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

I would die if I only ate meat and veg. I eat a LOT of fruit and cereals and rice etc in a day.

The pears were local!

I mean I would a little under par...

i am off to the running sshop this afternoon to get some shoes. has anyone got any suggestions on what to look for.

I've got Mizuno - I went on the machine at the running shop, the guy looked at my gait, and inspected my shoes, and said this pair, and another would compensate for my rolling inwards (I think) running style. They have been fab, and all shin pains have now gone . The only funny thing about them is that they let water in, which is a bit iccky when I run on grass, but doesnt really bother me. There was a similar cheaper pair made in England, that also dealt with the rolling feet, but they weren't as comfy, so I chose comfort over ethics

Keep up the melodrama MrsC, I was born a drama queen [grin}

I meant the man looked at my feet, not my shoes (and I hadnt shaved my legs and he asked me to roll up my trousers )

did he try and sell you a mens pair minum?

minum - I've been a low-carber on and off for years. It works really well for me too. I'm off it atm and I've found that running more has helped me keep the weight off mostly but I'm beginning to feel a little porky again so will be back to it soon.

Men's would have suited me better but he was very cute

I'm really glad I found this thread, and the link to the slow build up. I started with a running program on Saturday which starts with 20 mins of jog one minute, walk one minute. I found it so hard by the time I got to jog number 6 we were down to jog 40seconds, walk 2 minutes, and it got worse after that.

I've got proper trainers etc, but have terrrible calf cramps. Is it just the unexpected strain of having to move my lardy body at more than a shuffle? That is, will it get better? Or,as a member of the cankle club, is it just my good luck to be built in a way where my calves and ankles are not built to run gazelle like?

I need to: get fit, be able to touch my toes again, not feel about 60 yrs old when I'm actually only 30,not be 'apple shaped' anymore, lose about a stone, look better in clothes, feel happier/beat depression...the list goes on..

It seems exercise is the only answer.

So, this morning I got up out of my warm, cosy bed at 7am and went for a brisk 45 min walk in the park. It was lovely! I have felt tons better all day. So...I am going to join you. I think I will continue wirth the brisk walk every day this week, then start the programme mentioned in the OP starting from next Monday.

So - hello!

good for you mattie. the running nearly kills me but in a good way. i walk loads anyway and had a lovely 2 hour walk with dog this morning. What I understand of depression is that sunshine is good for it as it releases seratonin or something so the walking in the sunshine is fab (happy to be corrected if I am wrong as never had depression). good luck.!!

cooey woooollffy!

Don't know where you get the image of 'gazzelle like' from. - Sorry can't help you with your ankle problems. but welcome to our little pack of runners.

wooluff - I'm no gazelle, and had loads of aches and pains when I started (and still do). Did you stretch before and after your session? I do an approx 30 sec stretch on each calf, a 30 sec stretch on each thigh, then 30 secs touching my toes, both before and after the excercise, and I do think it helps. (and, like Mattie, touching my toes was one of my targets, and finally being able to do it has really thrilled me )

Mattie, I definately feel younger, and I've only been doing it for 6 weeks, I was fed up of making grumbling noises every time I got in or out of a chair (I'm 43) But I am still apple-shaped, but its all going in the right direction.

Just checking in to say hello and well done to PSW and Minum on your 20 minuters !!!

Have been away for weekend with friends drinking too much... Wanted to get out this afternoon as DH was off as we only came back today but he's been stuck on conference calls all afternoon so will have to leave it until weds (dd at home tomorrow) which will be 6 days since running so fingers crossed it'll be ok (will give me a couple of days to get some sleep in and detox though !!).

Count me in!!!

AAARRRGGGHHH... i can't do it tonight.
the first time in 5 weeks i am not going on my jog.
i have stuffed my face all day. waaaah.

help me someone.
motivate me.

LadyJogsAlot I'm feeling exactly the same, except I'm not on week 5 I'm only on week one run two! I just stuffed myself with soup and cheese scones .

But the night is young and perhaps I'll still be able to fit in a run if I can get some motivation!

Girls, put your trainers on, plus a warm top, and get out there - you know you'll feel fab when you get back, but if you stay on the sofa you'll be cross with yourself all evening.

You know I'm making sense

You're getting there Minum, I'm almost convinced and not feeling so full now.

LadyJogsAlot did you go out in the end?

no but thanks for the supprot! have rescheduled the jog for weds so i will still hopefully be able to fit them in.

just so tired.

going to bed now.

someone please hassle me tomorrow into going to my aerobics class.

mumooms, at least you didn't stuff yourself with cakes and pizza

ladies, ladies, don't you know that you need to feed your face with crap every now and again in order to boost your metabolism? [celebrity beauty and health journalist]

ok laides, you are all doing great!

Aitch, you will be pleased to know i didnt get on my bike, and have spend the day teaching the kids how to pedel their own bikes. dd1 can now pedel well with stabilisers, dd2 still goes into hedges as she cant steer and look where she is going, and dd3 insists on me giving her a pushstart lol. does that count as taking it easy

So tomorrow, will be my first run since thursday. my leg feels better and not tight anymore. so will take it slow and give week 2 one last run and move upto week three on thursday. if i dont feel ok with week 3 then will go back to week 2 again.

ooh you welcoming lot

okayyyyyyyyyyy I really think I'm going to do this
can't get out until tomorrow or THursday evening but I am GOING TO DO IT
oh yes

it is really very satisfying, i promise. (and takes 30 minutes, did i mention that?) you go girl etc.
now. my knee is ver nearly better. do i run tonigth or wait til tomorrow?