Right, I am starting 'couch potato to 5k' again and I WILL finish

[giddykipper]

I WILL NOT nesh out again like I did last time.

DP has even bought me an iPod Shuffle to run with so that I don't have to lug my big iPod around (oh the inconvenience).

this is what I'm talking about and here's the podcasts I run to.

I'm not starting today though, got about 3 hours sleep last night.

hi mj i go in the mornings, dp usually does the morning routine anyway. i don't have to get up ridiculously early (i'm a night owl and find it hard to get to sleep before midnight), i get out around 8am. we have a big park about 5 minutes walk away so the warmup/down walk is the bit where people i know might see me - the park is all dog walkers and other runners so they don't think you're weird lol. it doesn't bother me at all tbh, although maybe it will once i start getting into the longer runs and getting sweatier and more out of breath!

don't put yourself off thinking too hard about it, just go, the way it makes you feel (afterwards if not always at the time) will carry you through i bet.

oh and it's great for burning calories - at the moment i'm doing 9 minutes of running and 25 minutes walking (the warm ups/downs and inbetweeny bits) and the running burns more cals than the walking. just make sure you don't nosh them all as soon as you get back in!

Odette, sorry that you're finding it all a bit like hard work to. This might sound mad but in a way it helps to know that someone else is flagging a little too. We can get through this!

MJreturns - hello! I run in the mornings during the week when DDs are at school (DH gone before daylight, so any earlier not an option) and whenever the mood takes me at the weekends. I run on the pavements near where I live or near school and to be honest, whilst I thought i would mind if people saw me in fact the reverse is true. I love it when I see people because they're always really encouraging.

You can do it!

well, that's week one finished

hello to all new people, I am glad there are some new starters as well as all these old hands at 5 or 6 weeks

I am running on a treadmill, where I live is very hilly and at the moment very icy, so outdoor running a complete non starter. When the weather (and my fitness levels!) improve I may well try to run outside though. I am doing a mixture of early mornings (gym opens at 7 and I can go straight on to college - friend takes DD to school for me on college days) during the school day when I am not at work, and while DC in swimming lesson. So far DH is being very encouraging and picking up the slack with the childcare so that is a big help.

Thanks for your responses!
I would have to run around the estate on which I live. I would prefer to use a running machine but don't have one just now, and my finances won't allow me to buy one either!

I guess I just have to make that first jump and do it!

Hello! Managed to do 28 mins but it was really hard. In a way it was good though, as I really felt like stopping but managed to carry on. I was on my own (normally run with dp) so also felt self-concious. Thinking of this thread did help though so thanks all.

Mjreturns - I am about 4 stone overweight, and I do feel self-concious, but you have to just do it. Once you get going you'll love it

For the newbie don't be put off by some of the amazing progress of the 5-6 week people. I myself have been running since the start of the New Year and can not boast such excellent progess.
On a personal level I feel I've made slow but better progess then I thought I would. Reading the posting of the other keeps me going on bad days. My next personal goal is to work up to 5min runs (at the monent it walk 2 min run 2min walk X 6,with 2 of the runs been up hill). Give me another 5-6 weeks and I might be their. I feel it really important to go at your own pace slow or fast.
I also hope anyone struggling can read my postings as I'm sure I'm making the slowess progess and you can't be much slower then me.
My final point was if I'm willing to go out running and be seen, anyone can. I dread what I look like. Got a shock how much I really weight when I had the courage to weigh myself. 5+ stone over weight was hoping I was smaller then I was it's more like 7+ over weight. I have high hopes the runing will help me loss a lot of that.

thanks Lexcat, appreciate your comments. I am hpimg I can manage the run 1 min walk 1 min that Saturday's run will bring!

Good point, lexcat about going at your own pace. Whilst these podcasts set goals and weekly targets it does say on the Cool Running website that you should repeat any stage if you feel you need to.

Whilst that goes against my competitive edge that's what I'm doing now because if I don't this will just become painful and demoralizing and I'd give up, and that would be a shame because right now I'm running farther than I ever have before! Yay!!

pennies I take my hat off to you got has far as you have I'm still a long way off and dreaming of the day I feel I even could try to do 25 min run. You sure be proud of your achivements. Think back to your first run and what that was like and how it felt and keep that in mind when your feeling bad, it relly works wonder. I've kept a running diary so looking back at that is great when I'm stuggling, either when I've up the pace or just have a bad day.

