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

[Misdee]

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

wow! Thats sounds great. might have to look out for one then. Didn't think they would fold small!

cgi.ebay.co.uk/Reebok-I-Run-White-treadmill_W0QQitemZ140195713747QQihZ004QQcategoryZ15280QQssPageNam eZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is the same as mine and looks a bargain!

Yes 2 miles by Sunday, I am sort of fit so I don't know how hard it will be

I was just looking at that. Can't really afford it though.
Is it embarrassing running past peoples houses etc? Not really anywhere where i live where i could go where no one would see me lol!

i wont be running past houses,, well not for a while lol.

I much prefer running outside especially if I can look in other peoples living rooms. Makes the time pass quicker. I do remember last year when I first got fit going for my first outside run and being really held back by the wind. At one point I actually thought I might be going backwards.

I'd decided to do the Race for Life this year but wasn't sure how to get started! I've just found the couch to 5k podcast so I might get started tomorrow!

itunes for running? do I need an ipod or will a MP3 plater be ok to download this type of stuff/ Help have asked my dd1 and even she seemed bemused by her mothers hopelssness

Which site can I get this running tunes for times from?

The run/walk thing is supposed to be good for dodgy knees. I'm a (long time ago) ex-dancer and have bad feet and knees. I find if I build up slowly I'm ok, and staying off concrete (using a treadmill or running on grass at the park) is best.

For the ladies worried about being a bit bouncy on top I can recommend something called a 'Minimal Bounce Bra'. I wasn't flat chested even when a skinny dancer and these are great, if you are over a C cup wear it on top of a regular sports bra (it looks like a crop top) and you'll not be bouncing anywhere ;) Dancewear shops usually have them.

good tips rachw... does strapping knees help also (I was thinking of buying some neoprene thingies to 'brace' them a bit...)?

www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/index.html

This is the bloke who does the podcasts. I don't overly rate his music choices but I have always been timing challenged so they are very helpful indeed.

I wear a humungous sports bra but still manage to bounce in a crazy fashion - will investigate the crop top online. Thanks.

I wear a crop top - keeps mine all wraped in tight (not that I am big to start with just a c cup)but I find them very comfy.

Thanks for the link

Monkeybird - I think strapping can help - if nothing else to give you a bit more confidence. My right knee has a tendency to just give out (I am highly likely to end up on my bum zipping off the end of the treadmill if I don't clip on the safety line!). I think with most injuries building up to anything slowly is most important. That way your other muscles have chance to develop and support the weak point.

I started week 4 this morning - a lot more running, but I completed it

Hmmmmmm
Am thinking about doing it, although BF boobs might put paid to it

I am going to go out and start this today.
I can take DD's on a welly walk across the fields where no-one can see me lol!

i'm starting this afternoon as well. going out soon to the park

Well, i am back!
Was a bit tricky with DD2 wanting to hold my hand half the time lol but i managed some jogs alone while they got muddy.
Next time should be Tuesday morning while DD2 is at pre-school and the others are back to school.

Hope yours goes well Misdee.

Ooh - I went out for a run this morning and I am still alive, just... (btw if I say 'run', think 'walk with bounce'). I'm going to try to go twice on the weekends and on Weds, as I have someone to look after LOs then. BF boobs survived as well...

Enjoy yours this afternoon...

great! I started the couch to 5k programme after reading about it on another thread. Have done 2 sessions, quite hard work (really I am a couch potato!) timing was hard, how awful is the music on the podcasts??....We are lucky and have a canal twopath nearby, and yesterday saw a kingfisher, lovely. Then yesterday the grauniad presented us with the army 6 wk training plan which has sit ups and stuff as well...not sure whether to try that instead, has anyone else looked at it?

that should be towpath, btw

well i didnt get to go out today, dh has a headache and is back in bed

am wondering if this couch to 5k plan is do-able whilst pushing an off road buggy?

Hello guys, Misdee, am impressed and would love to join.

However, I am signed up to the the Playtex Moonwalk for breastcancer in May. The 13 mile one. But that is a powerwalk, running not allowed, so I better not start a running programme.

I am also 6 stone overweight, and a HH bra size, so feel happy to start with walking.

But once the walk is finished in May, and I have lost a stone or two, I may start running. Of course you will all be seasoned experts by then!

Good luck all, and I wish I could join.

I knew someone who planned to run with an offroad buggy, not sure hw it worked out, would deffo increase the effort- I guess you'd need a clear space...

I wear scaffolding a sports bra with a tight crop top over it! That's the only way I can run without getting a black eye! I've just been out with the podcast on my ipod and done the first session! There's no way I could have done the timings without it. I found it ok but had a stitch most of the way. I could have done with sitting down when I got home but had to make dd's dinner and she wanted to 'help' (she's 14months!).

Good luck everyone who hasn't started yet. I'd definitely recommend the podcast. I don't think I'd have managed half an hour without because when I've tried running before (once about 2 years ago ) I try too much too soon.

Hey good luck to you lot. Getting the first foot out the door is the hardest and don't worry about running on the roads. I prefer it to treadmill and only ever look on other women running with admiration. To quote Nike - Just do It!

Pop over to the runner's thread if you feel the need. Some of us have been at it a while (but just plod) some a short time and go further and faster - loads of good advice though .