Starting the Couch to 5K programme. Want to join me?

[Bookaholic73]

I REALLY want to do the couch to 5k programme, but can’t commit to a real life group because I work shifts.

So starting tomorrow, does anyone want to join me?

W2R1 done and I am very wet but glad I didn't let the rain put me off. I don't mind going out in the cold but is a bit miserable getting soaked (esp when you step in a puddle and end up w one really wet foot )

I did W2R1 this afternoon at the gym. So much harder fitting in runs when it’s dark so early (and pretty cold and miserable out!)

I hate running on a treadmill, but I think I might have to start as it gets icy later on in winter.

Tomorrow I’ll do W2R1, doesn’t look so bad.

I did w3 r1 this morning. It felt slow and hard but I'm pleased I managed it. Hopefully it'll get easier as the week goes on! 🙂

Morning all

Well it's damp and cold here and I'm in my kit ready for Week 4 Run 1.

Im finding knowing what to wear a bit of a pain. I start off freezing and end up boiling..

Feeling strangely anxious about this one.. will report back 🤞

I found a short "warm-up" lap handy in my early days when I did C25k over a winter, and would quickly chuck surplus layers over my front hedge when passing 😂

Doing a 5-10 min youtube video to warm up in the house before going out helps get you warm before you go out.

Done! ✔️🥳

I found that quite a big step up from last week.. but doable. Whereas last week I thought a couple of times I could probably do a bit more, not this week 😆

@BogRollBOGOF that's good advice re casting off layers after a warm up around the block, I might try that.

Good luck to anyone else going out today 💪

I skipped a couple of runs and started week3 today, as I wanted to feel more of a challenge.

So W3R1 done.

It was busy today, and I thought I’d be embarrassed running alongside the main road, but I didn’t care in the end. I just put my headphones in and that really helped focus me.

I was thinking today that I’d love to do a Christmas morning run. Who am I??

I get the feeling of self consciousness and have found wearing a peak cap really helps. I feel quite hidden by it. I can recommend this one for winter.. it's warm, keeps the rain off my glasses and keeps my ears warm and my ear buds in.

Washes ok too.

Oh and it's from Amazon, in several colours.

Doing C25k is a great move and has brought me so much happiness and fitness. This FAQ is invaluable and I would thoroughly recommend reading it; healthunlocked.com/couchto5k/posts/147652030/faq-how-to-run-c25k.....a-guide.

You’re all doing so well!
I'm going to try to get another run in Thursday. I’m struggling to know what to wear too!

Well done Week 4 @lipstickwoman its definitely a step up isn’t it! I think I’ll end up re doing some of the weeks at some point, but I’m ok with that.
Also thanks for the recommendation of a baseball cap. I have one in the wardrobe somewhere, I’ll dig it out!

@UnaOfStormhold thanks for the support and encouragement, I’m so excited to reach the end at some point! Do you still run regularly now?

@LBB2020 i wear a pair of Nike leggings (I don’t recommend them) with a fitted t shirt and a light weight sweatshirt from Tesco. It was in the sports section and is super thin but baggy. So it gives the coverage I want without overheating.

I’m going to try some new earbuds soon. I love my AirPods quality, but they always feel like they’re going to fall out mid run.

Well done everyone for sticking at it this past week. It’s so difficult when it’s wet and cold outside.

I've just had a look at next weeks runs (week 5). The last run next week is 20mins not stop running.

Seriously? 🤦🏻‍♀️

@lipstickwoman maybe instead of sticking to that, you could do a repeat of week 4? Then you could step it up a little slower and add a few mins at the end of the 2nd round of week 4? That’s what I plan to do, as it’s a really big jump.

Or maybe repeat the first 2 runs of week 5 a few times before the last run of week 5?

I don’t think I explained that very well, but I hope you get what I mean.

@Bookaholic73 thank you, yes I agree. I think I'll just see how it goes but expect to repeat and/or adapt next week a little. I'm managing the 5 minute runs this week, but a jump to 20 minutes so soon feels massive...

Seriously 😁

Trust the plan. It works. It might look like the running time leaps, but the time on legs is actually shorter than the preceeding runs! That knowledge helps. When you get to it, take it gently and steadily and runs 5.1 and 5.2 will bridge the gap from wk4. Week 6 then drops back a little back to intervals but continues to build time on feet.

The plan works.

@BogRollBOGOF you're right, I hadn't thought of it like that.

Ill try to stop looking too, and concentrate on a week at a time

Dammit, you've made my finger slip 😂
That's a lovely style. I like a cap to keep wet out of my face and often end up a bit bundled up with buffs or lightweight hats on top to keep my ears happy. That's a much more elegant design!

Haha @BogRollBOGOF I'll accept responsibility.. hope you're pleased with it, I love mine.

I'd recommend shokz headphones they're nine conducting and sit outside the ear - you can hear perfectly but also hear what's happening around you

I'm a shokz fan too. They last well.
I've got tiny, fussy ears that don't suit many options. I'm sure wireless ear buds would just ping out.

I’ve just done W2R2, might move on to W3R1 for my next run
I forgot it jumps up to 20 mins so quickly!

I skipped from doing w2r2 on Tuesday to w3r1 today and didn't find it too bad at all. I'm all set for now but am worried about completely losing it once kids finish school for Christmas and we lose normal routine ..

W4R2 done today. Was doable, and I walked then for a while in a big circle to come home. I've been a walker for a while and enjoyed coming back through country lanes

Day off tomorrow, will hopefully finish this week with a run on Saturday morning.