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Original poster

Couch potato to 5k - anyone fancy starting?

289 replies

giddykipper · 07/09/2008 08:27

This is what I'm talking about

And there are podcasts for your mp3 player to help.

Anyone feel like a bit of mutual motivation?

OP posts:
HorseStories · 16/09/2008 20:00

Great - I will start tomorrow when DH gets home from work. If I figure out how to download something to DH's MP3 player, I will use the podcast, otherwise I'll use a sports watch.

I'll go and read the rest of the thread for tips.

cwtchy · 16/09/2008 20:36

Hello to all, I did my second run of week 1 yesterday, I really enjoyed it too! It was my first run with the podcast and I really liked it - having someone tell me what to do so I can concentrate on moving my hefty weight suits me fine..

Thanks for the encouragement Blessthismess and CQ, I think checking in here is going to give me that extra bit of motivation to keep going. Does anyone else have trouble imagining actually running 5k without stopping ?

Hello Horsestories! I'm still on week one, and a few others are too, so you're not too late

calsworld · 16/09/2008 20:49

Evening all - I managed my run, Run 1, Week 1 Version 2 is again successfully completed. Yay!

(Just another 8.5 weeks and 26 runs left )

I actually found it loads easier than when I went for the first run last week, in terms of not huffing and puffing nearly so much - is that really possible after just two outings . Well, I guess even if it isn't, as long as it feels good that's OK.

OneLieIn, would you mind sharing what top it is you've bought - it sounds quite ideal to me and have been looking for a while now?

Welcome HorseStories, my plans didn't come off last week so I'm starting afresh this week (plus am really unfit) so thought I'd just do week one again and do it properly this time.

I took the dog with me this evening, I wasn't sure at first but then when I ask the question, is the dog fitter than me, the answer is undoubtedly yes - and she was really well behaved. It gave me an excuse to cast my eye over my shoulder every two minutes too.

I took DH's headphones with me this time, they are meant to be worn with the wire at the back of your head but they kept falling out, it was fine when I put it back at the front though. I also chose a different route this time that didn't take me out of the park as I had the dog, and it was the roads that made me nervous. There was loads of people out walking dogs and football training etc so felt much safer.

Right, its getting late and I'm starving! Looking forward to my roast butternut squash and cottage pie (less the mash potato).

Good luck everyone trying to squeeze a run in tomorrow!

funnypeculiar · 16/09/2008 20:49

Just back from my first run of week 2 - really enjoyed it
I was running on road for the first time & was amazed at how much easier it felt. Although it also made me realise that dh is right about me needing new shoes - could feel my knees!

calsworld · 16/09/2008 20:51

Sorry Cwtchy, didn't see your post as it took me so long to waffle through mine! I like the man too, and his comments are quite perfectly too! Dig in, keep going etc without being OTT.

Original poster
giddykipper · 16/09/2008 21:20

Hello HorseStories

Just back from week 1 run 4 and I managed it OK if a bit wheezily. Feel rather proud of myself for having gone out and done it.

I know exactly what you mean cwtchy about the prospect of running 5k - at the moment I'm daunted about the week 2 challenge of running for 2 minutes! I've never been any good at running, at school I was always at the back in cross country, so this is all new to me.

Good luck everyone, we're all doing brill.

OP posts:
kittywise · 17/09/2008 11:39

Hi did first run of week 2 yesterday. It was fine apart from last 5 mins when I got SO tired.

Now I course I have a ruddy cold, so God only knows when I'll get out again.

I feel like sh*t

Original poster
giddykipper · 17/09/2008 12:54

kitty, colds are rubbish. Don't worry too much - I went out after 5 days off with a cold and I managed to pick up where I had left off.

OP posts:
kittywise · 17/09/2008 13:05

Thanks giddy

BroccoliSpears · 17/09/2008 20:51

Bah. Was supposed to do week 2 run 2 this evening and I didn't because I didn't feel like it. Will try and be more motivated tomorrow.

Original poster
giddykipper · 17/09/2008 20:56

Trying to decide whether to do week 2 run 1 tonight.

On the 'no' side - I went out last night, Who Do You Think You Are is on in 5 minutes

On the 'yes' side - I'm out tomorrow night so won't be able to go running until Friday.

