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Original poster

Couch Potato to 5km, any other beginners want to join this thread? Grab some running shoes and join in!

983 replies

Misdee · 05/01/2008 18:26

I know there is a mumsnet runners thread but I am a total beginner, and feel a bit overawed on there as they all seem really experienced.

I am going to be following this training programme, running 3x a week, starting next week once my children are back at school. I say running, but in reality i will be starting with a brisk walk, then picking up the pace over the next couple of months.

I have registered interest in Race For life, which is may/june, and will be taking part in the harefield fun run.

Anyone want to join me

OP posts:
Original poster
misdee · 02/02/2008 10:36

got to do the final run of week 2 today. am hoping i manage all 90secs today, otherwise will repeat it on monday.

i sleep so much better the night of a run or exercise. i did aquafit yesterday instead of a run and not even the kids could get ,e out of bed this morning, dh got up with them. i feel so much more energetic as well.

OP posts:
TheDuchessOfNorksBride · 02/02/2008 10:41
AitchTwoOh · 02/02/2008 10:43

when do you give up running if you're pg, duchess. (and did you see that someone posted that the only MNer they want to meet is DavidGest, lol!)

MissCreant · 02/02/2008 10:50

Hooray BBBee

I find it hard to time eating for a run. I have tried having someting light about 5pm and then I'm ok for 6.30 - 7pm, otherwise I have something after but I'm sure its not as good to eat late. Metabolism will be quicker then though.

TheDuchessOfNorksBride · 02/02/2008 11:23

Aitch - I ran my last 5k at about 20 weeks pregnant. Tis fine if you're fit enough. There is a marathon runner on the other thread who was still doing several miles at 32 weeks.

I am of Dave's popularity!

AitchTwoOh · 02/02/2008 11:50

you did channel some great shit there, duchess...

TheDuchessOfNorksBride · 02/02/2008 13:59
Minum · 02/02/2008 15:33

Went out this morning all excited about attepting week5 run1 - then realised I'd forgotten to put it onto MP3 player - so did week4 again, went well, but still tough. I do think the being outside helps, as the view and the other people helps distract me from the heavy legs.

wheelybug · 02/02/2008 16:08

Well done everyone !

I completed week 3 this afternoon. Phew. NOt too bad but I'm really not sure I'll be able to make the leap to week 4. Anyone who is ahead of me - how were you feeling at the end of week 3 ? Were you doing week 3 easily ??

I managed to run a bit longer on the last 3 minute run just to see how I'd go and I did run for a bit more but ......

Mind you, I do find it harder to run after drinking alcohol the night before so I will abstain tomorrow night before monday an the first time I run week 4. Also, this morning I had a big egg and bacon bap and 2 large black coffees so not sure that was the best preparation . Back to the porridge !!

Minum · 02/02/2008 18:18

WB, I was really worried about the jump to week4, but it was absolutely fine, I've always found every stage hard, but its been OK to go up IYSWIM. Have you tried running before breakfast? I did that last Saturday, and it worked well. This week I ran after a full English, which was OK, but I did feel a bit ickky when I got home.

Original poster
misdee · 02/02/2008 18:23

did run 3.5 of week two and found it really hard. but i think i overdid it yesterday at aquafit. i do feel more 'toned' though on my arms legs and arse. am not as wobbly as i was, i mean i am still am wobbly but not as much.

OP posts:
wheelybug · 02/02/2008 19:35

Thansk Minum - I usually run mid morning (when dd at nursery in the week) so have had porridge and tea for breakfast which I think sets me up a bit better !

Well done misdee - its definitely harder when you've done something the day before.

