Page 9 | Starting couch to 5K tomorrow morning - anyone want to join?

BlueberryPancakes17 · 2022-12-27T19:57:55+00:00

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?

WinterMermaid987 · 06/02/2023 21:56

@sylv165 gosh that’s not great sounds like you need bigger shoes.

@Passportpondery well done on your run I’m glad it was easier this time.

I had a cracking run this morning didn’t plan to as I’d just walked the dog but just kept going as felt strong and I nailed a continuous 5k run in 36mins. SO pleased with myself for getting this far. It did aggravate my toe joint again so I iced it afterwards but it felt great to be running again. Will have a break for a week now as we are going away and I hope to do Parkrun when I get back as that was my goal I set myself at Xmas.

WinterMermaid987 · 06/02/2023 22:05

Also I’ve not lost a lb but my leggings kept falling down today 😂I had to take my phone out the pocket and put it in my jacket pocket instead - it must be time to put the drawstring back as I had to take it out to get them on in Dec! So hoping I’ve toned up abit…

Passportpondery · 08/02/2023 06:58

WinterMermaid987 · 06/02/2023 22:05

Also I’ve not lost a lb but my leggings kept falling down today 😂I had to take my phone out the pocket and put it in my jacket pocket instead - it must be time to put the drawstring back as I had to take it out to get them on in Dec! So hoping I’ve toned up abit…

Ha ha, I’m sure it’s all toned up!

I’m out of action at the minute with illness. Next week is half term so that’s a right off so will have to go back a bit the week after.

sylv165 · 08/02/2023 13:28

Had a few days rest after the toenail incident and finally managed my first 20 mins straight run. It felt much better than my first attempt so definitely think my legs were just a bit over worked that day.

@WinterMermaid987 i also haven’t lost any weight, but definitely feel a little bit slimmer. Not much of a difference, but just a bit more definition around my waist.

Get well soon @Passportpondery!

Anewagain · 08/02/2023 13:45

I managed W6 R3 today so ran for 25 minutes. I found it tough but got through it and it definitely feels good to have finished it.

Passportpondery · 09/02/2023 17:06

I was feeling slightly better earlier so dragged myself out and just did a small 2k run.

Ive looked ahead at the plan and to be honest I’m struggling with the thought of the 25 minute continuous runs. I’m tempted to go off plan now and just keep running then walking when needed as much as I can and let myself build up stamina slowly.

sylv165 · 10/02/2023 12:08

I think that is ok @Passportpondery, just take it all at your own pace. I think doing longer runs on a treadmill is helping me because I can deliberately set the speed very slow and just not deviate from that. If I was running outside I think I would end up going faster but probably not being able to finish and doing something similar to you. I've allowed myself a bit more flexibility with the plan compared to the last time I did it, and I think it has helped me not to get too discouraged if I miss a run or have to repeat a week.

Passportpondery · 10/02/2023 16:38

sylv165 · 10/02/2023 12:08

I think that is ok @Passportpondery, just take it all at your own pace. I think doing longer runs on a treadmill is helping me because I can deliberately set the speed very slow and just not deviate from that. If I was running outside I think I would end up going faster but probably not being able to finish and doing something similar to you. I've allowed myself a bit more flexibility with the plan compared to the last time I did it, and I think it has helped me not to get too discouraged if I miss a run or have to repeat a week.

I had it in my head that I wanted to “complete the programme”… but actually what I want to be able to do is run 5k without stopping, which realistically isn’t going to happen at the end of the 9 weeks given where I am at the minute.

I think I’m going to try for the next few runs doing 4k. If I need to walk some of it then that’s ok. I will keep going until I can do the whole 4k running and then up to 5k.

WinterMermaid987 · 10/02/2023 19:38

I’m currently nursing thighs of pain after only two days of skiing 😂the running did help as prep but geez I’m suffering as my youngest DD wiped me out getting off a lift with my knee going the opposite direction…lots of volterid cream has been used!

@Passportpondery sounds like a sensible approach, the first time I did C25K I focused on doing 3.5-5k nonstop to start with then added 0.5k. I just listen to what my body wants to do that day..sometimes it needs to walk other times it’s happy to run slowly non-stop. After this ski trip it will be hobbling 😂

WinterMermaid987 · 10/02/2023 19:46

@sylv165 glad you run went better, I’d find it harder on a treadmill I think as I like the distraction of being outside, but it must be good to have a constant pace.

Passportpondery · 12/02/2023 12:30

4k done today! I’ve decided to ditch the programme and just run for enjoyment now. Took me 30 minutes to do 4k and I had 2 3 minute walk breaks during it.

The programme is just 25 minute straight runs now so I don’t find it helpful. I’m not there yet, but it doesn’t matter.

