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

QRgeekmum you did the hand signal! - we should have a sweepstake to see when we have the first meeting - how weird would it be ...

"Week 2 Run 1 just done. I'm feeling really proud of myself." me too just got in.

And bargain of the week - found a good sports bra in the M&S sale of all places in my size! 40F Reduced to £5 in the sale then they took another £2 off at the till I wear it over an ordinary bra and that works really well for me.

Knackered and hot now but in a good way IYKWIM

Rusmum - was thinking about you when I was running today - I would redo one or two week 1 runs in your old trainers and going much slower - just a gentle trot without lifting your knees up too high. It works for me!

I wear two pairs of socks - is that odd? One thin comfy cotton pair of ordinary socks and a pair of short sports socks on the top - I find it comfortable and as long as my feet are warm I'm fine running in the cold and I don't mind if they get too hot as it seems to help loosen up my achilles tendon.

W2R3 done today of couch to -ouch- 5k

will do it again on Monday as I can't say it was a complete success. My ankle was better today but the pain in my shin made me limp a bit (poor l'il ol' me)

DH came too, but we were late setting off, quarter to 12. Much prefer running at 8am -when everyone else is going to school or work. Beautiful day for it though!

ouch

still getting the hang of that one

Hey, can I join?
The last thread inspired me so I quietly went out and got all the kit, but didn't want to post in case I wussed out. Then, true to form, I procrastinated for a week or two but last night, laid out all the pristine running gear and set the alarm for 7am. Roped DH in to get DS (2) up. Said I was going out for a run. He sat up faster than I've ever seen and said, "what?!". So out I went. Did W1, R1 and it was HARD! I have never run. Never. Not even for a bus. Brutally unfit. Thought I might die at three separate points during the run, but made myself finish as I wouldn't be able to post unless I did. Felt amazing afterwards. Really great. Thanks MN C25K'ers for inspiring me to get off my arse!
Next run: Monday morning.

Anyone have a tip on a water bottle? Or a hat? Ears were cold and water bottle kept falling as I clutched dramatically at my heart every time a running bit finished

Well done webminx ! Have you tried a water bottle with a hole in the middle ? I personally don't bother .

Also in the works they sell ear muffs that go behind your head they are about £1.99 I think or a hat ?

Welcome webminx And well done for getting the first run out of the way - there will be no stopping you now!

I wear a fleece with a hood atm but don't bother with water. The runs are only 1/2 at the moment and I don't find I need any. Also because I am running in the cold I'm not getting overheated.

Next run for me is Monday I think. Well done to all those running this weekend!

Oh, geekmum what's this secret hand signal that you speak of? I must have missed that!

Hello all,

Run 3 W4 down. Legs, especially shins, felt tight today. Finished strong though. Week 5 beckons, which includes a 20 min run. Eek!

Right off to take kids bowling, should be interesting.
Have a lovely weekend all

kewcumber I wear two pairs of socks. It stops me getting blisters because the friction is reduced on the skin.

pan you poor thing - hope your shin is fine soon. Have had shinsplints before and it is awful.

Thanks all - DH says he has a water bottle with hole in the middle in the garage from a brush with exercise a few years ago. Will dig it out. Great idea re earmuffs! Off to explore sportsdirect! Have a good weekend all and good luck to all Sat evening/Sunday runners!

Well done webminx!

I just did my second run, along the backs in Cambridge - absolutely stunning view of the city and colleges today. I really like running in this cold, crisp weather.

I too bought Karrimor shoes. Also pink and white. Sports Direct must be selling loads of them.

webiminx - well done, I am impressed you did it.

I think I might try the two socks thing. Last night when I had finished my run, I realised my big toe had popped a hole in my sock! Have cut toenails but think will try two pairs of socks on Monday.

At the moment I am going out in the dark and wear, fleecy hat, gloves, t shirt with DH's fleece over the top and tracksuit bottoms. Probably look a state but deliberately run in the opposite direction of all my friend's houses so I don't get spotted.

