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

W4r2 done. It was easier than w4r1, not sure why. My calves definitely ached less than last time. I definitely prefer running in the dark too.

I definitely haven't lost any weight, but there are two massive changes....I feel fitter every time I run. I ran with my head down all hunched up looking at the floor. Tonight I ran the first run looking straight ahead and didn't shuffle, actually jogged prepared to look Paula Radcliffe in the eye.

The second change is how calm I feel. Empty head and little stress. No real thoughts which is lovely.

Anyone else feel the same?

cinnamon - that weight loss is fabulous.

I have lost 1lb so far! I think because I am running I feel I can justify the odd biscuit or two... must stop it!

Been out for my w2r3 tonight. Was really tough. I can definitely feel that I have been a bit under the weather and not run for 4 days. I am also out of synch with my run and work days now.

I am thinking I might do w2r4 tomorrow and then start w3 on Weds. That will then get me back on track so that I don't have to run on my work days. Do you think two runs in tow days is OK?

I've slipped ladies- five days without a run for various reasons (throat infection, crazy clients...). Came on here to get my motivation back.

OneLieIn, your post reminded me of why I had begun to love my runs- thank yiou. I know exactly what you mean about a clear head. I concentrate on my route, whatever's on my iPod and forget about all the niggly things that buzz round my head all day!

So back to it tomorrow...starting week four again.

cece- I was worried I might indulge more but have started the paul mckenna thingy for weight loss and it's helping with the random snacking!

stringcheese don't worry, I've been cleared to exercise. The pneumonia was a few months back and I havent started till I felt ready iyswim. I was exhausted for a while but getting fitter and strengthening my lungs will help.

queenrunning well done on your amazing weightloss. That's very impressive.

That goes for you, too cinammon

Finished week 4 tonight. Was a bit of a slog. Not really looking forward to week 5- anyone started it yet?

Wowie ladies, looking good! (not feeling at all )

My ankle is still very sore, but I had some tips from a physio who's a member of my choir. She recommend I put a wedge in my trainers and has shown me some stretches for archillies tendon area....

She also recommend I start over once the pain goes. I'm trying not to stress about it, and looking forward to going back on the road.

panadbois sorry to hear about your Achilles. I strained mine around 12 years ago and the biggest thing that helped was throwing away all my heels. I wore wedges for a bit whilst recovering but gradually loosened up my hamstrings and calves. They are still pretty tight but nothing like before. I hope you heal soon.

Completed w4r2 today and a pretty intense iyengar yoga class do feeling good. Stroller fit and weigh in tomorrow.

Running without the stroller tonight was harder because I had a tendency to run too fast. Got very out of breath. Still, I made it

morning all! trying to catch up on the thread, could take a while.

thederkinsdame well done for giving week2 a try. if you hadnt tried it you'd never know! use it as a target. When you complete it, it will be a benchmark of your improvement.

jnice - throw away my heels? Noooooooooooooooooo!

I'm only 5foot and a bit! I need my heels! I have crocs with heels!

I'm starting Week 4 today. I did W3R3 on Saturday and it was a bit of a washout as I got a dreadful stitch that wouldn't go away whatever I did. I suppose I should really do the run again as I didn't complete all the runnning bits, but I think I'm ready for Week 4 now.

Woodlands stitch can be caused by dehydration. Make sure you drink before running

Pan crocs with heels?

Morning all. W3 R3 done, but it was a complete dogs breakfast and I'm going to do it again. DH was being very sweet and helpful, but his suggestion of a slightly different route went wrong and I did the ninety seconds twice then straight into 3 minute run. Pah. I'll do it properly on Thursday, then launch myself into week 4 with wild abandon.

Well done to everyone who's keeping going and hats off to those who are losing weight, you are all completely brilliant.

(Kewcumber - sorry to hear about knees, it might be worth talking to a physio and getting the stiff joints as supple as possible. The way it was explained to me is this, the syndrome is hypermobile joints plus an extra sensitive central nervous system. In a way, it's nice to know that many over sensitivity on my part happens at a cellular level.)

Morning all,

I did w6 run 1 this morning. It felt really tough and I was quite sluggish but I think it was as my daughter was up in the night being sick and I kept waking up after that. Anyway it's done.
I can't believe i've made it this far. I only have one shortish run left (next one) and then they just become 25, 28 and 30 min runs. Dear god...

debka week 5 is ok, just mentally prepare for the 3rd one which is 20 mins straight. I was really surprised by how I could do it. I found the first 5 mins tougher than the rest of it. Good luck.

20 minutes straight?

You'll smash it debka

Is anyone doing shred as well? I'd like to start doing it again,but not sure how to schedule it in. Alternate running days or do it as it says on the tin 30 straight days.

There's a great facebook page for anyone needing more encouragement and ideas www.facebook.com/C25Kplan . It is very active.

stringcheese I've got the shred as well but have only done it once (got it Friday), haven't tried doing it on the same days as running.

As I am not running today I've decided to go to a boxercise class, have heard to expect it to be painful but hope I'll be able to run tomorrow!

www.facebook.com/C25Kplan

Morning all. Just back from wk1r 178 umm 10 I think. Felt better going back - was struggling but managed to do 7 out of 8 runs. Gave middle finger to hooting and jeering white van man and his crew. But their catcalls made me even more determined to keep going. One day I will be fit and they will still be nobbers.

Well done to everyone running. I am soo impressed by the progress everyone is making (apart from me!) panadbois hope your achilles tendon is on the mend and the wedges help.

W1R1 down - can't believe i did it as i am humongous and had a c-section 5 weeks ago. My legs are a little sore today but i'm looking forward to tomorrow and having another crack.

Any inspiring weight loss, inch loss of you lot? I want to get fit but also lose some of the heft!

Well done AltShiftDelete ! Getting started is the hardest part, so you're already over the worst :) C-Section 5 weeks ago?! Have you been cleared for excercise??

I finished off week 3 today, and it felt good! I even did an extra 3 minute run at the end, which I was inspired to by someone on this thread (pages and pages back).

Week 4 starts Wednesday, and I am actually looking forward to seeing how 5 minutes feels!

AltShiftDelete well done BUT I echo OneHandWavingFree - are you sure you should be doing it yet? When I was on maternity leave I used to do a postnatal workout class, and the instructor would only let people join 6 weeks after a normal delivery or 12 weeks after a C-section. Please do take it easy. There's tons of time to worry about weight loss, and you need to make sure you'#re back to full health first.

I'm just in from W4R1 and am trying to get up motivation to do the Shred before showering! Hmm.

altshift - you're supposed to leave a day in between runs. I do something different on my "rest days" eg swimming.

Hi AltShiftDelete - congratulations on your baby I would echo the advice of others and say have you been checked and cleared to exercise yet? 5 weeks post CS seems very soon