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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:
Minum · 09/01/2008 18:57

Thanks Misdee . I've done 3 times week 1 now, cant decide whether to move up to week 2, or stick with week 1 a bit longer, as I'm still finding it hard - is the jump from week one to week two a big deal - it looks OK on paper ?

tortoise · 09/01/2008 19:55

Well done minum.

My legs are a bit achey today to. Ready to go out tomorrow again though.

Madlentileater · 09/01/2008 20:53

did my 3rd run last night, it was dark so had to choose a new route- felt I had made some progress as breathing was easier but thighs very achy- however, fine today. DP has decided to join in which is good because he time keeps, but a bit dispiriting as he's fitter- used to run properly! Next time it's a whole 90 seconds of running...scary!

bramblebooks · 09/01/2008 21:14

well done minum

Why not give week 2 a try? You could always do the week 1 run as your 'middle' run of the week - or even do a week 2, week 1, week1 - modify it to suit you.

I found that sometimes I had a real go at 'going for it' and surprised myself, other times I kept in the comfort zone and did the same week again - sometimes going a bit faster, or a bit slower for a newer more stretching week.

kiwibella · 09/01/2008 23:11

there is usually a training programme on the race for life site... I print it off every year . I would love to be able to run but I end up walking the race for life - and have a great time anyway. I'm going to check out the site for this year's registrations .

However, I have started going to the gym with my likkle sis... just a couple of times a week and managing 10mins on the bike and 10mins on the cross trainer. I've also bought Davina's new dvd which I'm hoping for 20mins peace to use.

Off to find the podcasts too

kiwibella · 09/01/2008 23:13

sorry!! I read the first page of this thread before realising that you have been very busy ladies . Amazing progress in between.

Minum · 10/01/2008 09:35

Just got back, did a week 1 run again, as I havent had chance to make the week 2 MP3 yet. It went well, I can really feel a difference now, but still having the shin pains, so am about to google to find a running shop nearby for new trainers.

Thanks for advice Bramblebook, I think I'm ready for being stretched. And theres still plenty of time till May to build up to 10km.

Good luck everyone whos running today

rachw1 · 10/01/2008 10:19

Did session 2 of week 4 today. Tiring but I did it

Mimum - make sure you stretch after running as I find that if I don't I get shin pains as everything tightens up after. Good trainers should help too though.

JudgeNutmeg · 10/01/2008 10:33

I spent all afternoon and evening in bed yesterday with this stupid D&V bug. I feel really weak today and really, really hope my family don't come down with it too. My house pongs of bleach.

Hopefully, all will be well today and I'll be up for my last wk one on Friday night.

Keep on puffing ladies!

seeker · 10/01/2008 10:33

I'm starting this programme tomorrow too. Tried lots of times before - determined this time!

Swedes2Turnips1 · 10/01/2008 10:46

I need to step away from the Christmas chocs. I am still struggling to lose my excess kilos from baby no. 4 who is now nearly 6 months old.

Minum · 10/01/2008 11:24

Really sorry JM - hope you feel better soon

Rach - I stretch b4 running, but not after - will build that into the routine, thanks

tortoise · 10/01/2008 11:57

Sorry to hear that Judge. Hope you feel better soon.

Well i am really surprising myself! Even though it is pouring with rain and blowing a gale, i still went and did my last session of week 1. Found it a bit harder today because of the weather but still completed the 20 mins.
I try and stretch before and after but not 100% sure what the best way to do it is.

I think i will probably repeat this week next week and see how i get on. It is an acheivement for me to of even got this far!

chocoholic · 10/01/2008 12:07

I started this and got to week 3 in October and then stopped (WHY???)

Having read through the thread you are all spurring me on to start again.
I will try to make myself go at the weekend.
If I do I will see you all back here next week.

ivykaty44 · 10/01/2008 13:53

Ohh it really is horrid out there today, so went to the gym and ran on the treadmill for 31 minutes.

Shall go again on Saturday

Original poster
Misdee · 10/01/2008 14:22

can't get to a gym, so am running tonight, am hoping the weather stays a bit horrid so the teens arent hanging around and i can go a bit further than round the block several times.

OP posts:
nicmum2boys · 10/01/2008 14:42

Hi ladies, mind if I join you? Wow well done everyone getting out in the open, I have yet to venture off the safety of the treadmill at the gym .
I used running made easy to train for the race for life last year, can highly recommend it. Since then I have kind of kept my hand (or feet!) in,albeit very sporadically, and am currently running for 3mins walk for 2mins for a total of 25mins, but would love to be able to run for longer periods without the walk breaks. This program looks good as it aims towards that, but am unsure where to start, any one got any thoughts? Thought I might stick to my 3run and 2walk this week and start week 4 next week. Would love to do RFL this year running all the way, and I kind of have a hankering to do something like this , might be deluded though

ivykaty44 · 10/01/2008 17:34

Your going to think I am a bit crakers but I am hankering after doing this and have sent of my application form.

I am running though and hope you don't mind as there is no cycling thread - keeping me fit running and cycling

Original poster
Misdee · 10/01/2008 18:50

ivykate, maybe that one for me next year! lol.

just been out for second run of week 1.

OP posts:
kiwibella · 10/01/2008 21:42

I like the look of the bike ride ivykaty!! Well done for sending in your app form .

sparklygothkat · 10/01/2008 23:31

haven't started this as has been very ill this week, am I excused?

ivykaty44 · 11/01/2008 08:48

sparkly - your excused, make sure you are properly well before you start this as it can be detrimental doing exercise when you are still poorly.

Hope your feeling better soon

Minum · 11/01/2008 09:13

OK, I've wimped out this morning due to rain. Am sitting here naked while all my clothes dry out after 10 minute school run,so might have well gone running and got fully soaked anyway

armyofme · 11/01/2008 15:35

did my first session today at the gym as the weather has been putting me off no end. it went well but feeling a bit knackered now...next session on sunday, feeling all fired up now

nicmum2boys · 11/01/2008 17:15

Ivykaty that bike ride looks fab, I bet you will have such a sense of acheivement when you've done it

Well I did a run last night at the gym, warm up walk for 3mins then was meant to be doing 5 repeats of run 3, walk 2, but my legs were like lead, has to be one of the worst runs I've had in a long time. I really had to push myself hard to keep going, relented and added an extra minutes walk in on last repeat, as I just felt I wasn't ready to run again after the 2 minute walk. Am now wondering if I should start the program at week 4 as I'd planned, as the 3 min runs are interspersed with only 90sec walk breaks......... although I do feel like I'm going down with a cold today, so that could be why maybe? Going for another run tomorrow , so I'll see how I feel after that. Am determined to keep at it this time, I really need to lose weight (5 stone ) having already lost nearly 3 stone and then put one back on I am very with myself for letting things slide as I had got so into the running.
Think I am going to enter a race to give myself an extra motivation, and a target to aim for, am seriously tempted to enter that bluebell 10k................