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.

I did my W5R3 today. Before I set off I was feeling no good (was up v. early with DS this morning) but I thought just do it. So I ran 20 mins and it was fine, but it was a meh kind of fine.

Still, at least I got the bugger out of the way. I may do a few 8mins x 3 before going onto W6R1 I think.

Well done .

Just looked at week 6 and R1 seems to be rather easier than 20 min run.

Run 5 min
Walk 3 min
Run 8 min
Walk 3 min
Run 5 min

Then R2 is

Run 10 min
Walk 3 minutes
Run 10 min

R3 is

Run 25 min

well done LovelyRita and Dilettante . So there's nothing scary about w5r3 then ?

well done LovelyRita and Dilettante. you've done brilliantly.

I'm inspired now - I'm going to do the 20 minute run on Saturday. also pleased to know that Week 6 is not so bad!

I keep looking at all the runners when I'm driving around. I feel like I'm getting a bit obsessed with getting better!

Another blister tip is applying surgical spirit to harden up your skin. This is what I used to do when I did ballet (many moons ago) DON'T apply it to open blisters as it will really sting!

Am looking forward to running tomorrow. This makes me feel a little

Am going up to Liverpool to see my family later on tomorrow and will take my running things and do running on Monday.

och, go on, apply it to open skin... i do. [hard as nails]

you must be dead 'ard Aitch!

like the new name? w5r3 tonight - was hard, but not impossible. Might actually have been fun if my knee hadn't been playing up, so I really must get that sorted out.

oooooo violet your a day ahead of me now . I was going to go tonight but dh wasnt intill late, my legs still feel tired and i was given a bottle of southern comfort lol

Well done Violet!

W5r3 tomorrow for me too - I'll think of you Nappy while I'm out there sweating!

ok Norky . I will be going out after tea to avoid tetchy children - hoping for a cool rain free evening

My legs are still really achey tonight too - the last run definitely had an effect on my muscles which is good I suppose!

Any tips for relaxing sore muscles?

I have been rubbish this week, was on holiday did loads of walking but no running, now have cold and cough so won't be running for a few days now. Am looking at joining a gym now for the treadmill especially as it means I can go in the evening and feel safer than running alone.

I am doing W6R1 tomorrow.

Well done Violet

Yay - have done w6 r1. Much easier than w5r3.

Have realised I keep increasing the length of time I feel is an "easy" run. Now it is 5min

I was out at 7.30 this morning! Beautiful day and DS was happy with a pile of books so had no excuse.

Decided to leave Rawb at home and just see how long I could go for before having to stop - 19 mins 34 seconds!

Am amazed. And achey!

Just did W5R3 and it was ok.

I seriously can't believe that i can run for 20 minutes without stopping. I am slow tho!

and I had two massive glasses of wine last night

I'm really looking forward to week 6 now.

This plan must really work!

i feel quite evangelical about running now!

Happy running and resting everyone.

forgot to say - well done Norky!

forgot to say - well done Norky!

Just wanted to say "hi"
I've been lurking and gathering inspiration reading how you guys are doing.....and cor well done!!
I've just done week 1.
and I'm even thinking of doing that again!
I never did really get on with running - even at school. But I'm hoping to do this program.
I gave up smoking about 3 months ago, and want to get fit again (and lose weight).

I struggle to run the whole 60 secs each time, but I am doing it. And about 2 hours later I feel really good and like I could do it again.

oh god 4 hrs till my w5r3 - i am feeling the rpessure not to fail now! Well done norky

and vulgar infact everyone who has managed the 20 mins

Well done to you too Vulgar! And you'll be fine Nappy - if I can manage 19 minutes then anyone else who's followed the program properly will be able to.

Welcome paisleyleaf! Well done on conquering Week 1 - I found that hard enough (my first day I had to stop short of doing all the runs as I was about to pass out).

I hated running at school - actually, all through life I've been convinced that I just couldn't run - due to a combination of huge norks, and the fact that I always came last in running races at school, so I've never tried since I escaped PE lessons.

But what do you know - a good sports bra, and a sensible program to follow, and even the well upholstered girl can run for 20 minutes!

"I found that hard enough (my first day I had to stop short of doing all the runs as I was about to pass out)."

That's good to know
The idea of running for 20mins just seems so beyond me
but can be done then.

weeks 1 and 2 were definately the hardest, once you've managed those, it does get easier - I mean look at the loads of us who are around week 5 and now think a 5 minute run is an easy run .
Echo the above, decent trainers, good sports bra, get out there three times a week doing what Raawwb says, and even if you've done bugger all for ten or fifteen years , it's perfectly possible to run for 20 minutes in one go.