OP posts:
BlessThisMess · 17/09/2008 21:37

Didn't manage to persuade myself out of bed this morning for a 7.30am run, so took my stuff to work and went during an early lunch-hour instead. I have to confess I would not be forcing myself to do this so much if I didn't have a 5K to run in 3.5 weeks - yikes!!

I used the podcast for the first time - every time he said 'Ready' I expected him to follow up with 'Go'! And I waited - and he didn't - so eventually I set off!

Original poster
giddykipper · 17/09/2008 21:54

Well I've been out and bloody hell week 2 is tough. I managed it but I was dragging my sorry bones for most of it. I should sleep well tonight.

BlessThisMess I'm impressed that you look so composed after your runs that you can go back into work!! I look like I've been dragged through a hedge backwards, only fit for the shower.

OP posts:
HorseStories · 18/09/2008 08:05

So - I managed to start this morning. I did run 1 of week 1. It was such a nice morning and I was awake anyway, I decided to go before DH left for work. Not bad. I can't imagine ever getting to the point where I could run for even 5 minutes in one go AND keep a conversation going.

kiwibella · 18/09/2008 13:45

Well done horsestories... I was surprised by the thought of being able to converse while running - it's hard enough to breathe!! I wanted to do my second run this morning because dh is out tonight but my legs feel like lead. Shame... they were fine yesterday. I could leave my lo with my dd1 if I feel up to it tonight otherwise I will aim for the morning.

kiwibella · 18/09/2008 13:45

GK... how are you feeling today after your wee marathon?

Original poster
giddykipper · 18/09/2008 18:14

I feel surprisingly good kiwi, slight ache in one hip which is probably because I run like such a girl.

Well done HorseStories

OP posts:
BroccoliSpears · 18/09/2008 18:56

Nooooooooo! I didn't go again tonight. Velcro baby wouldn't let me put him down all day resulting in no supper and nothing done so couldn't really go out for a run leaving the family at home to starve amid the squallor.

Well done everyone who is managing to run!

kittywise · 18/09/2008 22:48

went once this week, don't know if i'll get out again, mixture of cold, dc4 has a birthday and party and it is turning into a monster event , was only supposed to be a small gathering.

AND all the other children take up soooooo much time and I am soooooooo tired (poor me)

BlessThisMess · 19/09/2008 09:31

GiddyKipper - sorry to be late responding, but my return to work is not so impressive when you know that I work alone on a Wednesday so there's nobody to impress/horrify!

Didn't manage to get up for a run again this morning. I am sooo tired - I thought getting fitter was supposed to give me more energy? I just wish DCs would go away and leave me to lie down all day....

However, I have started to get sponsors in for my run so that's exciting/terrifying - I really have to do it now!

APatchOverMeEyeballsintheSky · 19/09/2008 20:16

Right, here I am at last and downloading the podcast for week one. I feel really behind everyone but DH has been away this week so had no one to stay with DD while I went out.

Just off to read the thread now to see how you've all been getting on.

calsworld · 19/09/2008 20:59

Evening all, after a lovely successful run on Tues, my next was supposed to be today (third on Sunday) but DH has buggered off on a jolly with work and isn't back tonight so haven't been able to go as no-one to stay with DS.

I really am trying hard, I promise! I really thought that maybe when I've tried in the past, I haven't really tried, IYSWIM, but its really, really, really bloody hard.

I AM going to do this......

I'm just not quite sure when !

BroccoliSpears · 19/09/2008 23:06

Did week 2 run 2 this eve. I think I found it easier 2nd time around but still hard. Might do 4 X week 2 runs before graduating to week 3. Anyone on week 3 yet?

GiddyKipper - I passed a sandwich shop called GiddyKipper today and thought of you.

Original poster
giddykipper · 20/09/2008 20:52

Broc - I just did week 2 run 2 this morning and found it really tough, I couldn't finish it. I went out before breakfast though so I just don't think I had enough energy. Evenings are definitely better for me. I'm finding week 2 really hard, I'll definitely have to do it more than 3 times.

OP posts:
kiwibella · 20/09/2008 21:54

It is so hard to organise to actually get out and run! There is always something else to take up your time.

But, I finally managed my second run today and I really enjoyed it. I went with a positive attitude (instead of staggering to the next lamp post) and found I could go so much further. I am not looking forward to week two after reading your reactions. Hey ho... it'll probably be another week before I get there .