Does anyone fancy a C25K thread, starting on 2nd or 3rd Jan?

[hivemindneeded]

I'd love to get back into running now that I've fully recovered from an injury. No one I know wants to do it with me so I think I'll download C25K and start in Jan.

Anyone know which is the best app? Last time I tried, the app kept getting ads on it which wrecked the timings. I want to avoid that if possible.

Any takers?

I totally agree that what you listen to makes a huge difference @TwinkleToesStrikesAgain. I did week 8 run 1 today and just as it got to the three minutes increased time from last week, my dance music podcast cut to news. Really could have done with something more motivating to get me over the line more quickly! Same as you, I ran the whole thing (despite some grotty weather) so I was pleased. Back out on Friday.

@TwinkleToesStrikesAgain you're doing great - am out for week 7 run 1 this morning. Im apprehensive even though is no different to last time.
@PurpleDaisies I can imagine music to news wouldn't be the most motivating!

As I hit week 7 am starting to think about what I'll do if make it to end of week 9 as I think I'll still need some sort of structure to keep me motivated - I also can't see that I'll be covering 5k by then so maybe that'll be the goal!

I'm also wondering about longer term. Just completed week 5 run 2 and doing 2 x 8mins was actually doable which feels pretty great and I would love to stay fitter rather than crashing back onto the couch. But it's reminding me I just don't get how people love running.

Doing lots of bursts of running/walking gave me other things to concentrate on but this morning for the first time I was just thinking how un-fun I find it as an activity - not looking forward to doing one long run.

I'm determined to be fit enough for this holiday that I don't hold the others up but after that I can't see how I'm going to maintain the motivation and yet it is by far the cheapest/easiest way of getting regular exercise. Has anyone done this and ended up just loving the running itself??

Somehow I’ve ended up on two c25k threads but I’m enjoying all the running chat. It’s saving my family from getting too bored by me talking about it!

I did week 8 run 2. I sort of enjoyed it. I went somewhere new and although it was flatter, there were lots of people around so that cancelled it out. I was surprised that my time per km this time was almost exactly the same. My usual run is much faster in the second half because it’s down hill. I really actually missed the hills and it was much more boring on the flat. Perhaps I’ll rethink the route around that area to add some more variety. One more to go this week then it’s the last week. I can’t believe it.

@BedsorestoaSloth I think I’m going to go straight on to the 5k to 10K programme on an app someone recommended. That’s got more short, fast burst with walking/slow running in between. I like the variety in the runs and I’m finding without scenery/great music, 28 minutes running is a long time to go for without getting a bit bored. I’m lucky that we live rurally so I’ve got a lot of options for new places to go.

Well done @purpledaisies!

I've still not done my next run but will tomorrow. I've been thinking of signing up for a 10k this summer to motivate me. My husband is doing a trail marathon in June and they have a 10k option but I actually don't know who would look after our baby if we both did it (plus the hills seem a little scary) so might look for something on another day.

Wow @PurpleDaisies I'm in awe. 10k sounds immense to me

@BedsorestoaSloth

Wow *@PurpleDaisies* I'm in awe. 10k sounds immense to me

Literally never run that far in my life. It’s not until June and I’m assured that that’s plenty of time to train. It might be too ambitious but I really want something to move on to when this programme finishes. It helps that I’ve got a couple of friends who regularly run 10ks so it will be nice to join them if I can get there.

Good luck with your run tomorrow @WolfMother326. I can see that running at the same time as your husband could present some logistical challenges! Hopefully you can find something you like the look of.

Though I feel far behind, I am motivated by those of you talking about the weeks ahead - that will be me! 
@PurpleDaisies which 10k app are you going for? (Thinking ahead!)
I've finally completed week 4 - but found it hard going after a week out even though I've done some long/ hilly walks. My husband basically pushed me out of the door!

I’m on a day off today so have been on a walk round a local estate with dh. Lots of deer to spot which was lovely. We covered about 8km (slowly!) so feeling pleased. I currently have a white chocolate chip gingerbread cookie and coffee in a posher than expected cafe. We’re a bit muddy compared to the rest of the clientele!

@heywhatswrongwitu the app I downloaded was just a free one called “5k to 10k” that my friend recommended. I’ll let you know what I think of it when I start using it. Well done for getting through week 4!

W7R3 done! And at the end I did feel like I probably could have carried on a (very) little longer.
Might have a look at that app @PurpleDaisies I'm thinking I might gradually extend my time until I actually cover 5k as a starting point- based on my current snails pace jog I think that'll mean being able to run for more like 40-45 mins....

Well done @Jfw82. Slightly worried you’re going to overtake me! I still need to do week 8 run 3. Has an opportunity to catch up with a friend today so instead of running, I went to Carluccios and ate masses of pasta! Tomorrow is the day.

I didn’t find week 8 a huge step from week 7. I also feel like I could do with trying to get faster but I’m going to really focus on that after completing the base programme first.

