Couch to 5K: A healthier year is underway

[ScienceGeekMum]

Through rain and snow and skies of grey
We will keep running the C25K
Though lack of sleep and time do test us
We wil not let excuses best us
For 2012 will be the year
For weight loss, fitness and good cheer
Nine weeks of running isn't that long
So come on ladies, get those running shoes on!

Welcome to all runners, joggers, speed walkers and waddlers! All levels of fitness are welcome here on the Couch to 5k support thread. For more information see the NHS website

Link to the old thread

W2R3 just done. I usually go in the dark, but am working at home today so took the opportunity to go out in the sun - gorgeous, cold and crisp today and really enjoyed running round the park. Did make it hard for myself by running too fast and too long for the first segment: I started too soon by accident and was then too embarrassed to stop as someone on a mobility scooter slowed down to let me past and I was determined not to let her catch me up again!

you brave women warriors! Its just so cold. don't think i can face w2r2.
especially as i don't have a thin jacket or thin gloves.
i think this will be my first 2 day break.
Will have to do a workout dvd tonight instead - and run tomorrow in the day time.
may i excused, miss?

Just completed wk 5 run 3 , 20 minutes!!! ... I have jumped forward a few runs to keep pushing myself. I am carrying 2 stone of baby weight , it was hard but I did it...keep it up ladies :-)

Afternoon. Have just done wk1r7 (yes, I'm really that unfit! ) It was a struggle today, as I was wheezing badly in the cold air. But I managed to run all of it bar 20 secs!

In other news from thederkins household: i have lost 2lbs! Chuffed.

Theferkinsdame I am on w1 r5 tomorrow lol

Hopefully DH will be home early so I can go for my run before my night on the lash.

thederkin I did week4 5 times - even later on it's sometimes easier to repeat. It's great that you're persevering.

As you progress you'll find your ability to recover improves exponentially, it is truly astonishing. Worth sticking.it out just to experience it.

No excuses nomorecake! I braved the Scottish frosts this morning so you know you can do it. Fwiw, I find it's better running in the cold - I don't get all hot and sweaty and my face is rosy rather than beating scarlet... I wear a fleece rather than a jacket, and woolly gloves.

Will be expecting news of your next run now...

thederkinsdame well done on losing 2lbs - result!

Done W2R1, not too bad - felt brilliant afterwards. Running in the cold is fine as long as I have gloves and a hat, otherwise my ears ache and my fingers feel like they are dropping off.

Well done runners! Especially thederkins - obviously it's working to have lost weight already!

I can't believe that it was such a lovely day and I haven't run - it's my rest day today . Who would've thought I'd be thinking that three weeks ago?

nomorecake I can only repeat what ohbugrit said to me:

It's not cold, it's fresh. It's not freezing, it's crisp. It's not a bitter wind, it's a cooling breeze. It's not wet, it's refreshing. It's not dark and deserted, it's moonlit and peaceful.

you may have a second rest day as that is allowed, but you must go out tomorrow or we'll hunt you down!

Open put the cake down and back away from the !

W2R2 done. Another 338 calories up in smoke (well, steam).

I can manage that one again, but I have no idea how I'm going to step it up for W3. Hate that I had such a big gap this week.

Well done to everyone - you're all wonderful and you're helping me to keep going.

. I thought the step from week 2 to week 3 seemed massive, but it is honestly not too bad. Just remember that we are capable of far, far more than we think are and if you feel you can't manage the 3min runs, you can. Your body can do it, it's just your mind you need to convince.

Now go have a shower you sweaty person!

Think my next run will be monday now, unless I feel super motivated sunday. Is forecast snow though... That will be a disaster!

Thanks Lugholes. Shower is done, chicken korma is bubbling away and last years Aussie Masterchef is waiting to go (I know, I know).

Thank you for the calming words. I do know this stuff, but applying it to myself is bloody impossible. I'll do r3 and plan w3 without panicking. Let's see where this mind can take me.

Now, are you going out for a run if it doesn't snow?

Yes! Did W3R1 today! It was all going beautifully and then I must have accidentally pressed the 'back' button on the iphone and I ended up doing a four minute run which very nearly killed me!

And if I catch the filthy sod who keeps letting their dog crap on my running route then I will NOT be responsible for my actions.

w3r2 today. All uphill on rough ground so slower than before. Walked up Pen y ghent and did the run at the start. It was a beautiful day, very icy underfoot but no wind so it didn't feel cold.

Will do run 3 Sunday morning, think it will be much easier in the park ;)

W3r2 today too, jchocchip. Timed things a bit better so the last 3 min run wasn't uphill.

I was also dreading wk2 to wk3 but I did it, openyerlugholes has it spot on, it's your mind you have to convince.

Had a sneaky peek at wk4, was considering repeating wk3 but I might just give it a go...!!!

W3r1 just completed! It is hard at the time but just pace yourself and you make it through! I actually prefer the fact there were only 4 runs, made it more bearable.

asea - you can do it! It's all in the mind!

At the track today there were real runners doing sprints (eek!) but a nice lady dog walking chatted to me just before the last run and was so surprised when I said my baby is just 12 weeks old, gave me a nice boost for the final push

Keep up the good work everyone!

Running in the snow? Won't that be dangerous? Might slip and break a hip which wouldn't be good for future running....

I've got w3r3 to do first, will try and get w4r1 in on Monday

jnice nice to know there are only 4 runs, I've got to do w3r1 tomorrow, that thought will keep me going I'm sure

Evening all. Everyone is doing so well.

I did w1r3 earlier this evening. Now got my two day rest and the next run on Monday. I might have actually enjoyed some of it today. Definitely travelled further today so I think that is a good sign.

I am pondering whether to do another day of week 1 on Monday or whether I am up to starting week 2? I don't want to put myself off...

cece - just keep pushing on, you can do it! I think it's hard to change weeks but after you've done it there is such a sense of achievement.

geekmum - glad to help

Did it! Wk 4 r1 this morning Woo hoo. Noticing a difference in energy levels which is EXTREMELY welcome.

W2R3 completed! My knees are killing me after a Zumba session on Thursday and running the last session without my running shoes on (silly me forgot them as I already had my battered old trainers on).
Feel such a sense of achievement. Can't believe I'm running! Voluntarily!!!!!!

what running shoes are we liking?