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 well done on the run!
and my tip no whatever we are on is always have a pee before you run in cold weather ! and take tissues cos your nose is sure to run with you

Well done everyone, and thanks for the tips on avoiding blisters! Though there's far too much toenail information going on for my liking...

Well done webminx you're one of us now!

I've scuppers my routine by doing 4 runs in my first week, so I've got to have 3 days gap to get back into it. Never thought I'd voluntarily do 4 runs in a week! Bonkers

I've just done week one.

Shins began hurting wed night and have been very sore.

Today was in too much pain too run :( was feeling so motivated too. Power walked the route this morning instead.

Planning on resting running for 2 weeks but keep up 3 exercise sessions a week through less impact sports - gutted! Never had this pain before but Iam at my heaviest.

I did it! I did it! I did it!! I ran for 3 mins twice without dying! Tried to go with a positive mind but really didn't think I would complete it. W3R1 done and enjoyed, feeling great now . It's really doable, steady pace and grit and determination will get you through.

I second tissues as my nose drives me mad!! Feeling better in this cold weather though, keeps me from overheating! My thighs were BRIGHT red when I got back :)

cinnamongreyhound well done!! I was amazed myself at finishing 3 minutes- you really are living up to your name!

Well done cinnamon!!! It's a great feeling isn't it?!

Cantpoo welcome, perhaps try walking for another week? Previous advice on this thread for shins included stretching and ensuring a longer warm down at the end. Try putting your leg out behind you, pointing your toe, to stretch. Hth.

I cant imagine being able to do 3mins of running, well done :) ive just completed wk1 and im so pleased with myself. I am/was a massive couch potatoe. It was really hard tho so i think i will do wk1 again next week, or should i just push on with wk2?

Thanks queen, my plan is to do Zumba/swimming/power walk until my shin pain has completely gone.

Get some better trainers.

Use your warm up advice & start again :(

After Wed night (2nd run) I was full of beans Thurs - it was great (bar the shin pain) :(

My shins really hurt after my first run during the week, but last nights run they were fine and today they are fine. Its the calves that hurt today. Someone mentioned shin splinter to me? its meant to get better just body adapting. Although its just the opinion of a friend and there may be no truth in it.

I think you should try week 2 monstermissy, I have been surprised with what I can do at each step so I'd say give it a try of you've run all the runs in week one.

My greyhound does not live up to her name yehudiwho! She's not impressed by my new found hobby but she's getting use to it. She's an ex-racer but retired over 7 years ago so not a big fan of running more of sleeping and eating!

Week1 run 5 paced it and much better! Allowed me to keep my fast walk pave up more when I slowed the run down. Knees a bit sore but not too bad. 1 more were 1 then moving on to w2. Stuck with the shoes wave 7 here also! Think they are too big my feet slob about lol

Cinnamon, I run with lurchers, one of whom gave me a knee injury by opting for a sudden change of direction last week (yelp, swear, yelp, swear), and the other grunts and moans about being hauled from the sofa to go out!

Is everyone doing the NHS podcast? I'm doing the same one I found on runners world years ago, and I think the timings are quite different. I can't link to it right now because I'm posting from my phone, but week two is run for two minutes walk for one minute.

really pleased that you seem to have sorted your pace out Rusmum, don;t be tempted to increase it yet - maybe when we are seasoned 5K runners

QueenRunningGeekMum I don't know if I was?! [cringes] at the thought of people seeing my norks wobbling!

Mazzi if it was you don't worry about it, you have some fine boobs to be proud of! I was just being mean, this whole 'QueenRunning' has obviously made me a running snob

I was walking at the time and wearing a bright red hoodie? In the Woking area?

Welcome Monster

I moved onto week 2 when I could jog all the running bits of week 1, which was after run 3 for me but others have done more runs. I was absolutely knackered afterwards but was able to go onto week 2 successfully, even did all the running bits of that on my first run, so I'd say go for it!

CoolRunnings a lot of us are using the NHS one but there are plenty of other training programmes out there - just use what suits you best!

rusmum go for week 2- I too was amazed by what i actually could achieve - week 2 is just an extra 30 secs of running and longer walking- if you find it impossible you can always go back but I bet you can do it

oh and straight after running my knee aches but improves with rest - and my shins and my thighs....

Is anyone here doing the 30 day shred? Do you need to buy an aerobic step and weights or can you do it without? I've been using my Wii fit for ages but I'd like to try something new and I've heard good things about it.

And who else is up for a run tomorrow? I'm looking forward to mine!

right ill move onto week 2 then, im actually excited about it. I would never of thought in a million years that would happen. :)

Ive just brought 30 day shred, cannot wait for it to arrive. Lots of people have been using tins of beans etc for weights. I will do the same for abit and if i like it i will buy some cheapy weights from argos or somewhere.

ds1 and i spent an hour on wii zumba 2 last night. Loved it, wasn't keen on the zumba classes but at home was much nicer. Can recommend it.

You need some type of weights for the shred.
I used baked bean tins in a sock when I did it last time.
Some people fill water bottles to start with.

I have bought some weights now though for when I decide I am fit enough through this to manage both.

From Tesco direct you can get a 11kg weight set with two 1kg weights, two 1.5kg weights and two 3kg weights for under £15.00.

Everyone is doing so well!
Next run is Monday for me, love the idea of a secret handshake.

No shred here, sounds scary sorry have no tips

Keep it up everyone, who else wants to meet Laura, I think I might love her a little bit?
Week three here we come ...