Couch to 5k

[FunMum2019]

Started this again today (have completed it a few times over the years!). Anyone else beginning it so we can cheer each other on?

Ooh hi!
im about to finish couch to 5k. Got excited so I'm a week ahead. Have done the 5k already kind of by mistake.
what did you all do when you finished?

Can I join you all, just finished week 2. I'm 56 and have never run before in my life (apart from cross country at school which I hated) but I'm finding it surprisingly OK so far, but the three minutes next week looks a bit daunting.

I've been going at the end of the day after work and that seems to suit me, I'm not very good first thing in the morning.

I'm not sure how I'm going to manage this when it gets darker and colder, I will either have to run after work in the dark, or get myself out of bed and try it in the morning before breakfast.

Or the other option is to see if I could do mid afternoon a couple of days a week if they don't mind since I work from home, and then stay on later. People take breaks for school runs so it might be OK. It's an international team so not everybody's work hours overlap.

Also, what do people do when they go on holiday? DH and I are going to Soller for a week and it doesn't look like there are good places to run there, plus I would prefer to focus on the hiking we are planning. Might it be a good idea to repeat the week I do before I go when I get back? I don't want to feel demoralised if I do the next week and then find it too difficult because I was away for a week. Any advice welcome please!

@Netcam
also 56. Im about to start my last week. Also hates running. I love it now.
don't overthink the winter , I think.

As you will be keeping up with fitness just carry on when you get back have a lovely holiday.

With winter it doesn't matter when you go morning or evening it will be dark. I love the quiet of the morning but others like the evening but just do what works for you

@michealsmum1998, @gravitarsethanks so much for the encouragement and advice.

I managed week 3 run 1 OK after work and it was dark towards the end but that was OK. I just had to move to lit pavements rather than round the unlit nature reserve paths where I've been going or I wouldn't be able to see anything.

I actually ended up starting the second 90s run about a minute early by mistake as I got confused by when I was supposed to start, but still managed the rest of it OK.

So maybe I'm not as unfit as I thought. DH has been running for 30 years and does marathons so I always feel like I'm less fit than him! But he's being very encouraging and supportive. I don't want to do marathons, I just want to build some strength and stamina and find some exercise that's good to do outdoors, especially as it's too hot to exercise in the house in the summer.

I've just finished. Got really into it and I got a week ahead.
feel so pleased

Congratulations! What next?

I've just finished week 3, which feels like a major achievement.

Well, I've spoken to lots of people including my children who do running. And they said don't try and push it too far just consolidate what you've done and use it, almost the example, of a pyramid where you start with the basis and then improve when you feel ready.

Back from an amazing week in Soller. We hiked 108km over 6 consecutive days with lots of mountainous terrain, so maybe I can move straight on to week 4 after missing a week. My calves a a bit achy after all that, but it must have helped build up some strength. The biggest shock is that it's freezing here, and I've got to go back to work tomorrow morning!