Couch to 5k accountability

[FunIsland]

I searched for another thread and couldn’t find one, so apologies if it’s a repeat.

I used to run 5k daily, then covid left me with the lungs of a 90 year old chain smoker. I’ve tried so many times to get back to it and doing too much means that I end up out of action with pretty much everything for weeks. I’m stuck in a cycle of either doing nothing or doing too much because I miss running so much that when I get started I just want to do a Forest Gump and keep going.

Does anyone want to join me for couch to 5k? I’m thinking that if I make myself accountable I’ll stick with it (both in terms of actually getting up and doing it but also not trying to leap ahead).

W8R2. Really hard work this morning. R3 will be at Parkrun. Not sure where we're going yet.

W5R1 done 🙌🏻.

DS still talks non-stop about computer games for the whole run.

Wk4 R1 completed. Just.....

Went out to do Wk6R3 yesterday, 25 mins. Drove to the canal towpath and felt really good at the halfway stage so upped it to 30 mins. The coffee shop after was so peaceful and a nice treat.

Just finished week 5 run 2, feeling excited about the next one!

Me to @FunIsland! It was alright, although I'm not sure I'm excited about the next one 😄.

^too 🙈

Did W8R3 as the first half of a very wet parkrun. Walked/ ran the rest of the way.

Well done @beguilingeyes ! We decided against the parkrun in the rain. Didn’t run this week. My baby’s sleeping hasn’t been good, but will try running again tomorrow.

Oh FFS!

I can't believe I've never considered running along the canal before. All the time I've spent searching on the map for a quiet and flat place and I've just ignored the towpath a mile away.

🤣 sorry that made me laugh

You're very welcome 👍😂

Can I join please? The baby is almost 3mo so it’s time to get exercising again… Just bought new ASICS and planning to do W1R1 tonight! Was searching for an accountability thread as DH is very fit and just said “why bother, just run 5k slowly?” 😂 Easier said than done, so I’m using the programme!

Hi@Monket Congratulations and welcome. Ignore the husband 😉. We get it 🥰

My tow path run went badly. Jolts of pain shooting up all my lower leg muscles after 10 minutes. Had to give up. I think it might be my shoes and the surface. I have track shoes because I run in woods and on a common. The path was stone like compacted gravel. I think I might need more cushioned shoes.

I think shoes can be a game changer. I got properly measured up and had gait analysis and it made a real difference.

I just did week 5 run 3, loved it and ran through the cool down too. The real test will be whether I now have a relapse with my breathing as it’s not at the time that I struggle but afterwards.

W5R3 done 🙂.

How did you find it?

It was actually fine thanks FunIsland - it felt a bit daunting after 2 8mins run for W5R2, but we just took it easy and hit a steady state. Our route was a bit uphill on the way out, then a bit downhill on the way back, which helped psychologically as well.

The c25k group on Facebook is great for support and accountability

W1R2 done, a full min per km faster than last time. Unfortunately the lovely Lululemon leggings I was gifted are definitely too small and kept riding down so I’ll need to switch those out until some of the results start to actually show!

Went out last night to do W7R1
First time I've run in rain for such a long time, and forgotten just how good a hot shower feels afterwards

@Mysterian hope your legs are feeling better now. Feeling guilty for suggesting the towpath as a run venue lol

@NDerbys32 I also tried the wrong bit of footpath. I tried the side of town where it was narrow with nettles and uneven. Should have tried the other side which is also a national cycleway.
Leg muscles knackered and now have a touch of Plantar Fasciitis(?). Resting until Saturday now.

Good start @Monket ! Don't worry about speed. Going slower is the cure for so many running problems.

Hope it settles down soon and you can get out again. Excellent advice about going slower too! It's about enjoying it and not setting the road on fire for me now.

W9 R2 this morning (hot!). Should graduate on Saturday at Parkrun.