Apart from DH no one knows about my running in RL yet. (Apart from my dog walking neighbour who has been sworn to secrecy). Might fess up when I am a few weeks in to it. Most of my friends run a lot and they are good! Too embarassed to admit to it yet.

I'm so impressed by everyone getting outside in the middle of winter to run!

It's 6.30am here (am feeding youngest DS - 12 weeks) and according to my iPhone it snowed last night. Haven't ventured out of bed to check yet. I'm on west-coast of Canada.

That sounds lovely jnice - snow outside, snuggled up all warm in bed with a cuddly baby.

Mind you, don't envy you the 6.30 start!

Well done webminx

I find X-Socks to be really fantastic, pricey though but they wear well and I've never had a blister with them.

For hats, I suggest you get a thin one, as you'll overheat and often need to take it off half way through a run, so you need something that will squash down small to fit into your jacket pocket.

As for water bottles on a 30 min run I find them annoying to carry, so I don't bother, your body needs to be properly hydrated before you start running, try to drink an hour before your run.

Welcome Webminx and well done on your first run! Just a word of warning though - I found my second 'run' tougher as I was still aching from the first! But push through it and you'll get there, I can't believe how much fitter I feel already on w3!

Uphill I am very jealous of you, I used to live in Cambridge and absolutely love the place. Promise me you'll run through Clare College when the daffs are blooming!

And the secret hand signal is: left hand, hold up the number of fingers to signify the week you're on, right hand for the run. Doesn't quite work for those repeating runs more than 5 times but it's good enough!

To be done discreetly, not waving your hands in someone's face

W2R2 completed this morning. Oh it was hard but soooo cold here, brrrr.

I have a running partner, my cousin has been coming with me since W1R2 so am finding we can chat more this week than we did last week :)

I wear Sketchers trainers and they are treating me well so far, may get tone up ones once I have mastered it with normal ones first.

Well done fellow runners

I really need to sit down tonight and catch up with how everyone is getting on but have to keep posting as soon as I get in from a run or I will forget.

W2R3 done and it feels amazing! I really will be back later to read up

How is week 3?

[day-off emoticon]

Hi Webminx I have a hood and don't take water, but I do have a very dry mouth, keep trying to remember to put lip balm on before I got out!

I love Cambridge uphillbothways so beautiful, I worked there for 8 years and dh still does. Could never afford to live there and dh hates it so seems pretty unlikely I will ever run there :(

On way home from panto, was fab and ds1 joined in with everything!! Had one of pizza huts new lower calorie pizzas (470kcal) plus a run when home should mean I don't gain any weight!! Missing ds2, never away from him in the day unless he's asleep!

Another W2R3 runner today - well done Rebecca Pan and everyone else!

Legs felt great but the cold air made me wheezy, will make sure I take my inhaler next time.

Taking tomorrow off, conditioning class Monday then bring on Wk3!!!

Another one who has done W2R3 today!
I was a bit silly though. Last run I went really slow on my last run and when I got back I wish I had pushed it more.
So today I got to the last run and ran it as fast as I could xD.
My calves can already tell the strain but I lived.

On to W3 on Tuesday. Bit scared of the 3 min runs but will try my best.

And I have my first injury! My toe nails are obviously too long and one toenail has gouged a hole in the toe next to it. Luckily it really isn't as bad as it sounds.

So Tip number whatever we are on - Make sure you keep your toenails short!

Well done everyone! We are all doing so well.
I know I would not have gone this far without this thread. Thanks all .

Seeing as there are a few people starting w3 soon I shall impart my pearls of wisdom.

1. It goes warm up, 90s r, 90s w, 3m r, 3m w, 90s r, 90s w, 3m r, warm down.
2. Podcast is 5 mins shorter than previous ones, you might need a shorter route.
3. Someone on this thread warned me: during the 3m run, Laura cuts in to give encouragement. Don't get your hopes up thinking it's the end of the run!
4. Go real slow during the runs, and you'll get through fine.

I wasn't even that out of breath!