I’m going to stick with this 4k route until I can run it without any walk breaks, and then will up it by 0.5km at a time.

Anewagain · 13/02/2023 09:56

Sounds like a good approach @Passportpondery

I’m on the straight 25 minute runs and find them tough going but hoping endurance will build over time.

WinterMermaid987 · 13/02/2023 13:22

I’m taking the same approach now @Passportpondery i think listening to your own body is key now but also knowing you can do it. I built up-to 10k and then HM previously even if it did take me over a year to get there. I did it by just adding 0.5k to a run each week. My first goal is parkrun next weekend assuming this ski hols doesn’t break me first 😂

Passportpondery · 13/02/2023 13:24

WinterMermaid987 · 13/02/2023 13:22

I’m taking the same approach now @Passportpondery i think listening to your own body is key now but also knowing you can do it. I built up-to 10k and then HM previously even if it did take me over a year to get there. I did it by just adding 0.5k to a run each week. My first goal is parkrun next weekend assuming this ski hols doesn’t break me first 😂

Hope you have had a great time!

Ive got a sore foot/ankle so debating whether to run on it today or rest, but won’t get out until next Saturday otherwise with it being half term.

notacissy · 13/02/2023 19:54

W4R1 complete, forgot how much of a jump that was. Enjoyed it but hoped to run off my headache and actually made it worse.

I found when it got to the long runs my goal was to forget distance and just concentrate on the duration. It definitely got a bit hit and miss from w5/6 where I had to repeat runs but it all helped me work out my pace. Once I could run 30 mins straight I then started thinking about distance and getting to 5k but to be honest the first 5k just came out of nowhere. I just felt good and ran it. It took about 45 mins the first time but it felt amazing. After that they just kept coming.

Anewagain · 15/02/2023 09:03

Well done @notacissy and great to hear you’ve done this before and it’s possible
I finished week 7 today. The 25 minutes is hard and a run of two halves each time - the first my head telling me to just give up and, the second, saying I might as well finish now I’m over half way.

notacissy · 16/02/2023 18:54

@Anewagain thank you, it's an amazing programme and really works. I can't recommend it enough. I always find the second half easier than the first, even though I feel more tired it's mentally easier.

New trainers tonight plus lots of plasters to help wear them in. My old ones were so flat even though they were comfy. I just need to add my shoe lace tags I got for fundraising a couple of years ago which say 'every step counts' for motivation.

WinterMermaid987 · 17/02/2023 13:03

Well done @Anewagain and @notacissy great progress.

I was pleased to do a strong 4k with one90sec walk in the middle yesterday after not running for 9days.
The best bit was my 11yr DD who’s autistic and struggles to leave the house, asked to go for a run this morning. So I put the couch to 5k app on her phone and we just did week2 run/walk together with the dog at the same time. She loved it holding the dog lead, so hoping I can keep her going so we can go do parkrun again.

WinterMermaid987 · 17/02/2023 13:09

Why do you need plasters for new trainers? @notacissy geniune question not being snarky, I’ve never needed plasters. I run in a size 0.5 bigger shoe and bought lovely balgea running socks or compression socks. When I did run longer distances a few years ago I would put Vaseline on my feet before running, but that was doing distances 7m+. still didn’t get blisters. I was worried you may have shoes not fitting right?

notacissy · 17/02/2023 14:39

@WinterMermaid987 I always find new trainers rub the back of my feet for the first few weeks of having them, then they become lovely and comfortable. I also wanted to prevent blisters so that I have no excuse not to run.

Anewagain · 18/02/2023 10:56

W8R1 completed today. So tough but I may finally be getting some endorphins after finishing.

WinterMermaid987 · 18/02/2023 11:52

That’s fab @Anewagain i hope it gets easier as you go on.

I celebrated my re-boot ofC25k today by doing my first parkrun for over a year. So pleased I did it and hit my time goal of 35mins. So do keep at it and it’s amazing what you can achieve. I walked for 90secs in the middle and just clung onto the 35min pacer at the end.

jputthekettleon · 18/02/2023 14:11

I’ve had a 2.5 week break between week 4 run one and two so it was hard but I did it and now have woken from a nap it really tired me out!

Passportpondery · 18/02/2023 21:31

I’m still running off plan.

I did 3.5km today but did walk when needed and had a sit down on a bench half way through as it was such a beautiful day I wanted to look at the river for a bit!

I’m still finding it tough but I will keep doing the 3 runs a week and aiming for 3.5-4km a time.

WinterMermaid987 · 19/02/2023 06:07

Sounds like a great approach as when your enjoying it your do it more. When your comfortable at 4k @Passportpondery I’d consider parkrun if you have one locally. It’s great to see all ages, shapes and sizes taking part ours has a real community feel. Your be surprised how having others around you may keep you going more, it worked for me on Saturday.