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

[BlueberryPancakes17]

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?

I’m nervous about the 20 min run even though the first time round I thought the same and actually managed it. I think age and injury is putting me off. I’m a week away yet. Going away this weekend and running out of time to fit runs it but as long as I keep going regularly it’ll get done.

well done everyone

Totally do the same forgetting how to breathe thing. So strange once you start to think about it!

Even back when I was running lots, half marathons etc, I still found the first 15 minutes the hardest. I guess it just takes that long to warm up - even now I am incredibly unfit I still find the second half of my runs much easier than the first.

Completed W5 R2 today. I found it fine, but was definitely glad of the break in the middle. I'm encouraged by the fact that many of you have completed the long run as right now I don't know if that will be possible. But after my 5 min cool down I did run for an extra 4 mins so at least I know in my head I can do 20mins of running in total.

I allowed myself a 1 minute walk in the middle. It was the only way to mentally get myself on board with it!

I’m going to attempt it again on Thursday I think to see if I can feel more comfortable with it and then start the week 6 programme next week.

I had a great run at sunrise this morning it definitely takes me a minimum of 10mins to warm up. I ran 12mins then did 1min squats stretch then carried on another non stop 17mins as I wanted to do 4k. So pleased I went as I felt really stiff first thing but warmed up at home and although cold it was a lovely morning.

That’s amazing well done!

Ive been to my circuits class tonight and actually feel like I’m getting better at it now. It’s taken a long time and I still really lack confidence, but I can definitely see some improvement in the things I can do now.

I might do something similar @Passportpondery, or at least give myself the option of doing that if I’m struggling.

Wow @WinterMermaid987 that sounds like an amazing run. 30 mins of running is fantastic!

My running mojo has definitely taken its time to get going this year BUT the DC's school have decided to put on a sponsored 5K in June... I really need to start my training!!

Like @Passportpondery I can't run in the dark where we are, DP often isn't home from work till after 6pm. If I found a v cheap gym deal I might take that up for a while...!

Just attempted week 6 run 1 and it was a complete fail! Feel like I’ve gone backwards about 3 weeks.

Just couldn’t get comfy or keep going so I ended up doing 5 mins run, 5 walk cycles and then gave up.

Not sure if it’s too soon after my big run Tuesday, or my circuits class last night but I felt awful.

Trying not to be too annoyed with myself and going to attempt it again on Saturday.

Well done for having a go @Passportpondery I’ve had my fair share previously of crap runs just have a couple of days off and try again. Then you could change your route or music/pod cast try something different to distract you can help

I looked back at my steps total for January and it’s 3x higher than December which made me smile. I felt SO crap through most of December so I’m glad I’m feeling healthier and getting more exercise even if I’ve lost zero weight still!

@WinterMermaid987 thanks, I will try changing the route next time. I tried a podcast rather than music today which didn’t seem to work for me.

I am still running too fast, I read you should be able to talk when running and I’m definitely very out of breath. I can’t seem to slow it down though and feel comfortable.

I’m going to run with a friend at the weekend which I’m really nervous about. I have no confidence in my physical abilities and always avoid group exercise and activity! They have been running for a long time and are much better than me so I’m worried about looking ridiculous!

If your running “too fast” maybe just add in more freq but short 1min walk breaks to re set your breathing? For me my pace didn’t pick up until after 6mths+ running when I did this last time but genetics plays it’s part. I’m not built for speed🤣so I just plod and every now and then I’ll sprint between lamp posts then go back to plod. Hope you enjoy going out with your friend

Right, I’m going in for the big one, wish me luck!!

How did you get on @sylv165 ?

Had to walk after about 13 mins. Walked for a couple of mins then ran for another 7. Think my legs were a bit heavy after a kettlebell workout yesterday as my calves were cramping a bit. Going to try again on Sunday!

Well done @sylv165 a great effort and some days are definitely easier than others but all time on legs is building stamina.

I had a shorter slower run this morning but loved doing a 3k trail run with my dog. I’ve not ran with her for a year but she was great. I didn’t stop to walk but had a couple of pauses to give her a treat or to whistle her back. I much prefer trail as it’s gentler on my achy joints but I did pick a flattish route to do a 25min run.

Definitely @WinterMermaid987, some days it just doesn’t happen. Onwards and upwards - am reasonably confident for Sunday!

Your run sounds lovely! I have been running on a treadmill which has some advantages (I can go at a steady speed, no hills, don’t need to work around the kids), but on bad days I think it makes it worse as there are no distractions and all I can see is the time ticking down!

Well done @sylv165!

Ah well done all. I'm sooooo behind! Wk 3 R2 tomorrow

It’s not a race, well done for getting back on it!

I've just been catching up in everyone's progress and you've all come on so far. I remember doing that 20 min run the first time round, I think I picked the hottest day of the year so I was as red as a tomato when I was done but felt like I was on cloud 9.

I've repeated the first two weeks with my dd but she has a chronic illness so she needs to take it slow and I would rather supervise her than leave her to run around the estate by herself in case she gets into trouble. She's doing amazing and now circling back for me. Jealous of her long legs and youngness. We'll be onto w3 tomorrow and still loving it.

Sorry to hear about your stress fracture @deuxgarcons that must be so frustrating.

@Passportpondery enjoy the run with your friend. I feel just like you about group exercise, I think it's like school PE flashbacks again. I'm sure you'll be great but it's always the sportiest and people who ask you to join in, however, I've always found fellow runners, no matter how fast, are always the most supportive people.

Well the Saturday run with a friend got put on the back burner after a glass too many down the pub the night before!

Made it out today though and re-did the W6R1 that I struggled with on Thursday. I found it good and so instead of doing the last 5 minute run I did another 8. Not sure what the main difference was today, but I’m pleased I’ve got back on it as I was disappointed with Thursdays fail!

I really focused on slowing down and dropped my 7 minute km pace down to an 8 which I found easier to sustain.

Back out again on Tuesday!

Big milestone here. I have lost my first toenail. Probs time for some new trainers 😂🤢😳

Ha ha! Now that is a milestone!
Hope it heals ok!

oh dear that is quite the milestone @sylv165 !
I ran W6 R2 today. A day or so late after having the weekend off and it was a struggle to get through it but I did it.