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

Well done Mazzi2fly, hope blisters heal quickly!

Hope you feel better soon omydarlin, I hate ear ache :(

Well done on finishing noseynoonoo, I'm just trying to increase pace and keep running regularly.

That's great rusmum, just go for it!! You'll do week 5 no probs :)

I did my first non plan run today, managed 4.54k and during my running part was around 6.50 mins per km (not sure if that's 6 1/2 or 6m 50s!) but still not bad and I had to jog on the spot whilst giving directions to a lost motorist!

Well done everyone, hearing how many are in wk 7 or beyond is defo keeping me going. Did week 5 r1 this morning...was bizarrely slightly easier than week 4 I felt. Had safely put to the back of my mind wk5 run3 and the 20 minute run but it is looming..........just can't see me doing that at all....how did you find it??

ifink I'm sure you can do it, just take it slowly. As Laura says, trust yourself and the program. If you have followed it there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to manage it.

nosey - yay! Congrats!

nosey - congratulations! I start W9 today and am also thinking am quite likely to be under 5k, so plan to build up to that afterwards. Might give runtastic a go - been looking for a new app.

ifink - there isn't a single C25K-er who doesn't fear W5R3 and everyone manages it. (And I know quite a few in RL now, as well as on here.) Have faith in the plan! You can do it.

Ran W7R2, got severe hunger cramps half way through...think I'll have to plan breakfast in future.

Great work nosey, super achievement.

I'm just working on pace now. Sticking at 30 for a bit and just trying to get faster.

Yay - first 30 min run done at the start of W9. Did 4.5k in the 30 mins, so I need to work on pace a bit - next challenge.

well done nosey! i can't wait to finish!

Ifink- don't worry about run 3 yet, keep your mind on the runs you are doing.

Those of you who run in the morning, what do you eat/drink before a run??

Thought i'd share another John Bingham quote:
"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn-out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself."

Off out on w7 r2, wish me luck, I'm already knackered...

How did it go, oh queen?

Hi ,
Did Week 8 Run One yesterday

WOW have to share ....took my time at the start ( thats the key for me )

Then at one point I really did feel my legs were on automatic pilot

Like they could keep going without me .

Still felt Totally out of breath but not that whole body exhaustion I normally get

and not quite as breathless as usual

28 minutes . HOOOOOrrrrrray

Hi,
Can I join in?
I have running trainers, I have a tracksuit, I have the endomondo app on my phone...do I just download the mp3s and get on with it?

Well done spider. I did think at one point recently (not today) - this just feels as natural as walking. I guess that's what we're working towards - what a great feeling.

And words - of course. There's people at all stages, some of us have finished, some of us are near the end, but plenty just starting and I for one can't believe how quickly I've improved - you'll be zipping along before you know it.

Well done Spider!

Welcome Words, please do join! Just get started! I did find making the run part of my routine really helpful - and DH saying 'hadn't you better get ready for your run?' helps!

Just back from w7r2 - 3.81k in 35 minutes. So very slow but hey - at the start of this year I couldn't run 60s and now I'm doing 25 minutes

And anyone that's had a break like I did, do come back and join in again, it's not easy but it feels great when you finish that long run.

Knee pain advice please killing still after run wed . Painful walking or to touch. Ideas and advice welcome

rusmum. Ouch - that sounds nasty. This is probably stating the completely obvious but I once hurt my knee and went to the dr and the first thing she said was 'have you tried taking ibuprofen?'. Erm - no. So maybe you should take the max dose for a few days and see if that helps?

Elevation and ice would be my suggestion. Has it given way?

7.3 in the bag - woohoo! Roll on wk 8!

Ran to my oldest ds's school for pick up pushing yds in buggy up hills! Slow going and exhausting.

Thanks to nomorecake 's advice re: cushioned trainers I decided to wear the trainers I usually wear to the gym for my run, and my shins feel so much better!

I didn't find week 1 challenging enough [showoff] so did a w2 run yesterday and found it ok, so might do w2 for 2 weeks. Is that allowed? Has anyone else 'customised' the schedule?

Ibuprofen and glucosamine gel equals slightly less painful knee. W4 r3 tonight!

Nom definitely customise it but don't try to go too far too quickly. If you found w2 doable, do it for 3runs then try w3, there's no need to repeat it 6 times unless you haven't been able to complete it.

Ime I found the first time I do a run it's fairly achievable but I find it harder the second time. !

Rusmum take it easy tonight!

Rusmum I had horrid sore knees for W1 and W2; I rested until the pain went away then iced them and took ibuprofen for the first couple of W3 runs. No pain so far touch wood.

Glad it's feeling better rusmum, good luck tonight.

Well done Jnice, especially with a buggy AND uphill, I hate inclines!

Feel really sluggish today, hoping I can get the motivation to go out and run tonight!