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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:
Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/02/2008 10:29

Aitch - you could try some knee stabilising/strengthening exercises.

MrsCarrot · 10/02/2008 10:30

only 3/4 days, that sounds like a lot to me..

MrsCarrot · 10/02/2008 10:32

saggers - you have inspired me. I might sign up for one then, it would be a good target.

Original poster
misdee · 10/02/2008 10:35

programme says to run 3 days a week with a day rest inbeteeen. one week idid 4 runs as started on a sunday and ended on the saturday.

have only started adding in things recently.

but have been paid up for a few days now, well my leg has and the most i have done is walk to the car.

when i say i do stuff on the other days, it like a 30mins walk somewhere. or the aquafit on a friday.

i am not doing mad arobics or exercise dvd's/ i thin kthat would kill me.

i think i will def cut it down to 3 days a week, giving myself an extra rest on saturdays. but would like to run sunday, tues and thursday.

OP posts:
Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 10/02/2008 10:36

You'd really enjoy it I promise. The atmosphere is fab and there's no pressure to run fast as lots just walk. I ran one with a young woman who was breast cancer survivor - I didn't know her she was just running at my pace so we chatted all the way round. Her family were waiting for her at the finish and it was so emotional.

Aitch · 10/02/2008 10:39

thanks, am twitching my quadricep Right Now.

Minum · 10/02/2008 12:26

I cant keep up with this thread

Congrats everyone for their progress, and well done PSW for the 20 min run, isnt it a great feeling . Although I feel a bit rubbish today, the first time this year, but I think its just a hangover, so I will go very easy on the vino tonight.

And big thanks to Misdee for the thread, I wouldn't have done this without it, I'm sure.

I'm running 4 times a week atm, just because I'm completely rigid about sticking to the program and my timetable, but I might ease up a bit now, and just build up towards the 5km over the next month or so, although I find it easier to stick to a routine, and dont give myself the option to say no.

I havent booked up for a run yet, I'm seriously looking for one now, to do with DH and DS1

widgypog · 10/02/2008 17:33

ooh just done day one week 2 bloody nearly killed me...this better get easier!!

Aitch · 10/02/2008 19:29

it does, surprisingly quickly actually. i did run 3 of week 2 yesterday and found it easy, but on tuesday i was scunnered by it. well done.

widgypog · 10/02/2008 19:31

fanx aitch..looking forwaed to not being out of breath..bit fed up of the american telling me i shouldnt be out of breath!!!

Aitch · 10/02/2008 19:33

i always swear loudly and puffily when he says that. i'm usually done in long before.

pinkspottywellies · 10/02/2008 21:14

I must admit I snort when Rawb says you should be able to talk [rolls eyes]! I do sometimes try to say hello to dog walkers and the like to see if I can at least puff out a word!

Interesting what Saggar said about the first 10 mins. It usually takes me a good 5 mins after the warm up to get into my stride. Until then I feel like I'm jerking along and pounding a bit too hard. I think I might be a bit addicted. I was trying to get out on the Sunday night when I'd been sick the night before and in bed all day. Indeed I was itching to get out all week but I didn't really eat properly til Thursday and DH got all sensible on me and wouldn't let me run til Thursday! (then I squeezed 3 runs in - Thurs, Sat morning and Sun night so I didn't get behind )

Well done everyone and thanks for coming on and telling us all about it. This thread is such great motivation for me!

MrsCarrot · 10/02/2008 21:21

I talk most of the way. Sometimes, we gasp and don't answer each other but mostly we chat. Maybe I should be saving my energy.

My friend is away for a week so I will have to go on my own. I have looked up the RFL and there is one in a couple of months so we will sign up.

MrsJohnCusack · 11/02/2008 01:08

here I am
aitch told me to come over here

am going to investigate podcasts and original link and try to motivate myself.

Am going to be really behind you all

I'm not even sure I can actually run

Furball · 11/02/2008 06:53

don't worry about it mrsjc. We are all at different stages, there are some others who have only done 1 or 2 runs so far.

I am an unfit size 16 so no greyhound yet I'm doing week 4 this week

Furball · 11/02/2008 09:07

I did it! I blooming did it! week 4 run 1, with the 2 x 5 min runs (and the 3 min one). I'm gobsmacked and very proud of myself.

LilRedWG · 11/02/2008 09:31

Well done Furball!!!!

MrsJC - I've only done one run and managed to take the skin off my heels so I am waiting for them to recover (the right one is a mess) and will then re-start. In the meantime I'm going to wear my new running shoes around the house a bit to break them in.

Aitch · 11/02/2008 09:32

well done my sleek chum, what a bloody achievement! and hello mrsjc, i told you we were all well-upholstered wimmin on here, this is not the waifs thread. look, read the whole thing, it's a list of people going 'i fookin' CANNOT believe i just did that!'.

Minum · 11/02/2008 09:49

Well done furball, enjoy the feeling I've just done a 21 min run, same as Saturday. I'm tweaking the route now, so I end up as close to home as possible when I finish. I think I'll do another 21 minuter, then try and increase by 2 mins a week, more or less in line with the program.

Good luck to everyone this week, its a bit firmer underfoot here on the grass, which is nice, but watch out for the ice, I nearly slipped this morning

And, I'm now overweight, no longer obese

MrsCarrot · 11/02/2008 09:52

Oh, well done Minum, and furball and good luck to mrsJC.

How have you done that, Minum? I have only put on weight so far. Are you dieting as well?

Minum · 11/02/2008 10:01

MrsC, I'm low-carbing, and trying really hard to cut back on the booze. I have blood sugar issues, and have found cutting back on carbs has meant I haven't fell hungry, so I havent snacked between meals. But its not been dramatic, about half a stone since the begining of the year.

Furball · 11/02/2008 10:10

Minum - 21 mins! amazing!!!

and yes this thread is deffo full of people saying 'I can't believe I just did that' which makes it do-able and achivevable and so makes you want to do it, which is most of the battle of fitness

Jenkeywoo · 11/02/2008 10:14

MrsJohnCusack - don't worry, I'm out injured and waiting for new trainers on order too so am stuck in a week one twilight zone and hoping I'll still be ready for the race for life in June. Good luck and I hope you enjoy it.

MrsCarrot · 11/02/2008 10:29

is low-carb no bread/potatoes/rice etc but you still eat beans and fruit and stuff? Or do you just not eat it with your evening meal? I have tried to cut them down but I'm still bf and always hungry. Not sure I could run if I hadn't eaten any carbs.

Minum · 11/02/2008 10:33

I basically just eat meat and veg (no potates), and dont cut back on the fat. I didnt eat much fruit anyway as I try and avoid imported food. If you're BF, you must be feeling hungry, I remember that feeling really well . I know sugar and bread triggers hunger for me, so I think cutting them out has helped me a lot.