Catilla · 02/02/2008 22:13

Thanks to all those who made suggestions about getting the podcast going... I found the mp3 link and those do seem to work. There didn't seem to be any talking on the first one, but I'm going to try starting with week 2. Haven't run in about 15 months (dd is 10m) except a couple of very slow jogs when dd was about 3m when I soon gave up - fully bf and running are not compatible in my book. Even running straight after evening feed didn't seem to work.
Well done to all those who've been getting out there so far, and good luck to everyone too! I always find the first couple of runs are great, you feel good, but after that the motivation goes, when I realise I have to repeat it again and again and again to make any difference :-( Hopefully music + instructions will help.

bigwombat · 02/02/2008 22:55

I am thinking of joining you all, but have had plantar fascitis (aka policeman's heel!) in the past. Hoping my trainers are up to the task. Is there a running style which avoids this??

Also I can only go running after about 9pm in the dark - think I should avoid MP3 player so as to be able to hear all around me? Area is OK but a bit quiet at night...

pinkspottywellies · 03/02/2008 00:46

WB I've just done my second of week 4 this morning. The jump was fine - I was quite worried cause I'd been ill and had a gap from Sat - Thurs but I thought I can always stop and walk if I need to! I was fine though on the first session but this morning nearly killed me!! I wanted to stop and walk about 3 times but I managed to keep going. But it was hard!! The running time really jumps up and the walks drop right down so it looks scary! I did a bit longer at the end of week 3 run 3 too.

BBB so glad you're joining us. Let us know how you go tomorrow and if you don't want to go, we'll hound you and hound you til you run just to get away (and you can have a bacon sandwich when you finish)(and I've lost 9lb this month despite the bacon sandwiches)

LostMe · 03/02/2008 06:52

Like Wobmat, I'm avoiding the MP3 Player - a) I don't have one and b) I run on my own so like to be aware of what is going on around me.

But it really encouraging to hear everyone - I am really going to try and keep running. I feel so much better for it (even if I haven't lost any weight yet )

  • I have however found that my ankles are really tender so have had a few days off. I have got proper running trainers but wonder if its road running (or age!!!).
Celery · 03/02/2008 07:00

Bigwombat, I am not running at the moment, as I have plantar fasciitis. The physio diagnosed just last monday and told me not to run for atleast 2 months for it to recover properly. She said it was usually caused by feet that overpronate ( roll inwards ) aka flat fleet. She says if I want to run I should go and see a podiatrist who can do a proper biomechanical assessment and make me custom made insoles for my shoes.

A first step would be to go to a specialist running shop and ask their advice. many of them have treadmills, where you can be videoed running, and they play it back in slow motion which helps them assess what the best type of shoes for you are.

bigwombat · 03/02/2008 09:03

Thanks Celery, that sounds like a good idea. I got it before just from running on a treadmill, but didn't have good trainers and do tend to 'thunder' along!! I bought some Asics after that, which were more expensive than average and recommended, but haven't really put them to the test with running yet. Going to give it a go this week!

bigwombat · 03/02/2008 09:04

And I have got quite flat feet I suppose, so will look into some insoles. Thanks.

AitchTwoOh · 03/02/2008 12:58

i like to be aware too, definitely, so i just put one earphone in, which gives me the best of both worlds. i really do find Rawb helps a lot.

Furball · 03/02/2008 12:58

been out for week 3 run 2 at 8am this morning.(love going early) found it quite easy, I keep saying it, but the podcast is fantastic, you can get lost in your own mind with him just saying stop/start. makes it soooo much easier than clock watching.

MissCreant · 03/02/2008 13:05

today is the beginning of going for 3 times a week

have you all got proper gear? I have trainers and dh's fleece but I am wearing jogging bottoms that are so old that I have to gather and pin them together at the front and dd said that it looked like I have a willy.

I am trying not to get new gear until I am sure I will go the distance, scuse pun.

AitchTwoOh · 03/02/2008 13:14

i have pretty good running shoes, some joggies and a waterproof jacket. my joggies give me a camel's hoof, so you're getting off lightly with a penis.

MissCreant · 03/02/2008 13:16

No, aitch, they're so gathered that I have a camel hoof and a penis. Is there a name for that?

AitchTwoOh · 03/02/2008 13:17

a boy camel?