinking more water I think. Not sure exactly when it is so you might not have got to that bit yet. But do make sure you’re hydrated - drink plenty first thing in the morning, well before you head out to run, and even the day before you run too. It does make a difference!

Thanks everyone. Really means a lot. I was beating myself up all the time thinking I should be better.

Yes, it’s beautiful scenery. Tide was out, but still beautiful running along. Or walking and doing a slow shuffle!

That’s interesting about the stitch. I hadn’t had much to drink. Only a coffee. I will make sure I have water before I go next time.

I think I’m so frustrated with myself for being fit and running well, and now I’m a overweight person who can’t run 90seconds without wanting to cry.

I have Jo as my “voice” I’ll change to Laura next time and see if she gives anymore tips. I do find Jo motivating.

I did do it, and only slowed down on the first run section before Jo said to because of the stitch, that cam on almost immediately. I did loads of stretching when I was walking, hands in the air, I remember that used to work before.

Good to see everyone still at it. Good runs and bad, they're all better than sitting on the couch.
I'd decided having managed to 'consolidate' 5k that next step was to speed up a bit, aiming for 35 min 5k initially (I do go very slowly).
Had a challenging couple of runs during the week where I had to intersperse with a few 30 sec walks here and there and it all felt a bit difficult although managed to shave a few minutes off my usual time.
This evening I decided to go at a more leisurely pace and DS (my faithful running companion 🥰) jogged along admiring the Christmas lights and chatting (conversational pace was unimaginable a couple of months ago) and we had an absolutely lovely 5k which took just under 40 mins. I managed to jog the whole thing comfortably and most importantly remembered why I decided to undertake C25K in the first place, which was to try and enjoy running which I'd never managed to do before. Felt like I could have carried on this evening, possibly for another km or more but we were home by 5k, may try another route next run to see if we can keep the pace steady and go a bit further.

@LakeFlyPie that's brilliant
I have a ready made 5K route so when I want to go more I detour a bit then come back so I finish in the same spot so it feels like I've only done 5K

I have also had a severe case of CBA the last few days... it's raining here but have identified a suitable gap in the weather radar in about 30mins time so going for it! Posting to make sure I do, I'd feel very shamefaced having to tell you all I didn't do it now let's hope the gap in the clouds is sufficient!

Go @Cavagirl
I go when it's rainy and tell myself on my warm up walk "this rain will be your friend in ten minutes when you're sweating like a pig"

Thanks schoolcook !
I waited until weather radar was looking good and it stayed dry the whole time!
Somehow I started with W1 again by mistake so did the first 1min interval of that before W2R3 which is what I should have been doing! I was feeling quite good at the end still so decided to try running the whole last walking interval to see what 3 minutes feels like ready for W3...definitely my technique (whatever there was of it!) goes to pot and I was just hanging on but I could at least do it! So feeling good to move to W3 now I have earned the sausage sandwich currently under construction after all that extra running

Well done

W2 R2 done. Warm drizzle. More of a crawl than run. Tried to find a different park. Got lost. Along busy roads as live near an airport. Ran through a graveyard. Felt a bit like running through treacle but enjoyed the last 30 seconds! I console myself that every run builds leg strength and better cardio. Found myself quite far from home on the walk back and bit chilly when back.

Is the narration the same every week for all 3 runs? It seems to be on the NHS Couch to 5km app.

Well done everyone! Had to read this thread to decide whether to go in drizzle today- glad I did.

Well done @User9574 That sounds quite the adventure 😂

Thanks @Cavagirl!

@User9574 Is the narration the same every week for all 3 runs? It seems to be on the NHS Couch to 5km app. it does that for most of the weeks, but some weeks the 3 runs are different and have a unique narration. IIRC this is the case in weeks 6 and 7 at least.

I stopped using the app in week 8 and just started doing 30 minute runs without narration. Now I am alternating between (i) a 5km route which I am trying to work on my speed for, by doing 60 second bursts of faster running alternating with a slower jog (I will aim to make the faster bursts get gradually longer) - I can now do it in just over 35 minutes and would like to get it below 30 eventually and (ii) trying to build my endurance up towards running for 10km by gradually increasing the distance I can run non-stop for (can do 45 mins ish now)

Well done all for your efforts. It is a great feeling to know you have finished the C25k programme, and the time passes quicker that you think once you get stuck in. Keep going.