Couch to 5k: thighs a-slapping, boobs a-flapping, bellies a-swinging but we're winning!

[QueenRunningGeekMum]

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

I am soooo hungry. Going to make a curry now. Realised I am in negative calories so far today... oops. Went and had my shower at the swimming pool across the park, and did 10 lengths - but really I'd gone for the sauna. Surprised I was the only person there, it was lovely in the heat...

Did W5R1 last night which was fine, but friend and I are finding it hard to get our heads round the fact that our run lengths will increase from 8 to 20 minutes next Wednesday.
How on earth will we do it??????
Mustn't be defeatist though
Have lost a couple of pounds lately though after putting on 7lbs at Christmas and also I had been constipated for years and now am not. Must be the running because that's the only thing that has changed recently, so that's a positive!

Bearcat you can do it! The 20 minute is tough but achievable.

Just back from w6r1, was surprised I found it hard going back to the walking intervals. Also didn't realise the podcast is longer at nearly 37 minutes so ran 4 k for the first time.

I've got W6R3 tomorrow so 25 mins running, hoping it doesn't snow too much tonight!

I did W5r1 this afternoon while DH took the DDs to Homebase. It was more preferable to go running. I found the 5mins ok and 8mins on Monday doesn't seem so scary anymore.
The snow's just started here...

Ah cinnamon you are racing ahead. I am still waiting to do 6.2.

I am fighting a virus and have a dry cough, having to take my strroid inhaler. I know I shouldn't run but I don't want to be setback. I guess I could just start w6 again... What should i do?

Who is running in the snow?

rusmum me - going in a few minutes with DH. Am quite worried about it - we're going to go very, very slowly.

jnice it's hard isn't it, I just know if I stop I probably won't start again so I'd go out. But that is probably foolish.

I'm out tonight in the snow- let me know how you all get on today.

Let me know how it goes.due to run today but worried about slipping. May go on cross trainer instead?

I'm worried about something stopping me Jnice, the fitness has been built up quickly my theory is it will go quickly too! Only you know how you feel though.

Rusmum I was planning to, I'm not worried about slipping but more about wading my way through the snow and getting exhausted with soaking wet freezing feet! I will go and if I don't manage the 25 mins I'll try the two 10's or 8's so at least I'm doing something.

OMG - w2r1 nearly fucking killed me and i SAILED through w1. Feel awful, stomach cramps the lot.

Morning ladies I did w5r3 last night - 20 mins straight running and I bloody did it! So proud
Bearcar you and your friend can do it, I was feeling the same it seemed a massive step up but Laura says you have the fitness level already and it's a matter of training your mind now, and I did it!!!!
Good luck and be careful in the snow - frost here this morning but no snow, although a rest day for me. Bring on week 6

Meant to say a big thank you to everyone on this thread I know I would not have gotten as far without the support on here......you lot are fabulous xx

Did wk6r1 this morning. Am amazed I can do it!!! I tried running about 15 years ago, did my back(ongoing probs) and ended up in an ambulance. Am thrilled to be doing this!

Ok, I will hit the treadmill to avoid the cold and take my puffers with me.

Not giving up that easily!

Congrats to all u ladies on weeks 5 & 6 .
So impressed .
Just done week 4 third run yday ......
Found it a bit hard ....defo the toughest one yet despite the fact that its the same all week .?
Mind you I was not feeling as stiff as usual after it .
Love to all.
By the way . Have you all thought about the good we are doing for our.bones .try to think about during the runs .diet and adequate calcium is important but regular weight bearing excercise is essential to prevent osteoporosis . This is gonna be a huge problem for our generation .....cause we are all living longer .
So don't give up

Just walked the dog and I'm exhausted!! Not feeling positive about running later!

Quick update: running on snow and ice was alright, but harder work than normal and we went so slowly. Towards the end the sun came out and it was so gorgeous running past all the snowy, white fields. One of the best things for me about c25k has been getting outside into the countryside in winter.
As for the run, it was my fourrh without intervals and pretty hard going between mins 10 and 15 - tougher than the first three somehow (cece you found this too, didn't you? I just kept saying to myself 'not every run can be my best run'. It helped I think). It was certainly worth it though because now I'm lying on the sofa in the Sunday sun feeling so pleased with myself.

I've just limped through w1r3 :( not sure why it was so hard (though I had a rubbish night's sleep with children up and down every 5 minutes and have woken up with a stiff neck). My knees really hurt. Am adopting my mantra from the nhs website "you will have good runs and bad runs" but feeling a bit rubbish

Stuck at w5r1, but off skiing for a week so figure that all this running will have made me stronger and my thighs will be powerful a la hermann maier when I get back so I will kill w5

Keep going x

So, the snow is pretty deep here and I guess the pavements will be icy if cleared. Tomorrow I am due to do W5 R3. I'm not sure what to do. This is so not the point to stop at.

AAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH, I DID IT! feels amazing - 20 whole minutes of running - who'd a thunk it?

To all those struggling - push through it. Really, I couldn't run for a minute at the start and the thought of going for a run was 'meh' but i love it now. I do have good runs and bad runs, this one (W5R3) was no exception.

I got to 10 minutes and felt fab, by 13 minutes I wanted so desperately to stop. My legs felt like lead and my knees were screaming at me but I pushed through and the last 3 minutes were great, not to mention the feeling when Laura says 'slow down'

I clocked 4.46 km today, furthest so far but a little way to go. Bring on next week - is week six dire?

Well done Rebecca!!! I've got W5R3 ahead of me tomorrow, and I'm excited as well as afraid!

I do feel like it's a big milestone, and the point at which I feel like I've really achieved something for myself. Thanks for the pep talk! :)

bigbadbarry it's so, so normal to feel that way at the start. You will be amazed at how much easier the runs get, even though they get longer. And it happens so quickly! 9 weeks is nothing - please stick with it, there's such good support and motivation on this thread. :)

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while and would love to join. Hauled myself into the snow today and completed W4R1... Albeit even more slowly than my usual snail's pace as worried about slipping. I need some proper running shoes I think, just wearing a pair of old trainers and came back with wet feet. W4R2 due on Tuesday, so hope the snow (and ice) are gone by then - don't want to stop in case I don't start again, running is so not something I thought I would ever do especially as a 41 year old, very overweight and unfit mother of a 17 month toddler! :)