C25K runners - anyone want to join?

[85reasons]

Finally hauled myself out of bed this morning to restart C25K, having been wanting to get back into running now that I’ve lost weight on MJ.

Two years ago I was able to run 10K… this morning the three minute runs in week 3 (I’m impatient…) were a real stretch - but it felt so good to be back out there.

I’ve struggled to get consistently into exercise since starting WLI in September but am now about a stone from target and really need to sort it out. I’m hoping getting into regular running will kick start some strength training motivation too.

Amyone else want to join in for mutual support?

Can I join in? Now on week 3 of C25K. I did it years ago. Gained weight. Have now lost weight and feel able to exercise again. Also working on strength with a personal trainer, but doing running on my own in between sessions. Loving it, though running very, very slowly. Could do with some moral support to keep going!

Week 3 completed! I’m so pleased that I started doing this and a bit surprised that I’ve kept going. It helps to leave my running shoes and kit out on my bedside chair so that I have to think each day/week when I’m going to run.

Sorry, double post now deleted.

I finally went for a run after a break of about 6/7 weeks. Surprisingly I was still able to do it, phew!

Has anyone been following a post c25k program of any kind? I quite like having the structure of something to follow so looking for recommendations!

Now that I have completed C25k, I’m trying to extend the length of my runs (5 minutes each week) and have introduced interval training. I use the early weeks of the C25k programme but run at a fast pace (for me) during the ‘run’ sections and light jog during the walk sections.

i have recurring Achilles issues so also make sure I alternate runs with heavy (for me) weight training to strengthen my core and legs as well as lots and lots of heel lifts and balancing on one leg while brushing teeth, washing up, etc.

That’s a good idea @LadyClumber. I don’t really want to increase the time I’m running for (I usually fit it in during my lunch hour so 35-40 mins is my max)but I do want to increase my pace so using the c25k model for that sounds like it could work.
I’ve also been going to a personal trainer twice a week and am now starting to notice the difference in terms of feeling more toned

@sylv165 the c25k programme has some beyond c25k sessions. There’s 2 which go 35 mins then 40 mins and also an interval session which is shorter. If I need the structure of being told what to do I pop them on. I’ve joined a running club which has given me structure. I think motivating myself is always going to be something I struggle with.

@Cantbesure - how long/ far/ fast were you running before you joined your running club? I am tempted but worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up.

@LadyClumber our running club asks that you can run 5k but doesn’t have a time limit. They have 3 groups based on ability. The group will run back to ensure that no one is left behind. There are quite a few running groups around here and they are all inclusive.

Week 4 day 2 done. I am determined that I will join the park runners I bumped into this morning before too long.

@Cantbesure - that sounds like a great set-up. Have had a look online and clubs local to me look to be very serious. Think I will brave our local Park Run and build up my confidence (and speed!) first.

@LadyClumber there’s quite often a question about running clubs on the town’s Facebook page. Maybe we are blessed as there numerous clubs (some are more informal) and they are largely inclusive. Parkrun is a great place to start.

Morning all!

Thanks @WoolerOwl for recommending this thread! After losing 4 stone I decided it was time to add in some exercise to my journey. I have signed up to the gym just before the 6 week holidays began however I knew I wouldn't be able to get regularly due to childcare.

So at the beginning of the six weeks I signed up to c25k and now I'm going into week 6!

It's been a challenge and a half and the last run(the 20 mins) I honestly don't know how I did it.

It's been great though, the kids have been with me each time on their bikes so have been getting some exercise and fresh air too 😀

Hi @Marypoppinsisnosaint ! I'm determined to get into week 5 by the end of this week. Not looking forward to the sudden step up to longer runs, but, then again, when I can do those, 5k isn't so far out of sight. And when can I call myself "a runner"? Rather than a beetroot-faced shuffler . . .

Thanks for the invite @WoolerOwl. Cautiously joining you amazing runners! (And hi there fellow warrior @Marypoppinsisnosaint too).

Plan is that I’ll start c25k on Wednesday. Writing it here to make myself accountable.

Hoping a 5 stone loss will make running doable. My shins used to hurt so much if I attempted to run; it was basically impossible before I lost the weight.

Bigger question is whether the pelvic floor will hold up.

If I go silent you’ll know I have failed dismally and left with tail between my legs! 😆

You can do it, @Mounjaroday ! I’ll be cheering you on, while trying to fit in a run around the needs of visiting relatives, and travelling with work. Honestly, you can’t be more unfit than I was a couple of months ago.

Morning! I started last week and have just completed wk2 run 1. Bloody hell 90 seconds seems a very long time! 😫

As this is an anonymous forum, I feel comfortable enough to share that I am partial to a tena pad when running for safety😳😂. I haven’t needed it YET, but bouncing about going downhill does feel a bit precarious!!

Week 6 run 1 completed ✅

It went back to shorter runs with walks. I actually found it quite a challenge today and now I'm ready for a nap on the sofa 🤣

✅ Week 1 run 1. I did it 🎉

@sylv165 @LadyClumber Another option is to include speed pyramids on the later C2K sessions, for example the 25 minute non-stop sessions. (This is easy to monitor if you're on a treadmill).
At the start of the 25 min interval -

• Run 3 mins at your normal pace
• Increase speed by an increment for 1 min
• Increase speed again for 1 min
• Increase a 3rd time for 1 min
• Reduce by an increment for 1 min
• Decrease again by 1 min
• Back to your normal pace for 3 mins
• Repeat!

You will find that your "normal" pace increases and you can soon start at a higher "normal". This also gives you a really good session while keeping the time length down.

Hurrah!

@HappyWineDay - great idea! Will try it out at the gym tomorrow!

Week 4 complete! It was so refreshing running first thing in the morning with a nip of cold in the air.

Ah this has reminded me of some training I used to do back when I was running a lot many moons ago. I used to do 3mins at a recovery pace, 2 mins at a fast run, 1min at a sprint, then drop back down and repeat. Might try this today!