C25K November 2023 thread

[lozrox90]

Another Couch to 5k thread! Is anyone doing this at the moment? I'm about to start Week 3 tomorrow. I've tried doing C25K a couple of times before but usually give up after Week 1 so I'm pleased I've got this far. I'm finding it OK and do quite look forward to my 'running' days whereas before it's always been pure dread!

Would be great to chat to others working their way through it at the minute and see how you are getting on!

Hello. I'm not currently doing C25k but I have recently finished it having restarted in September. I did it once years ago and ran for quite a while before having my youngest and it has taken me over 6 years to get to the point of being able to make myself start again 🙈

It's a really good programme, well done getting to the end of week 3, try to stick at it and trust the programme and you can definitely do it 🙂 I'm feeling much better for it, and hopeful I can keep running this time. Good luck!

Hello! I'm giving it a go and just finished week 5. Quite proud of myself I've managed to keep it up as I have form for dropping off and never coming back to it.

How're you finding it?

Well done @Anawi for finishing it again! It's great to hear that it really does work. 😊

Hello @OneStepOneStumble 😊 Wow, week 5! That's amazing! Well done you, keep at it! How are you finding it so far? Have there been any weeks you've found particularly harder than others?

I'm doing OK! I was supposed to be doing Week 3 Run 3 tonight but I've got a stinking cold so I'm going to do it tomorrow instead. The thought of running for 3 minutes without stopping filled me with the fear on Monday, I can't believe I've managed to do it four times since! I feel the same as you, very proud - and so we should!

Honestly, week 5 was my biggest struggle (though don't make the mistake I did and look ahead to what's coming as it makes it feel worse 🙃 )

I'm doing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as my runs.

Sad thing is, I'm thinking ahead to when I finish it. I will still want someone to tell me how long I've got to go and shout encouragement in my ear 🤣 anyone got a couch to 10k app? Maybe that's too ambitious for now.

Good morning ,
I’d like to do this too - not done it for about 5 years , probably longer!
This time I’ll be doing from treadmill at gym - will that work?
Can anyone tell me the best apps to play so I can get the cues but listen to podcasts at the same time ?
Thanks for starting this thread !

Have any of you looked for a group doing it near you? I did it via a weekly meetup organised by a running coach, so it was once a week for about 12 weeks and free, as he got funding from various sources. I forget exactly how many weeks. A few other kinds of groups do similar too for free.

A bunch of us made a WhatsApp group to keep going once it ended, that was back in April 2022 and the group is still going.

Best of luck however you go about it, just thought it might help for those who found it difficult to keep up

Hello @FreeMyPen 😊 I'm doing C25K on my treadmill! I meant to say in my OP. It's working great for me as I only get time to run in the evenings and wouldn't want to head out in the dark. Also I can't use bad weather as an excuse not to do it 😂

I use the NHS C25K app, if you start your music/podcast then start the app it will lower the volume of whatever you're listening to during the talking parts.

Have you got any good podcast recommendations?

Good luck - let us know how you get on!

@OneStepOneStumble I actually think that's great that you're thinking ahead to when you finish it - and that you know you WILL finish it! I think there are 5k to 10k apps which might give cues? I know what you mean, I feel like I'll need someone running with me when I'm no longer using the app, to tell me to keep going and how long I've got left! 😂

i think that would be the ideal @spookehtooth ! I’ve realised I exercise when I’m in some kind of community - like yoga classes. There is a great women’s running club in my town but as I have the kids most of the time then I’d struggle. Whereas gym is close and cheap!
I’m hoping once I can actually run then I’ll ask any runner friends if i can join them. Not ready to do so now.

Thank you @lozrox90 - that is so helpful and I have just tested it to make sure I’ve set it up and now I’m good to go!

@FreeMyPen some of the running groups here do it, as a way to get new members, could try suggest it to them & doing it at a time that suits you. I'm the same when it comes to exercising, almost all of it is with other people. I think it's an important element for getting people to do more or it, and more places doing classes or activities should actively facilitate building a community of people around what they do