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Original poster

Current couch to 5k friends?

253 replies

PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2021 12:32

I’ve done this before but due to getting covid and an injury, I’m having another go to get back into running. Just done my first run (I thought week 4 might be roughly the right place to start) and remembered why I both love and hate running!

Anyone else interested in some motivational chat? I’m guessing lots might start in Jan but I’m trying to get ahead of the game!

OP posts:
pickingdaisies · 29/12/2021 13:25

If you don't get any takers, head over to NHS healthunlocked c25k forum. It's full of kind, supportive people at every stage of the course and beyond, plus some experienced runners to offer good advice.

Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2021 13:26

Thanks for the tip!

OP posts:
h0rsewithn0name · 29/12/2021 20:53

I'm thinking about starting this next week, but I am a total beginner. I've lost 3 stone, with another stone to go. I wonder if I'm ready for running!

What do you wear for running? I really don't want to fall into the trap of spending money on exercise gear that only gets used a handful of times.

Momniscient · 29/12/2021 20:58

Hi! I've been planning a return to running. This year I've had physio for a hip/knee injury and hey... "new year, new knee"? Grin Could do with some accountability buddies.

Last time I looked at C25K the app wouldn't play nice on my phone - whenever the screen went off the app would stop (so I kept running for ages thinking "Aren't I done with this 1 minute run yet?!?!" but then checked the phone and it's right back to the beginning) Confused

Momniscient · 29/12/2021 21:01

@h0rsewithn0name do you have any trainers, or flat shoes like vans? That's the main thing. In this weather I'd pretty much wear anything to keep warm - any t-shirt, or long sleeved top, and a hoodie or sweatshirt.

ThirdElephant · 29/12/2021 21:01

@h0rsewithn0name

I'm thinking about starting this next week, but I am a total beginner. I've lost 3 stone, with another stone to go. I wonder if I'm ready for running!

What do you wear for running? I really don't want to fall into the trap of spending money on exercise gear that only gets used a handful of times.

I just started today. Didn't do the couch to 5k thing though, just met up with some women I loosely know and went for it. Ended up doing 4.5k!

You need a decent sports bra, some trainers and a water bottle to start with. Everything else is not vital- just wear something comfy that gives a good range of movement.

h0rsewithn0name · 29/12/2021 21:23

Thanks all. I've got some very ordinary trainers, so tempted to start off with those. I can manage a t shirt and hoodie!

Right, so I'm sorted out with clothes. What other excuse can I come up with? 🤣

Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2021 21:29

Great to see some more posts. I did c25k years ago and I think the app has had a serious update. It can now play with other music apps at the same time. I was surprised in a good way!

I always get really hot when running so I just like a good sports bra, thin t shirt and a wind proof jacket. You could definitely get away without the jacket if you wore a longer sleeved t shirt.

I normally wear decent leggings. Anything with a drawstring is good or a properly fitted waist band. Nothing worse than constantly hoicking your trousers up!

I don’t like carrying a water bottle so I tend to just drink a lot when I’m back.

I think it’s worth spending on proper trainers but that’s mainly because I get hip pain if I don’t. You could see how you go and upgrade although personally I’d worry about aggravating (or getting) an injury just in vans. Plus round here there’s so much mud they’d be ruined in minutes.

OP posts:
Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2021 21:32

Right, so I'm sorted out with clothes. What other excuse can I come up with?

Too wet/muddy/dry/windy?
Eaten too much/recently?
Not eaten enough/the right thing?

I always find once I’ve started (technical, once I’ve done the first ten minutes) I’m glad I’m doing it and I’m very happy when it’s over! Getting started is the tough part. Im due to go again on Friday now. No excuses!

OP posts:
Momniscient · 29/12/2021 21:54

Okay so I've downloaded the C25K app... going to try it out tomorrow Halo

Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 29/12/2021 22:09

Yay!!! Hope it’s a good start.

OP posts:
Jammylodger · 29/12/2021 22:13

I just started! Well this is my 5th attempt.. got to week 7 once so am determined to crack it this time.. even joined a real running programme that starts in 2 weeks .. going for a head start! Happy to buddy up.. I need all the help!!

