Current couch to 5k friends?

[PurpleDaisies]

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!

You are all doing amazing!

I went for W3R1 today and it was a beautiful morning but omg it was hard going. I know that sounds pathetic compared to everyone else but it’s still progress I guess.

And @Lostinafield that sounds like a fabulous plan.
@januarysnowdrop nice to hear you talking about park runs. We have a near by one and I’ve been thinking that if I can make it to the end of C25k, my plan will be to take part in one. But that’s some way off at the moment ;)

Something else I’ve realised from these recent runs is that I am not used to wearing shoes these days ;)

Well done everyone, it is really inspiring seeing everyone on here and you are keeping me going too!

W6R1 today. Managed to miss the squally rain and enjoyed it.

@januarysnowdrop your park run group sounds wonderful.
Yes am lucky enough to have a(n unused) treadmill at home. I was housebound a lot last year so bought it so I could get some exercise...

Well done @BrinksmansEntry.
And @SantaHat you don't sound pathetic. You're doing it!!

Well done everyone.

@Lostinafield your plan sounds like a great idea, let us know how you get on!

I'd second the park runs, I tried my first (local) one last week and really "enjoyed" it (well at least the feeling after).

This weekend I happened to be visiting people so did the local one there which was entirely flat along the esplanade on the seafront and it was fantastic! Very envious that's not my local one!

I did the big 20min run w5r3 today, tough but doable. Feel really glad to have completed it!

Well done @Hereforthedramaz! I used to run on an esplanade. 20 minutes is proper running!
Well, I just completed my Wk3R1 on the treadmill (fast walking uphill instead of running). It's a start.

I think @Lostinafield was asking about post running stretches? I stumbled across another c25k thread on here and someone had recommended these. Hope they might be of some use!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDsdplsAqK8
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhLbp8ibmEE

Wow well done you lot!!

W5R1 yesterday, was great! I’m definitely enjoying it more now I can actually run 😆

I can’t believe I’ve actually stuck at my New Years resolution 😂

@WeAllLikeVindaloo

Wow well done you lot!!

W5R1 yesterday, was great! I’m definitely enjoying it more now I can actually run 😆

I can’t believe I’ve actually stuck at my New Years resolution 😂

That's a really good point, I don't think I've ever kept a resolution this well either!

After doing more pure road runs and for longer runs my shins are a little painful (not achy) which I think is very light shin splints. I'm hoping the fancy proper road running trainers ive bought (I actually bothered to read reviews rather than just by pretty ones in the sale) and actually doing some stretches before and after will stop it happening.

Anyone else getting prickly lower legs?

Anyone else getting prickly lower legs?

This has something I’ve always had in previous years when I’ve started running again and it tends to be why I give up. So to avoid it this time, I bought some compression sleeves and so far, no prickles (and therefore less excuses for me!).

@SantaHat

Anyone else getting prickly lower legs?

This has something I’ve always had in previous years when I’ve started running again and it tends to be why I give up. So to avoid it this time, I bought some compression sleeves and so far, no prickles (and therefore less excuses for me!).

Ooh I've seen the compression bands but never really understood what they were for! I'll give them a go thank you!

I'm relieved to hear you found a way around it, I really don't want to have to stop!

Thank you x

Thanks for the stretches @SantaHat!
Well done vindaloo, running is such a lovely feeling.
Don't get what prickly lower legs is...

Omg. 6.7k with the novice running dog. I had to carry him part way 🤣

@Lostinafield a suggestion re your shoulder pain. I've been running a while with a group and often have sore shoulders after. Mentioned it to one of our group (who's a running coach) and he said it's caused by clenching your hands when running. He said to imagine that you're running with a handful of crisps in your hand. Worth a try!

[quote 3dogsnorth]@Lostinafield a suggestion re your shoulder pain. I've been running a while with a group and often have sore shoulders after. Mentioned it to one of our group (who's a running coach) and he said it's caused by clenching your hands when running. He said to imagine that you're running with a handful of crisps in your hand. Worth a try![/quote]
Oh thanks @3dogsnorth that's really interesting. Will give it a go next "run"!

@3dogsnorth it works! Thanks so much.
Question, when you're running outside is it possible to hold a water bottle and still do the loose hands without dropping it?

Well done everyone! I finished W5R3 this morning and it wasn't half as bad as I'd feared: I still think the jump from week 3 to week 4 was the worst bit so far.

Do the Couch25K coaches all read off a script, or do they make up some bits of it themselves, does anyone know? Denise Lewis makes me laugh sometimes: towards the end of one run she said 'I think you deserve a treat' & I was just wondering what she was going to suggest (doughnuts?!) when she said 'after I've had a run I like to have a nice hot shower' which I thought was a curious definition of a treat but whatever.

Planning to do the ParkRun again tomorrow: my support group is only there once a month so that won't be happening but I'd like to get into doing it regularly & it'll be fun to track my progress starting from such a low base. I'd definitely recommend going before you're quite ready & walking as much of it as you need to: I felt really welcome & I reckon the more slow participants there are the better all the other slow people will feel about being there!

This thread dropped off my active threads-really great to see so many of us getting through the programme. I’m doing week 7 run 3 later.

Off to read everyone’s comments!

@januarysnowdrop
My w5r3 is later today! I did run 2 with a double pram and I felt sick afterwards 🙈
Hoping the run on my own later will be much easier!

@WeAllLikeVindaloo blimey, running with a double pram?! I hope you don't live somewhere hilly. Best of luck with Run 3: do let us know how you got on. Hopefully without the pram it'll be a breeze.

@Lostinafjord that's great! Personally I don't carry a bottle if I'm going a short distance. I really don't like carrying stuff in my hands. What I did buy and it's been great is a thing called a Flipbelt. You can get water bottles that fit in it, it also takes your keys and phone. I didn't always take my phone but since running with a friend in a quiet location who became quite unwell, I always do now!

www.wiggle.co.uk/flipbelt-zipper-1

www.wiggle.co.uk/flipbelt-zipper-1

Well I did it! Week 5 completed.
I have to say it was definitely easier without the pram! Very windy here though.
I never thought I’d come this far so I feel like I’ve achieved massively. Keep it up ladies, we got this 💪🏼

Week 7 run 3 done this morning. I had the same issue with it being windy. I’m not sure how but it seemed to be in my face the whole way round. It felt like hard work but I did it and managed to end up with couple of minutes of fast running to try to reach the target finish point I’d set. I didn’t quite get there but next time I will.

Well done to everyone out there today!

You lot are doing so well! So proud of you all.
It’s been a rough week or so but today I am determined to get out and have a run.
I’ve also been thinking about booking myself onto a park run in say a month’s time to encourage myself.