@PurpleDaisies

Well done *@Jfw82*. Slightly worried you’re going to overtake me! I still need to do week 8 run 3. Has an opportunity to catch up with a friend today so instead of running, I went to Carluccios and ate masses of pasta! Tomorrow is the day.

I didn’t find week 8 a huge step from week 7. I also feel like I could do with trying to get faster but I’m going to really focus on that after completing the base programme first.

Don't see me overtaking as whilst I know I should get W8R1 in weds or Thursday then I know I won't run again til next Mon earliest as we have guests staying :) let me know what W9 feels like when you get there

Week 8 is vanquished! It was vile out. Vile. I am soaked and covered in mud. My laces kept coming undone. My headphones kept falling out. I kept having to stop for traffic (tractors and hay balers!). Still, it is done and I was amazed the time pretty quick. I feel I definitely earned my coffee, bath and traditional fizzy sweets for finishing a week.

Good luck anyone out there today!

@PurpleDaisies and @Jfw82 you're doing brilliantly well done.
@PurpleDaisies I was wondering whether anyone would make it out today, I've totally opted out! But started w5 yesterday so I'm still plodding through.

I would post a selfie of me looking like a drowned rat but it might be identifying, although when I got home I looked so unlike myself that my phone didn’t recognise me. I wanted to get this last one of week 8 out of the way because it’s felt like it has been hanging over me since friday when I went out last. I am feeling pleased now I’ve had a bath and warmed up! Goodness knows how long it will take for my trainers to dry out.

Really well done for getting to week 5 @heywhatswrongwitu. I totally don’t blame you for skipping today! Fingers crossed this weather eases for all our sakes.

Sorry that should I say I don’t blame anyone for skipping today. You’ve earned a rest day. Denise Lewis says so!

Well done on hitting week 5 @heywhatswrongwitu and congrats on ending week 8 @PurpleDaisies you're not that far off graduating!

I'm very glad yesterday was a rest day for me (though I did a lunchtime walk in rain in separate challenge where I need to get daily steps!)

I've just done W8R1 and I managed it ok. I'm slightly concerned that I now can't run again til Monday though as not sure if the extra days off will make it harder.

@Jfw82 I definitely find it harder when I have too many rest days in between. I'm feeling slightly cursed by weather and colds caught from my toddler! But managed w5r2 this morning.
Thanks for the reassurance @PurpleDaisies

Well done @heywhatswrongwitu. Totally know what you mean about colds and weather. I would have taken off if I’d gone out yesterday. @Jfw82 I’ve found the extra rest days helpful-hopefully you will too.

I forced myself out this morning and wasn’t really feeling it until I got going and…5.2km in 30 minutes! I’ve looked at my stats and 5km came up in 28mins 42. Can’t believe it. I thought I’d gone off a bit fast and would run out of puff but was still feeling good at 20 minutes. Had to push at the end to finish but massively pleased with getting under the 30 minute mark. Now I know I can do it I think I’ll focus on 5km feeling more comfortable and then start building the distance.

Feeling very proud of myself.

@PurpleDaisies go go you!

I had a week or so off and feel like I probably need to go back a week to get back into it. Planning to go out for a run tomorrow night

Well done @PurpleDaisies that's amazing.

I was away with work for a couple of days and then didn't run during the storm yesterday so did week 6 run 2 today after a bigger gap than normal. Was actually better than Tuesday's which was my toughest so far. Not sure how to feel about the 25 mins coming next!

Well done everyone, sounds like amazing progress despite bad weather and longer runs!

I fell off the routine/programme for about 10 days because my baby wasn't sleeping much and I was exhausted. Things have settled down a bit and I went out yesterday to finally complete week 4, run 3. I was worried it would be hard after such a long break but it was ok! Will aim to do at least two runs from week 5 over the next week.

Well done @WolfMother326 for getting back on it.

I've just been out for W8R2 this morning and it is windy! Had to do different route as needed to stick to the streets rather than some loops through my local park as so many branches down and just didn't feel too safe. I felt like I was slightly quicker this morning too

Stay safe everyone!

I’m impressed anyone can have already been out for a run. I’m still in my pjs!

It’s windy++ here this morning. I’ve decided to try a different route with a couple of big hills at the start but some lovely (and flatter!) countryside later on. I’m undecided about whether to do today or tomorrow. After Saturday’s accidental go-all-out to get 5k in under 30 minutes, the next one is definitely going to be slower and shorter. Especially with the bloody big hill! I’m trying not to get hung up on that-I know if I want to go further I need to get better at pacing.

Have fun everyone!

I did it (week 9 run 2) and my goodness it was hard. I hadn’t realised that my route was essentially massive hill after massive hill. 112m elevation gain apparently. It felt like more!

I covered less distance this time but I’m counting it as a win for perseverance. Last official run on Thursday.