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

W3r3 done but first time I have completed first 3 min run. How will I ever Do 5, 8, or even 10 mins? Would you repeat w3 once more or move on? should I have it nailed before I progress or go on anyway? X x well gone everyone all going do well. I officially a stone lighter than when I started- yay x

Did Wk6 R2 today. Much easier than last run. My MP3 player died on me so had to do half without Laura. Strangely I found it easier. Not sure what to make of that.

Did W6R2 today - we are in sync again, noseynoonoo. I went out with DH for the first time as the DDs were otherwise occupied so was also Laura-less. He was not as encouraging as she is, but probably did shame me into running faster because I was conscious of how much he was trying to slow down. Did about a mile in my 10 min slots (bit less first time, bit more the second time) - which I think is on for 5k in 30mins if I've done the conversion right and I can keep it up!

So happy to be back on track after 10 days! W6R1 completed ok and I managed 4.3k in the process.

queenruninggeekmum I hope things are on the up with your DS. I weaned DD1 'early' it was definitely the right decision (she's still very, very long at 8). Are you coming back this week - your subjects need you!
Congrats everyone who's just started or made it thrpugh w5r3. I finished week 7 yesterday and feel really good about completing the programme now. Trying to find out if there's anything like parkruns where I live (forrin) since I know I will need some new structure/goals to keep going after week 9.

rusmums Im at the same point as you and on my first runof W2 i could not complete all the runs but by the second run i was able to go the full 1.5min if i was you i would maybe try W3 and if you struggle go back to do a couple more W2? I think i will have to do this for W3 as yesterday i was only just making the 1.5min and willing laura to say it was "time to slow down" and the thought of doing 3 mins seems impossible, but i will give it a shot and keep repeating untill i feel albe to do it.

Also well done on losing a stone, is that in 2 weeks and are you dieting too? I have lost 5lb in the first week but stayed the same this week even though i was really good!

ifink i found W2 R2 easier than R1 but found R3 a week bit harder for some reason? thats why im dreading W3.

rusmum I would go on to week 4 to be honest and only repeat a run when you haven't managed it. Are you going slowly enough? I look at some of the Kms that people manage on their runs in total awe. I'm v-e-r-y slow, but totally convinced that speed will come later.

Sorry rusmum i miss read thought you were same as me, oops! Please ignore my previous post.

Im starting wk8 today, really enjoyed my run Saturday so hoping the extra 3 mins will be fine. I have been listening to the first run of the week on the podcast and then using my app with my own music after that, with run keeper in the foreground I get 5 min announcements so know where I am and the music is ao much better than Laura's choice!! Was up every two hours in the night with ds1, think he might have tonsilitis, and when he finally went back to sleep at 6.30 ds2 was up. Hoping I have enough energy for run later!!

Glad you're getting back to it Jnice!

Have a go at the next week rusmum you never know what you can do until you try and can always go back.

Hello allwaves shyly Just wanted to write and say what an inspiration you all are ! I spent three hours last night catching up on all these threads you are all so fabulous . Just wanted to let you know. Have completed WK 1 last night ? I felt very tired all day and had to push myself to get out but felt better for it. I really want to running to be part of my life to fight against possible bone density problems (which my Mother has) , my weight and random bouts of depression . I have an old Ipod touch 2g which I got secondhand just because I?d read about the podcasts on Mumsnet any ways week 2 this week. My aim is to do Tues , Thurs and Sun (morning or eve ? whatever I can fit in). I have a lovely coastal trail near me so I am very lucky but for now at 14 stone am running in the dark with my woolly hat on . I am also on my fitness pal albeit sporadically. I am also doing a trial for work with Protein meal replacement which is working quite well and staving off hunger in the morning (apart from days when hormones take over )? it is v expensive in real life though .

I run in very cheap gear from the likes of Sports Direct / M and M direct and the outlet stores ? trainers are Black Nike Darts ? not sure why I am telling you all this!! I have run before completed race for life in 2006 when I had lost a fair bit of weight so hoping to be back in that place again.

I do love running and I can?t wait to get out again anyone else on WK2?

