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

Sorry I've been quiet of late. Just bobbing my head in to say I'm still going W6R3 smashed today. 25 minutes 4.8 km sooooo close!
Didn't feel too bad but glad I did it first thing, much more motivation.

Good luck all, keep going- onto W7

Many Moments - I saw someone running the other day with their dc ahead of them on scooters. Thought that was cool.

Rebecca - 4.8 km is impressive.

I have been so lucky to have been doing these runs with a friend and last Weds we completed W5R3 and were due to start W6R1 last Friday, but she hasn't been too well.
Well I missed Friday out but today it had to be mind over matter and I really, REALLY had to go out by myself and run for 20 minutes non stop (am really waiting for her to get fit again so we can continue on the same runs in the programme).
I was really dreading it and felt like I could have just stopped and gone home a few times, but decided I couldn't waste any fitness so far achieved.
I really missed my friend and the boost that running with someone gives me, but was pleased that I did manage and will do it again if necessary.

Hi everyone, just checking in briefly, still feeling a bit knackered from the night wake ups that seem to be happening in our house this week. Cinnamon, thanks for the tip re. Runkeeper, might try it although still feeling a bit dependent on Laura - although not loving the music in week 5 so far. Very impressed that there are so many people near the end - wow! I am due to do W5R2 tomorrow, hopefully it goes ok - I've got new running shoes having been properly fitted at last and maybe they'll make all the difference . I'm thinking I need to do some stretching, anyone doing any after their runs?

The parkruns thing sounds great, there are also a few series events happening... I've registered for a 5km event in Finsbury Park, North London on the 15th April, so I have to get through this before then! Figure it gives me time to finish the program and then speed up my snail's pace jog run to cover a 5k distance.

Welcome to the new people :)

w6r2 done today.
unlike everyone else, i'm really struggling, especially since a great w5r3 (20min).

My motivation needs a kick start, none of the usual stuff i listen to is motivating me.
Also the 6lbs I had lost, have returned, and i really don't know how or why.

but despite it being a really tough one today, at least i got out there and did it, i suppose.

worried about the next one. trying not to think about it too much. really don't want to stop mid run.

cinnamon have been using the app, thank you for the tip, the mobile site is better!

rebecca that's a really good pace! Well done

nomorecake - I think I need your name, I haven't lost any weight either. But the kind of run we are all doing at the moment only burns 250 - 300 cals. I see it as more about fitness and strength - and getting to the point where you can use running effectively as part of a weight loss strategy. (Though clearly, less cake would help there. My parents are staying for half term and we finished the leftover Xmas pudding last night, since we missed seeing them at Xmas. Oops. Delicious, though!)

I think quite a few of us struggle with some of the runs - I certainly do. But the thought of coming on here and posting that I had to quit mid run keeps me going! Thanks for the encouragement, spiderbabymum. Off out later to put one foot in front of the other for 25 minutes!

Good luck dotty!

I did Wk6 R3 this morning. It's still really icy outside so I had to go quite a strange route to find ice-free pavements. This meant that from 12.5 to 20 minutes I was going up a fairly steep hill. I thought I would pass out. The last 5 minutes ended up being down hill and I got quite a speed up but this was obviously due to the hill rather than super-human ability on my part.

Next week is 3 x 25 minute runs. I'm knackered thinking about it.

i have done W3 R1 this morning and i wont lie to you, i really struggled with the 3 min runs ran most of the way but walked about 20 sec then ran the last part i do hope to improve as the week goes on tho and i did do a 60sec run on the end as i miss jusdged the times and had a bit further to walk back home.

Well done all of you especially those running for 20/25 mins at a time as right now that seems impossible.

Thanks, Jnice - W6R3 done!

MadeinScotland - I have been where you are and I have done it! So can you. I honestly would not have believed I was capable of running for 25 mins only 6 weeks after starting. In fact, I didn't really believe I could do it when I set out, but I managed it this morning, and even managed to speed up for the last minute when the oh-so-persuasive Laura suggested I might. Yay!

Noseynoonoo - I live somewhere very, very flat and had to run up a small slope about 50 yards long off the local cycle track at about 20 mins and that was hard enough. A longer hill would probably have killed me, so well done you!

Hi ladies .I'm not monitoring my weight But it just so happens that I had to do some measurements for online shopping .well since December i have lost three inches from my waist one off my hips. ! Wow !

Dh insisted on measuring me once a fortnight when I started spiderbabymum and I have lost 9.5 inches from in total since I started c25k. He measures shoulders, upper arm, chest , waist, hips, thigh and calf. Well done, it goes to show weight isnt everything! I hadn't been a big believer in losing inches until now :)

Rebecca, I'm in awe. Still only covering about 3.5km although I managed to run a bit faster today. Just completed W5R2 - nothing in between me and the dreaded 20 mins now except a 2 day rest!! Nomorecake, there's a motivational video referenced somewhere at the beginning of this thread, I haven't been able to watch it yet, but maybe track the link down - might help? Also, there are loads of benefits to this aside from weight loss - it's also about grit, determination, self esteem, combating fatigue (seems to help me survive toddler night wakings anyway). On any score we are legends for getting this far! I still don't think I can do it, but will keep going one step at a time for now. Spider, I'm impressed - wish that would magically happen for me too, although I must confess to a half slice of special Valentine's Day salted caramel tart with my coffee today, so unlikely

Best of luck for everyone's runs tonight/tomorrow.

I have just completed W5R3.
Yaaaaay!

I thought I had further to go too. Was phsycing myself up for the hill only to be told to walk.
And I ran in the dark. Completely. My torch died on the warm up and I am in the middle of nowhere, no street lights. Pot hole dodging was fun.

I would say to everyone think positive as it really helps.
Think you can do it and it is so much better.

Yay! week 8 run 1 done this evening in the dark. Dh did week 4 run 2. Used run keeper for the first time... I really do new to work on my speed :)

W2r1 done was hard,my long day at work today and I have a 25min walk home from station but I did the auto thing and just got out there and did it - completed all the runs at a snail pace :-) . Only problem is was such a rush to get home and get table set for dinner and then my little sister called and well I am sitting here at the dining room table having just scoffed a Chinese in my running gear looking very sexily romantic indeed!

metalsian I would be so spooked a couple of dogs made me freak tonight came out of nowhere!

Done w4r1. Well I actually didn't. I didn't manage any of the runs all the way through . Walked most of it due to knee pain. But I will keep at it. Covered 2.77miles do not further than normal but at a walk, next time eh!

I did W6R3 today - 25 mins non-stop running! And I didn't get a stitch at all, not even a little one! The first five minutes were so hard and I didn't think I'd be able to do it, but it settled down and was absolutely fine. Only problem was I arrived at nursery (only just on time for pick up) just at the end of the run so was puffing and panting all over the place! Ah well, had a 20 min walk home to cool down.

well done everyone who has covered a 20+ run. That is my next goal and I'm a bit scared

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII'M BAAAAAAACK!

Completed w6r2 tonight - 3.7k in 35 mins. Felt great! Really pleased that after a week off I was able to do it and feel alright. Will probably ache tomorrow though!

Thanks to all you posters, without this thread a blip like I had last week would have made me quit but you guys inspire and motivate me!

Hi, just updating, I did Wk5r3 on Sat and Wk6r1 tonight. I felt sluggish on Saturday and had a stitch most of the run, but tonight's run went MUCH better I ran much further as well.

Keep going everyone! You're doing sooo well, don't waste all your hard work!