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

It might be a good idea to work out why you're shaky. Have you eaten enough? Or eaten something that's given you a sugar high/dip? Are you especially tired?

Why not go back to the first week until you feel confident that you're ready to move on?

This thing really isn't easy. It's very hard if you're not used to exercise. I couldn't have done this when I started last year. I could literally run for just 30 seconds.

Don't be hard on yourself, you're getting out and getting started, which is a heck of a way down the road.

I know I did wk1 a million times but I feel like I've moved up too fast. The runs on wk1 were a struggle to complete so wk2 feels unachievable. Do I keep plugging away at wk2 or go back to wk1 to boost my confidence? Bearing in mind it took me 9 runs to achieve wk1 I know that wk2 will be the same but I feel like giving up. But I have seen results already - my tummy is toning up and my breathing is better so I know I should suck this up and get on with it. Sorry for moaning, I don't want to rain I everyone else's success. I'm just not as fit and coming back from the pneumonia is a struggle even tho it's a while ago now.

Sorry x posted

I think you're right, I think it might be wise forme to get some more wk1 runs under my belt before I try again. I was really pushing myself to keep running for a minute so I think I've just moved on too fast (for me). Thanks for the support!

Ok, so you've been proper poorly and your stamina has taken a huge hit with the pneumonia, so you've got a harder path here.

If you do week 1 again don't see it as going back, but see it as building a really sound foundation. It might take you another 9 goes - that's fine.

You're seeing results from doing week one, so keep doing it.

DH has just said 'coming back from pneumonia takes ages, tell her not to feel sad'. (I don't read everything out to DH, we're just going to potter off and he wanted to know what I was doing).

xposted. There's two of us now sending you support!

Hi derkins, agree completely with what Asea says, coming back from pneumonia takes a long time.

Several goes at week 1 still makes you a huge way on from the very first time you listened to Laura's dulcet tones - well done, and an even bigger well done for persevering. You WILL get there, doing it when you're really ready rather than forcing yourself on when it's uncomfortable will make you far more likely to stick with it.

Well W3R3 was SO hard but it's done. My legs fee fine, it's my breathing that's tricky. I'll give W4R1 a go on Tuesday but am perfectly prepared to come back to W3.

Good luck everyone else going out - it's sunny here now, if a bit breezy!

and me - go back derkins its much better to do the ones you know you can do than stress about not managing- week one for you young lady then test yourself in a week or so by replacing one run with a 90sec one - you will get there and we will be shouting you on from the ether

Thederkins I second what Asea says. You are doing incredibly well to keep going - just think how many others (including your own past self) would have given up by now, but you are being so strong and determined to continue. This isn't meant to be a quick fix, it's a change in the way we live, and by getting out three times a week you are creating a good regime for the future. This is more important than how many times you have to repeat a week.

I'm not sure how our mumsnet cheerleaders would put it but keep going, you're doing great!

I hope those with knee issues get better soon.

Astring 20 flippin' minutes?! Impossible! You are an inspiration to us all!

derkins just wanted to say that I too had pneumonia a few years back. It felt like forever before unfelt well again. But eventually I recovered and have remained well ever since. It really knocks you for 6 doesn't it? Just be gentle on yourself. Getting out there at all is a huge achievement especially in winter. You're doing great!

W3R2 done this morning, so glad I managed it as I didn't want to do it today.

I hope all of you who are injured get better soon.

w4 r3 done today! and dh did w1 r2 :)

derkins - sorry to hear you are having problems. I think going back to week 1 might be a good idea till you feel more confident. I have been finding week 2 hard and I haven't had a serious illness!

Having said that I was not able to do w2r3 last evening due to flu like symptoms, so took myself off to bed instead. Finally got up at lunchtime and still feel a bit wobbly. Not sure whether to go out later to do it or maybe leave ti to the morning. What does everyone think?

Glad you found the motivation weblette and got through the run.

Sorry Aseaandthreestars, I don't know what EDS is? I hope you find something that means you can run a bit more regularly during the week.

At the risk of being unpopular I'm going to disagree with others TheDerkins! I agree that you are doing great and that you are being harsh on yourself but I think you should stick with week2. I know you feel deflated but I think instead of looking at it as you've failed wk2 you should look at it as you're working towards being able to complete wk2, like you did with wk1. If you stick with wk2 even if you manage 65 seconds of the 90 second runs you are making progress and you should see it as progress rather than failure. Only you know how you feel but I wouldn't want you to build up a mental barrier that you can't get past wk1 and that wk2 is impossible iyswim. I think you're doing great by walking/running for 30mins 3x a week as it's more than a lot do. For me the plan is working so far and I am suprised what I can do and I'm sure given time you will be too. Have a nice rest day tomorrow and see how you feel monday :)

Sorry cece x-posts, I think see how you feel tomorrow. It's hard enough to do the runs when fit let alone when not quite right. Having said that I personally probably would give it a go as I'm worried about slipping back!

Great advice cinnamon

Yes so am I? I don't want to fall behind plus it then means I have to run on Tuesday which is a work day and I am usually too tired after work.

My next run should be Monday, but as I'm working Monday and Wednesday, maybe I should do Tuesday and Thursday, though I have a lot of driving to do Thursday evening... Think I will just see how it goes.

Good luck derkins keep going. The most important thing atm is getting out there 3 times a week for half an hour. You will get there, don't feel deflated - you are doing so so well.

Well done all, W3R3 done, whoop. Feeling so ready for week 4 but 3 minutes to 5 minutes and then 20 in week 5 seems bonkers! what a huge step up!

Oh well, will keep on keeping on, can someone break down week 4 for me please?

Cinnamon - sorry, it's short for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Main symptom is hypermobile joints. Generally, the main piece of advice given to runners with EDS is "don't do it", which I'm having a go at challenging.

RebeccaMumsnet its 3m run, 90s walk, 5m run, 2m walk, all repeated, with your usualy 5m warm up and down.

Hypermobile joints doesn't sound like fun Aseaandthreestars!! I'm sure you'll find a balance you've got this far :)

Thanks Cinnamon (said shielding my eyes from week four details)

Does the music get better in W4? I really liked W2, W3 was pretty pants (apart from the hoedown bit in the middle!) The techno stuff for the runs was just horrid.

Thanks for the W4 breakdown. It does look a bit scary!

Thanks everyone for the support - I am fining it tough. I've decided to do a wk1 run on Monday to get my confidence back. I feel like I need to get to the point where wk1 feels comfortable before I move on. Otherwise I'm in danger of throwing in the towel and shuffling back to the couch (sorry, cinnamon ;-) )
Good luck to tomorrow's runners, I am in awe of all of you! X

asea that sounds horrid, but good on you for giving the running a go. Build it up slowly I'd say, let your strength build to support your joints.

Rest day for me today but I wish I were running

RebeccaMumsnet I know what you mean about the wk4-wk5 jump, 20 minutes sounds just feck off scary to me! This time next week i'll be trying doing in