I'm looking forward to doing W2 R3 either tomorrow or Wednesday. Got a cold trying to start up to depends how I'm feeling.

yehudi it was ages ago I got the dodgy toe joint. I think I'd already started to lose weight and exercise (was a v v fat couch potato, which probably contributed to the toe problem) but I think I was walking rather than running at that point. When it was at its worst I could hardly walk on it so easing up on the running might be a good idea. Definitely get fitted for the new trainers if you can, get them from a place that does gait analysis though.

hellon thanks for that- intend to go to a proper running shop- its much less painful - more achey than tender now so might try out r2w5 tonight

Ok so im now the proud owner of actual running gear and well to say you wont miss me on a dark night is an undersrtament! My top is luminous pink, dear lord im dreading going out tomorrow now.

Also those running tights are anything but forgiving (you can see my cellulite on the back of my thighs) but at least i order the shorts to go over them as i do feel a bit naked and pot belly over hang highlighted without them.

Do feel like a proper runner now though if that makes sense.

Lost stone in 5 weeks slowly slowly ! Running 2.3 miles on average. W3 r 4 tomorrow then moving on! Scared of w4

Wow, do proud of everyone's progress and the support here is wonderful !

I am getting a sore throat maybe another setback

Just wanted to ask if anyone uses weightwatchers online? I have started to put on instead of lose

Using MN on iPhone, and can't work out how to navigate to this section (big/slim...) as I want to start a new thread. Where does it live?

Using the app or mobile site Jnice? I use the mobile site and should be able to go to the top of this thread and just tap on the group big/slim/whatever from there.

Just done W8R1 and it wasn't too bad, covered 4Km for first time. Think I may be coming down with what ds1 has so wanted to go before I felt worse! Had coughing fit at the beginning but otherwise wasn't really hindered by it. Lots of vitamin C and ibuprofen I think.

hi all, going out for the first run of week 6 tonight, I cant wait. I foolishly asked dh to take some naked pictures so I have something to compare with when I start running for longer and OMG....what a shock....its certainly kept me on the straight and narrow with my eating

Well done cinnamon, I still pinch myself to think I can run 28 mins. I just finished W8 R3 and I actually found myself finally running a bit faster.
Start week 9 on Wednesday.

Keep going everyone, amazing progress.

Week 6 run one Done
Felt not bad at all .....!!!!! always find it gets easier at the start of a new week again .

Ran in the dark ...noticed my body was a lot more relaxed ...and not breathless whilst actually running ..( at the start of a run ) . How bizarre ...never could do that before .

Keep going all u healthy ladies .

Who else is on week 6 ?????

W6R3 due tomorrow. Dubious though - both time to go and ability actually to do it!

Evening all.

Welcome to omy and well done for getting the first run done.

I did w5r2 tonight. I was dreading it as I didn't enjoy run 1 very much on Saturday. However, managed it fine and for the second 8 mins had a go at speeding up a bit. Felt really good when I finished but came home and realised my distance covered has reduced . I was doing about 3.9km but tonight only 3.5 km. Not sure what that is about. Then I workd out I only did half a mile in 8 mins, so currently doing a 16 min mile speed. Felt disappointed as that is soooo slow

Anyone else covering less distance during week 5?

Hi dotty ..
Know what u mead

Im just working half time at the moment , have only one chiold who is 4 ...and its tricky to fit in 3 runs a week ..mind you ...that s really an hour each by the time I get in the shower etc .........

Just keep putting one foot in frot of the other . U are nearly there

hi SPIDERBABYMUM, I'm on week 6 race 1, found it hard work tonight. I think my mindset was that i'd done 20 mins so it would be easy and i thought less about pacing myself. I actually ran about a fifth of a mile more tonight than i did when i did 20 mins solid running. Still, i managed it and i'm thinking i'll be in good stead for wednesday when i run again.

I'm supposed to be doing W6R2 tomorrow but will depend if I can get someone to watch DC, original plan just been scuppered :(

cece I didn't run as far in W5R2 either, I wouldn't worry :)