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 just signed up to a local C25K group starting a week on Tuesday. I did C25K in a different group a few years ago and managed to lumber around a Parkrun by the end of the programme. My aim this time is to actually enjoy it! Might go out and do a couple of W1 trials before I join the group

Well done to all progressing!

Ouch to that knee/palm scrape and well done for getting up and keeping going!

I REALLY struggle in cold weather with my ears, it makes me want to curl up in a hedgerow and slowly die. Luckily, I've got a headband buff thing (it's YEARS old, from Nike), which keeps me ok. Slightly fleecy on the inside.

DS, DH and I did W9R1 today. Was so proud of DS13, he pretty much managed it all, with a sprint finish. We ran just over 4K over the 30 mins, so a nice speed for a beginner I think. Hoping DS will continue running beyond this, at least twice a week. DH is a regular runner, used to compete at school and is annoyingly always able to jump off the sofa and knock out a 50min 10k having done no training. I'm a reluctant plodder, slow and steady, struggle with distances beyond 5k, so hoping as long as one of us accompanies him, he'll keep getting out. Will be harder to fit in around school and darker evenings though (have to be out of the house by 7:45, no way we'll run before school/work!).

Nice one Emma stone and son!

I think 30 minutes 5k is a tough ask, especially as it's hard to find a flat 5k route in most places. But once you can run steadily for 30 minutes you're not far off finishing off the 5k distance, especially at a parkrun... It's definitely easier to run with fellow runners and Marshalls around!

My 5 year old beat me on a couple of uphill races today. First time she's beaten me when I've been trying to win. This does not bode well for when parkrun restarts and I need to keep up with her! I was hoping I'd be fast enough to escort her until she's at least 7!

Main reason for trying to improve my speed - DH's knees aren't good enough to run much (old skiing injuries) - is to try not to annoy her too much! And it's much tougher for me to improve than for her to grow longer legs!

Well done Sleepyhead!

I've just done W5R2. It was ok, but I went out earlier than usual so my normal route was very busy with dog walkers and I had to divert down a different road to avoid them all! I'd just got into my stride with the first 8-minute run when Laura told me to walk again; after that, it was much harder motivating myself to start the second 8-minute run and I wished I'd just kept plodding on. I'm hoping that bodes well for W5R3 in a couple of days!

I know what you mean about fitting it in around meals, Ikea! An added complication for me is that DH also wants to go out running 3 evenings a week (having done C25K a year ago - his transformation is what inspired me to have a go too). We normally eat dinner with the DCs around 6.30, so it's at least 8pm if either of us wants to go out after that (and I definitely prefer to go running before dinner, not afterwards!). We've been taking it in turns to go out while dinner is being prepared, but we've also had one evening a week when the DCs get fish fingers at 6.30 and we both go out running, one at 6.30 and one at around 8. We can then have a well deserved (and civilised!) dinner à deux once the DCs are in bed, so it kind of functions as a date night as well.

Re headphones: I currently wear my massive over-ear noise cancelling jobs but my ears get very hot by the end of a run. I've promised myself some bone conduction headphones (like these for example) as a reward when I graduate. Do any of you use them?

Did my very first run of week one today. Many, many years since I did exercise and need to get fitter and lose bit if weight. It was sooo hard though. Does it get easier?

Make sure you’re not going too fast. Slow right down. You cannot go too slowly. It doesn’t matter if your running is slower than your walking, just get both feet off the ground and don’t make your steps too large either. If you can walk the same amount of time, you should be OK to lightly jog the run sections.

Thanks @daisypond I think maybe I was too quick for the first but was really slow after. I felt I had a really good workout its just I feel I could do with a month on that!! I keep reading how easy and gentle week 1 is!

Thanks so much, I’m going to get a fleecy headband.

I can’t imagine getting to week 9 or actually running 5k but I’ll watch you all and keep trying to get out there.

Maxtry, R1 W1 is one of the hardest runs I think!

I had a low point in week 4 when I wasnt sure I could go on and realised luckily that it was because I was starting too fast and then fading towards the end, which isnt sustainable when you're running for more than a few minutes (for those of us who are beginners!).

We're trying for distance/sustained time, not sprinting, so now I start slooooow and speed up a bit in the last section if I feel I can.

Google Japanese Slow Running - v inspiring!

Mackerella, you'll be good for R3! I think there's definitely something in just being able to keep going once you've got your pace feeling comfy.

I felt a bit wobbly around the 8-12 min mark and then it just felt like I'd hit my stride and the last 8 was fine!

@Maxtry
If you think you’ve had a really good workout, I think you’ve been going too quickly. You should be able to have a conversation while running the run sections.

