Starting Couch to 5k next week ( 17th May) and looking for company :)

[Avad]

Does anyone wish to join me

I'm hoping for "effortless running" at some point.

Not even close at the moment.

"effortless running"! That would be nice. :)

Just finished week 3 today. I realised that I got as far as 2 minutes before starting to struggle. It was a good feeling. :) Have started to eye up local 5km runs

I enjoy the feeling after a run... but running itself is definitely trying!! I survived a week 2 run on Tuesday. I should try week 3 today.

effortless running [hahahahahahahahahahah emoticon]

Did my 2 10 minute runs this morning. I've slowed down. Didn't hurt as much as Monday, but maybe because I was expecting some difficulty.

25 minutes next, don't know when I can fit that in.

Now look here, I didn't invent this effortless running thing. DP had a book out of the library, it's supposed to happen!

much-effort-was-needed to run week 3 today! My knee seriously hurts... at first I thought I wouldn't be able to get going and it took at least the first 90 seconds to run instead of hobble. I completed it but really not sure what to do. It used to hurt only on the transition between running and walking? Now I can't raise it (even when sitting) without some discomfort.

But, I ran week three! Perhaps another shot tomorrow night? I'm going to stay with my sister this weekend and she has asked me to bring my running gear. Not looking forward to that cos her and bil are proper runners .

Hello again, you lovely lot, still running I see. Just read the recent updates - I can't believe it was so recently that I was fretting about the big 20 minute run myself!

I did make it to the last week - just! but as I knackered my knee (about 29 minutes and 30 seconds into my last run), and went on holiday soon afterwards, it slightly ruined my routine. The problem is, I don't have my two main motivations any more (1. to get the end of the 9 week programme, and 2. to look half-decent in a bikini on holiday). Both were achieved, I'm pleased to say!!

I've continued to run about three times a week, and most times I do a circuit which takes about 25 minutes, but I'm getting quite a few "can't be arsed" moments and have given up quite a few times. It's all a bit rubbish.

So I'm desperately searching for some new motivational target to spur me on when I feel like stopping. I can't undo all that good work. Any ideas?

you must keep doing it - I've completely lost all ability over 6 weeks so fitness levels must drop off really quickly. Maybe use Christmas as the next target. Think of something you really want, buy and wrap it - to get it you must run at least twice a week. Father Christmas is watching you!

I managed second run of week 4 today. Week 9 still seems so far off.

Just found this thread! I completed this a couple of weeks ago I never thought I would be able to do it but I found it progressed at a good pace I could cope with. Now i run 30 minutes three times a week no idea how far I go but I enjoy the freedom of running

Chrysanthemum5 - where have you been?? This thread was what kept me going throughout my nine weeks!!

Loler - hi, how's it going? Stick at it! I guess I was lucky getting through the programme just before the distractions of the summer holidays kicked in.

I don't want to waste all my hard work (or grow my jelly belly back). Yes, you are right, maybe Santa can help. I don't have any problem getting out there, it's just keeping going that's my problem, I give up too easily.

MrsDepp there is the bridge to 10k if you need something else to motivate you.

I have taken a week off due to sickness so will repeat week 5 day 2 rather than go straight into day 3 [chicken emoticon]

MrsDepp I think starting it in summer is what kept me going so nice to get out in the fresh air but concerned about keeping going in a Scottish winter!

Lou what is the bridge to 10K?

Bridge to 10k

Its the follow on for couch to 5k which is supposed to get you to 10k

Whoooo! Did my first week 4 run. Two 5-minute runs. Thought I was going to die on a slight incline but the rest was fine. Felt like Superwoman!! :o

Well done Shaz! You are doing so well.

Just did run 3 of week 6. 25 mins without stopping. The first 5 min really hurt but then it got much easier. Was glad when it finished though. It's now time for a well earned G and T but I might have a peek to see what Robert has for me next week.

Keep on running everyone.

I don't know if I want to increase to 10k - I can't quite see how I'd find the time! I suppose I could get up at 4am and borrow a head-torch. But thanks for the link Loujalou.

MrsDepp that's kind of how I feel I run for 30 minutes three times a week so with warm up cool down etc it is still doable early evening or in my lunch hour. Plus I think I need to vary my route before I could run more - getting a bit sick of my local park!

Still the 10k would be a challenge so I may come round to the idea

well done sybil!!! Amazed by the progression. Brilliant too, Shaz... it's so good to see that week 4 can be done. I am doing week 3 again but tempted to give week 4 a go. Five minutes sounds like an eternity .

I deliberately don't peek ahead - I didn't know it was 5 minutes till it was too late :o

I repeated week 5 day 2 as have been ill and am now recovered. Felt good to run again.

MrsDepp 4am seems a reasonable time to go running. Maybe not. My mum completed and all is sorted by the way.

Sorry a bit late to this. Just done run 1 of Week 1 after a friend recommended the scheme to me.
But.... I only managed 6 of the 8 runs and I felt really sick after....am I just not cut out for it or should I keep going? Any encouragement welcome!!!

Hi happypiglet! (Shaz here, have namechanged)
Well done on starting.
But think about your food and hydration. If it's been a while since I've eaten, I'll nibble a cereal bar or something before I go out. Also, bring a bottle of water with you and have a few sips during the recovery walks. I didn't for the first couple of runs and really felt bad.
Keep going - you might have just been tired that day! Do the second run - I'm sure you'll be fine this time. :)

Thanks will keep trying- have down loaded podcasts now which might help keep me going!

Happy piglet, I really struggled in the first couploe of weeks and actually found it got much easier as time went on. I have repeated a couple of sessions when I haven't felt up to moving on. Stick with it. By half term you'll be addicted like the rest of us.