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Original poster

Starting couch to 5K tomorrow morning - anyone want to join?

465 replies

BlueberryPancakes17 · 27/12/2022 19:57

After faffing about and putting it off for ages I’ve decided I’m starting couch to 5K tomorrow morning.

I find myself 2 years since my daughter was born, about 4 stone overweight and out of breath when I run up the stairs so desperately need to do something to increase my fitness.

Has anyone started the couch to 5K? How did you find it? Anyone fancy joining?

OP posts:
sylv165 · 28/01/2023 13:34

Yes @Anewagain that was my problem last time I did c25k. Didn’t really have the time for the 10k plans and I kind of lost momentum without Jo Wiley telling me what to do 😂. So this seems like a good way to continue to progress

Passportpondery · 28/01/2023 13:38

Sorry misread my speed!

I’m averaging 7 minutes per km when running and 9 minutes when walking.

WinterMermaid987 · 28/01/2023 15:22

I’m slow at the moment but for me it’s staying injury free that is the most important thing, plus I’m late40s..I also know from before that speed often comes later. Plus genetics play a huge part, I started last time at 36-37min 5k but got it down to 29min after 18mths only after training to run slow longer distances and using parkrun as my “fast run”. I’m currently at 38min 5k pace, but only covering 3.5k. I’m planning to introduce one run a week as sprint intervals once I’m comfortable with the distances.

Anewagain · 29/01/2023 08:45

W5 R2 completed. The next run is the big one..!

WinterMermaid987 · 29/01/2023 10:15

You can do it @Anewagain just distract yourself with music or podcast or audiobook your be surprised keep it slow it’s a lot mental belief that’s why they put it in. Or split it into 2x10min with 60sec walk in middle.

I did run2 of Wk6 this morning but a tight calf forced me to do couple of extra walk/stretch breaks so I did 6min run /1min walk/4min run/2min walk/10min run and that worked for me this morning. Run3 is a continuous 25min run eek.

Anewagain · 29/01/2023 14:04

Thanks @WinterMermaid987 - I suspect you’re right about it being a battle in the mind for the next one. Good luck to you on W6 R3!

Original poster
BlueberryPancakes17 · 29/01/2023 17:59

So sorry to hear that @deuxgarcons that sounds awful and very painful. Sending get better wishes and hope you’re able to rest as much as you can

OP posts:
Passportpondery · 30/01/2023 10:56

I’ve done W5 R2 this morning, it’s the big one next!

Instead if doing run 8, walk 5, run 8 I felt recovered quicker and so did run 8, walk 3, run 10.

I had definitely had enough by the end, but I was really proud of myself actually for doing it! 4 weeks ago I would never have managed it.

Im mentally preparing myself for doing the 20 minutes as a 10 run, 2 walk, 10 run. I don’t think I will get out of the door if I convince myself I absolutely have to do all 20 running with no rest.

sylv165 · 30/01/2023 11:36

Aww I need to get back to it! Still got a cough but I feel ok otherwise so might try W5 R1 run at lunch. After almost a week off I might need to do another W4 run to ease myself in, but have been keeping up with strength training in the meantime so hopefully wont take long.

sylv165 · 30/01/2023 11:37

Good luck with the big one everyone! 20 mins will be such an achievement!

sylv165 · 30/01/2023 13:54

I did it! W5 R1 in the bag and it didn’t feel too bad at all. Managed to extend the last run to 7mins so 8mins next time doesn’t seem too impossible.

WinterMermaid987 · 30/01/2023 17:36

Whoop well done @Passportpondery and @sylv165 its such a good feeling when you can feel yourself getting fitter.

My lower back and hip is sore after gardening at the weekend so I may have to delay tomorrow’s planned 25min run to Wednesday.

Passportpondery · 30/01/2023 18:10

What sort of strength training are you doing alongside? I’ve heard it mentioned but don’t really understand what it is to be honest!

sylv165 · 30/01/2023 18:27

@Passportpondery its basically just anything that builds muscle and makes you stronger. Im using some of the Caroline Girvan workouts on YouTube. I have a kettlebell at home so mostly doing those ones, plus her 30min abs sessions. She has the body I aspire to have, so I’m willing to do whatever she tells me to 😂😂😂

WhenZogateSuperworm · 30/01/2023 18:51

sylv165 · 30/01/2023 18:27

@Passportpondery its basically just anything that builds muscle and makes you stronger. Im using some of the Caroline Girvan workouts on YouTube. I have a kettlebell at home so mostly doing those ones, plus her 30min abs sessions. She has the body I aspire to have, so I’m willing to do whatever she tells me to 😂😂😂

That’s great thank you, I will look her up!

I do a circuits class once a week but need to do a bit more on other days really. I have absolutely zero core strength!

WinterMermaid987 · 31/01/2023 09:56

Strength training for running to start with can be as simple as squats, lunges, plank, push ups. Body weight is good then add in weights for the squats and lunges. The nhs. C25K app had a link to get you started. Caroline Givan is good but for me personally it was too hard as a beginner. I try to do 20 squats whilst the kettle is boiling or lunge whilst DD is brushing her teeth at bedtime to build it into my day 😃or I just don’t do it.

WinterMermaid987 · 31/01/2023 09:58

No run for me at the moment today as youngest off school sick, I maybe to get out tonight or more likely tomorrow morning as DH is working at home as well so we can tag team on teachers strike

Passportpondery · 31/01/2023 16:19

Well I did W5R3 today! I found it really difficult and had a 1 minute walk in the middle to reset myself as I was struggling.

I’m going out again on Thursday so not sure whether to repeat this run and hope I feel more comfortable, or whether to move on to W6 R1 which is actually easier as it’s 5 and 8’s with rest walks.

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 17:47

I did it too! W5 R3 - 20 minutes!! - completed!

WhenZogateSuperworm · 31/01/2023 17:52

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 17:47

I did it too! W5 R3 - 20 minutes!! - completed!

Well done! How did you feel?

Passportpondery · 31/01/2023 17:53

Name change fail sorry!

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 17:54

Well done @Passportpondery - not sure what to advise about your next run…
Hope your youngest is better soon @WinterMermaid987

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 17:55

It felt challenging @Passportpondery but mostly in the mind as I ran later than usual and my mind was telling me to give up throughout the first half.
one thing I find hard is when the coach encourages you to breathe - I get a bit panicky and it makes things worse than if I just get on with it.

WhenZogateSuperworm · 31/01/2023 17:57

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 17:55

It felt challenging @Passportpondery but mostly in the mind as I ran later than usual and my mind was telling me to give up throughout the first half.
one thing I find hard is when the coach encourages you to breathe - I get a bit panicky and it makes things worse than if I just get on with it.

I feel the same! I can’t get the hang of breathing to your steps like they advised earlier in the programme, and I’m breathing through my mouth not my nose.

It’s definitely a lot about the mental challenge for me. I want to give up really quickly some times and find it hard to push myself to keep going.

Anewagain · 31/01/2023 19:17

I think I must be doing the same as you @WhenZogateSuperworm and I just can’t breathe as they suggest - to your steps. Good luck for your next run.