I walk alot and wouldn't think twice of walking 5km and really thought swiching to running would be easy. Started following a plan and changed that when I stuggled to keep the weekly pace up. So now I try to work on doing a little more every week or if I'm doing really well each time I go out. May be if didn't alternate walking and running days and rested on the walking day I may be able to run more, but the dog wouldn't be to happy.

Morning all, I did W2R2 yesterday (again treadmill because of creche) and it was fine, this weekend however I am going to try and run outside (if DH gets home before 8pm!) for the final run. Going on the last 2 runs I think I am ok to go to W3 but will probably repeat that until comfortable. I really want this program to work unlike my usual abortive attempts to get myself running.

PandaG - we live on top of a steep hill so whatever happens I am going to have to go up at some point I think I am going to try and do 2 runs on treadmill and one outside per week.

MJreturns - i am lucky my nearby council leisure centre has a creche (I am presuming you have children), could you ring up yours? Or if you are working could you run in your lunch hour? It's only a 30minute program.

fully agree with Lexcat that it doesn't matter how slow you go the point is we are doing it, how many people out there are grumbling about how unfit/fat they are whilst sitting on their sofas watching TV.

rolandbrowning - well done on 28minutes, and don't feel self-concious, I promise you the only thing I think when seeing people out running is jealousy that they have the willpower that I don't.

I heart this thread!!

Still not able to get out, but to be honest I think the break has done me good. Am chomping at the bit to get back out tomorrow, whereas the last two runs had been duty rather than desire driven.

Keep up the good work everyone!!!

w3r1 today, easier than i expect, amazed tbh i managed it.

but my knees are still tweaking and i did nothing at all yesterday, so it's not just an overuse thing. i could feel i was compensating for it and tensing up and running in a totally different way, which i know can be a recipe for trouble. anyone got any advice for me? my feeling is that i shouldn't keep running on them if they feel like this

W2r1 this morning on the treadmill while DD in swimming lesson. so pleased I did it

child free all week from this afternoon so hoping to do a bit more than 3 reps this week...if the ice continues to melt I may make it outside!

happy running over the weekend

Mileniwmffalcon - can't offer any advice re:your knees I'm afraid, apart from maybe getting your running shoes checked out?

Congratulations on your progress everyone. I agree with Libras that whenever I see anyone running when I'm out driving all I feel is guilty and lazy, and never actually pay attention to 'them' IYKWIM.

I did W7Rx this morning, using my own music. First 15 minutes were fine. Next 6 were a struggle, last 4 were okay, mainly because I knew I was near the end

I think I should point out that my current progress is achievable only because I have someone who can look after the DCs for me when I go out. I go back to work next month so it's going to be a whole different ball game then.

Happy running everyone, and Happy Valentine's!!

Well done everyone, it's great that you're still at it!

I really struggled with week 4 last week but this week went straight to r2 wk5 and it felt good. I was amazed.

HOWEVER, I am really dreading the 20 run at the end of this week. How can it go from 8 mins to 20

Feels good to be running again( I use the term loosely) though after so many years of being pg!!!

Arghh going to do my first run outside tonight and quite nervous (no idea why).

you'll feel fab when you've done it though libra

8 to 20 does sound pretty scary kitty, i'm not even going to think about it until i get there! i've been impressed that the plan has worked for me so far, it's been really hard at times but seems to be pushing me at the right kind of pace, i just have to have faith that it's going to keep working as i move through it (or if not that by repeating weeks i'll get there in the end).

good luck everyone with your next runs. i'm out drinking tonight so i doubt i'm going to make tomorrow's w3r2. i've been looking up knee exercises and i reckon if it can keep a lid on the walking while i'm working on the running i should be okay to keep at it. i'll try to do more swimming/yoga t balance it out rather than using the same muscles all the time.

Hi. I haven't read through the whole thread, but could I ask a some questions.

I am toying with the idea of starting this, I would like to do the Race for Life. I am quite a lot overweight. Is there any reason that I couldn't do this if I put the effort in and stick with it? Also, do you think it would be acceptable for my DS1 to train with me if he wanted to? (he is nearly 12, fit and healthy otherwise, just not sport mad. He did a bit of running with his uncle and cousin last summer, but BIL is an experienced sports coach and Dnephew was top at his school for cross country running). Would it make him over-tired for example?