Definitely - don't feel daft actually speaking out loud from time to time if it helps to pace yourself!

OK will slow down on R2. Thanks x

Thank you for the new thread. I’m just checking in having just finished week 7. Walking intervals seem like a distant memory!

Trying to summon the enthusiasm to go for W7R3. Found a nice route down by the canal near my house which is good to see ducks bobbing about as I waddle past!

Just signed up for JW 90 day plan as it's on offer again like a DFS sale! so hoping to do that when if I graduate 🤞

It's really inspiring to see you moving through the weeks StillDumDeDumming and sanityisamyth and also all the graduates/near graduates - makes those of us a bit further back keep on keeping on.

I'm glad of the rest day today - I'm feeling my calves!

I saw a styleandbeauty thread on what people had bought for autumn-winter. So far, my purchases include: a high viz bib, waterproof hat, wicking socks, warm running leggings and a warm long sleeve running top. My parents are getting me a chest light for my birthday. Oh, and I've ordered a selection of goretex trail shoes for muddy winter trails! Not quite sure this is what the S&B crew have in mind...

Good work sleepyhead, stilldumdedumming, mackerella and all those still making progress. Great to see new starters too, you have made a great choice getting started!

I have definitely gone from not-a-runner to a runner thanks to C25k. I've just done my 8th post graduation run (amazing sunset!), which I think is my 8th 5k. Tomorrow I'll be starting the endtoend virtual Land's End to John o'Groats which will hopefully encourage me to keep running through the winter.

Gorgeous sunset Una! 🌅 Loving the winter gear haul too!

Did W9R2 today, and went even faster than yesterday 😱, DS13 doing so well, it really seemed to click for him today, great pacing, controlled breathing, light feet. And a massive grin at the end 😁. He can't wait to graduate tomorrow. I know it's not strictly advised, but running largely every day has worked so well for us, helps make it much more of a routine. Off out for a long walk this evening, my poor calves 😭

It is so lovely seeing how much progress everyone is making through (and after) the programme.

All the best @The3rdWatermelon

Good luck with your challenge @UnaOfStormhold.

And...ouch! @Ikeameatballs hope your knee / hands heal quickly.

I had my first solo run today as DD didn't want to come with me (it was her birthday yesterday so she was too busy building her new lego). After having a week off running (lots of sightseeing walking and far too much food), I was tempted to go back a week, but then I looked at w5r1 vs w6r1 and thought 'fuck it, it's only 3 more minutes' so I carried on onto week 6. It's only a few weeks ago that running for 3 minutes was a big deal. Not having my running buddy made it harder because she acts as my pace setter - I really had to force myself to slow down. Instead of turning round when I got to half way I carried on until I had finished the run so I had an extra long cool down walk. I ended up doing 5.4 km including walking in 45 minutes so I am feeling positive about being able to do the 5k!

I visited Decathlon on Saturday and bought my first pair of running tights . I chickened out of wearing them on Sunday, but noticed that everyone else was wearing them actually and they all looked fine whatever their size.

I was checking out the colder weather gear too - was thinking a windproof jacket might be a good investment for Autumn, or should I just go straight for waterproof ?

I always run really hot when running so would do waterproof... Make sure it's bright/reflective rather than black.

I actually like a long sleeved tech top and a very light down (Aldi) Gilet for autumnal dry weather, then move to the winter tights (also Aldi) and only wear a jacket if cold and wet - often I wear to warm up then tie round waist!

I bought some new leggings and got straight back on the metaphorical horse today! W3R2 done and no more injuries.

I find the second set of 3min running tricky, it includes my steepest uphill stretch but I guess eventually I’ll be running the whole route so I need to get used to it. Overall though I am enjoying it, I just hope that continues.

It’s great to see EmmaStone and UnaofStormhold who have finished or are near the end. I hope I can keep my commitment up,

Thanks for the encouragement, Sleepyhead, and good luck with week 6!

It's great having people at different stages on this thread - and I'm really enjoying having other people to talk to about this. The only people I've told IRL are my husband and my mum, and the former is very supportive but definitely bored by now of me bending his ear about how I'm doing after each run.

Could someone tell me about warm winter leggings? I love my leggings, having never worn leggings before, but they're like a sports bra for my tummy, so I'm sticking with them. I'm not relishing running when the temperature is low though. It was 12 degrees on Saturday morning, and that felt chilly, I really feel the cold.

Hi folks. I am up to wk6 run1 completed today.
Need to go out and buy some decent trainers as running in 18 month old aldi cheapies.
Nearly getting to the stage of enjoying it, but at the very least it is keeping my MH more on the straight and narrow.