ClaraTheImpossibleGirl · 29/12/2021 22:18

I'd love to start again! Completed C25K just before the summer holidays, was running 5K two or three times a week and then I had to stop - no childcare, DP being completely unhelpful etc. I'm planning to start from about week 4 once the DC are back at school; I know it'll be cold and dark when I head out but I just need to get started again...

cantdocando · 29/12/2021 22:27

I had started and got to week five though then took a month off due to family commitments. Just started back again this wk (just repeated end of wk 4 again) determined to finish as I've started numerous times over the years and never got past wk 4

Lostinafield · 29/12/2021 22:33

I'd love to do it again but I'm a couple of stone heavier and 50 now and worried about my knees. I even have a treadmill but have only been walking uphill on it as scared to run/jog 😔

FreeFrenchHens · 30/12/2021 03:04

Popping in to say hi. I went for my first run since Oct yesterday and surprised myself. I really had to push myself to get to 15 mins then somehow kept going to 30. Everything hurts today though and I still have so far to go to get to 5k, so I don't feel like a graduate yet.

ExConstance · 30/12/2021 10:34

I did it last year, I had 4 stone to lose and started C25K when I'd lost the first of these and weighed 12 stone at 5'3". it took a bit longer than 8 weeks as to begin with running for 1 minute made me feel like coughing up blood and as if I was about to die, but I stuck with it through the summer and it was a real sense of achievement to be able to run 5k.
You don't need any special clothes except really good trainers. I run in an old pair of Matalan thin gym bottoms and a Primark top. As I run along a road that can be busy I did get a florescent tank top and a harness type thing with flashing lights front and back to keep me safe. I use ordinary gloves and a hat if it is cold. I've never taken water with me for 5k, it isn't far enough for me to need any.
It is harder to keep up now it is winter. I do have a head torch but in reality I'm just ticking over until it is light enough to go 3x pw in the spring. Doing the local park run most Saturdays is enough to keep me able to do 5k, though not at any great speed.Good luck with it, those of you who are starting out. Out of all the things I did to help weight loss it is the one that made me feel best about myself and really quite proud. I've been at 9 stone target for over 3 months now.

ExConstance · 30/12/2021 10:34

P.S. I'm 65. Knees protested a bit at first but 100% OK now.,

Lostinafield · 30/12/2021 12:11

@ExConstance

P.S. I'm 65. Knees protested a bit at first but 100% OK now.,
@ExConstance that's really inspiring, as is your weight loss! Thanks for that I've never lost weight running, but am getting help for binge eating disorder in January so feeling really quite hopeful
Momniscient · 30/12/2021 15:24

Trouble with the app today but I think I've sorted the settings for tomorrow. Headed out for a run around the block but got fed up it cutting out!

Contemplating park run but worried I might be very out my depth to go straight in at a 5k (even though apparently you can walk it?). Thoughts all?

ExConstance · 30/12/2021 15:55

I'm doing park run because it is 5k and once a week. Sadly our local one seems to be dominated by men (mostly youngish) who are very competitive and most weeks I am the only woman in my age category
( 60 to 65) I was really pleased to be told in the results I was the fastest in my age category, but then sad to see I was the only one!
There are quite a few people who set off walking, but I don't know what happens to them, maybe they only do one circuit and go home.
Everyone is very lovely but I do find all the speedy men dominating proceedings a bit intimidating.+

Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 30/12/2021 16:02

Great to see so much enthusiasm here. I’ve been for a walk today and will do run two of the week tomorrow.

@Lostinafield could you try fast walking instead of running to start with? To be honest, my running often isn’t as fast as I can walk sometimes!

I’m not ready for park run yet. I’m planning on getting a bit fitter to start with and will see in a month or so. That’s mainly because my one is full of fast and fit people. It really seems to vary.

OP posts:
Starrythings · 30/12/2021 17:49

Can I join?
I've just completed w1r1.
I did c25k last winter and really enjoyed it, but stupidly didn't keep it up once I completed the programme.

Original poster
PurpleDaisies · 30/12/2021 17:52

Everyone’s welcome!

OP posts:
Lostinafield · 30/12/2021 19:21

@PurpleDaisies I guess I could try walking but I got bored trying that before..