As you can see I know nothing about running, but I hope you don't mind me asking as it's something I've always wanted to be better at (since school cross country when the only time I didn't come last in 5 years was when I jumped the ditch that no-one else would)

TIA.

Hi everyone, did another 28 mins and it was much much easier than last time, so that is a big relief! In fact I feel great. If I can do it, anyone can.

keepingitRita, go for it. I am about 4 stone overweight at the moment, you will love it. Sorry not sure if your ds can go with you though. Good luck.

how did you get on libra?

i surprised myself by making it out this morning, although i did wonder whether i was going to die at one point . don't think smoking last night helped much my knees are still achey, will ask on the big running thread for more advice. i did all my running on grass today in the hope that might help.

can't really offer any advice i'm afraid ria - i'm sure you could manage it as long as you don't push your schedule too hard (i.e. allow yourself enough time to repeat weeks if necessary). and i know nothing about 12 year old boys, but i'm sure jogging for 25 minutes shouldn't be too much for him. i do 2 sessions in the week and one on the weekend, maybe you could do that so it's not all school days? also don't forget doing it together will probably rein in his pace somewhat, compared to what he'd do on his own or in the company of fit blokes! sounds like a great plan to me.

keepingitRia If your not sure the best think is talk to your doctor.
I myself am very overweight (7+ stone) and started running on the 1/1 I've work at a lot slower pace then most here. I started with walk 3 min run 1 min x3.Each week I added a new walk, run once I got to 6 times I dropped the time walking to 2min and lastly I increased each run but a min. I'm now up to 2min walk 2min run times x 6. I plan next to work up to 5min runs. I didn't talk to my doctor but really couldn't see any harm in running as long didn't over do it.

As for training with your ds I can't see a problem. My dd 7 (not far off 8) does an after school running club and the target is mile a session. She's ran 1 and 1 1/2 miles races and she will be running in a 2 mile race in May all organize by her running club. In fact she was one of the reasons I decided to run she has come running with me a few times. In which she total out runs me but is always very encouraging verbally. Since your ds is older I can't see that 5km should be a problem since it's only just over 3miles.

thanks for your help, now I just have to pin down DH to look after the other 2!

I'm pretty overweight too Ria - a couple of stone at least - but I am so far managing the programme - just done week2 rep2 and am very pleased with myself, did 2.5k in the mixture of walking and running, 5k seems as though it could be doable!

As others have said I would probably have a word with the doctor about your DS running with you just to check it out, but am pretty sure there wouldn't be a problem

Morning all, well I did w2r3 outside last night and I have to say I think it went very well, apart from one of the 90 seconds which I got caught going up a hill and thought I was going to die. As much as I hate the fact any runs outside around my house are going to be hilly it's going to be much better training for me than just the flat.

I am moving on to week 3 and will be doing w3r1 tomorrow on the treadmill (always have incline on 1 as apparently that mimics outside more).

mileniwmffalcon - running on the grass can be worse as the ground isn't flat so your body needs to compensate for that. Could you afford a private physio session? They maybe able to help. The other thing to do is look at the shoes you run in, one of the areas it's worth forking out in. Some specialist sports shops will make you run on a treadmill so they can see your gait and recommend the correct shoe and inserts if necessary.

ria - this might be useful www.kidsrunning.com/index.html. I would have a quick word with your GP, I imagine he will just take your blood pressure and then say go for it and be happy that for once a patient of his was actually doing something rather than just moaning to him!

rolandbrowning - congratulations on your "easy" 28 minutes. I do think half the battle is mental, sometimes you just need to be in the zone. PMA! (sorry about the horrible american cliches)

Ria, I think the good thing about this is that it is gentle and your can take it at your own pace. You seem to be doing that, listening to your body and increasing things slowly which is the right way.
I know it works for me, for years I have been stuck on being able to 'run' no longer than 6 mins, REALLY frustrating. It was both psychological and lack of muscle power and mental stamina.
I find with this programme when I'm feeling that I can't go any further the voice over over keeps me going and so allows stamina, both mental and physical, to build