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).

W6R1 done - how is a 5min, 8min, 5min run worse than a 20min one 🤣?

I was thinking this yesterday!

I think run 3 is longer, maybe this is the pattern now, two shorter runs followed by a long one?

This is where I’ve gone off piste before, decided I know best and done a long run each time - going to be well behaved this time!

I think its about building up strength in your knees without damage. So the 20 mins gives you the confidence you can do it but the short runs let you go a bit faster and build up your muscles.

Since I read an article about your leg muscles and your aerobic fitness building at different speeds I've always done a couple of sessions of 1 min walk, 1 min run for 20 mins between each week. I used to get knee pain about week 3 but this seems to help.

I do cto5k most years but never get past week 6 although i do repeat it a few times.. This year I'm determined to make it.

W6R2 with DS and bats 🦇!

That sounds great! Well done. I have been to the pub. I need to up my game tomorrow!

W7R3 done yesterday by the canal again. Sat in the sun afterwards with a lovely coffee, chatting with 3 cyclists about prostate cancer (two wearing PC shirts) and another bloke about choppers. The Raleigh version 😁

Good luck if you're running today folks - looks a little cooler for it too, here

I’m starting again tomorrow 530am. Just been away on hols for a week and eaten my own body weight in pain au chocolat, steak and wine (not to mention the bloody cafe gourmand). So W1, R1, again!

Didn’t go 530 Monday but went this morning after dropping DC1 with MIL. Luckily I got to run here….

Was felled by a terrible cold.
Back in the game with a fast 20 minute run
Am going to increase back to 30 and then do the post C25K programme

W6R3 done 💪🏻.

@CIGall im so jealous, where is that?

Week 7 Run 1 done. Coughing like a chain smoker now but actually enjoyed it and on strava it says I did 5k (took 40 minutes though because I mistimed the route and did a longer cooldown walk 🤣🤣)

@FunIsland well done - so great you are this far along in your journey. I’m in Guernsey.

Peeled self out of bed at 0545 and did W1R2 this morning. Not as nice a view as the other day, along main seafront road this time but I did have this to one side of me..

W7R1 done, so windy.

I cannot tell a lie, I’m so jealous

No motivation this week. Bad weather and time of the month though. I did Parkrun last week and will be going again this Saturday so that’s something.

Finished!

Got to think what to do next, then how to do it. For a bit I'm just going to enjoy doing half hour run in the week and Parkrun on Saturday.

Wow, @Mysterian, congratulations! I bet it feels great to get to the end.

Wk8R2 done. 4 runs left then.
To parkrun or not to parkrun?

Feels great @VictoryOrDeath . It's always nice to complete a challenge you set yourself. And my most annoying Long Covid symptom, the sickening weightless feeling after exerting myself, seems to have gone. No weight lost whatsoever, but I am noticeably a different shape. Far less muffin top!

@NDerbys32 If the goal was to run for half an hour you'll have done that in just 2 runs time. Always Parkrun. My pace is 30 seconds quicker per km for Parkrun. It just seems easier in a group.

🎉🎉🥳🥳👏👏

I just did week 7 run 2 but ran through the cool down walk too and then did an extra 5 walking. I mistimed my morning though so am about to go straight into an online meeting very red and sweaty.

I work in a mental health service though so if anyone questions it I will tell them I’m just using the advice we give to others

Thanks @Mysterian I did 30 minutes last week - just taking it steady and the time passed quickly. I think I may well do pr. It's been a long time and I should get back to it.

W7R2 done 🙂.

I always take a too because I'm cold at first, then I regret it really quickly. Might brace the initial cold next time!

^a long sleeved top (over a T-shirt)

W7R3 done 🙂. Didn't brace the cold as it was quite late and even colder than usual.