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

off running this week as I have a rotten cough- not sure I'd complete week one feeling like this- to those who are worried about having gaps - that's been my story and I would say dont worry - I started this before the new year and am still only on week 7! I only manage 2 runs a week usually and had a lapse of 7 days in week 4 - I actually found the longer breaks helpful when my knees were achey early on
Intend to get out tuesday if my cough improves

Awesome jchoc high five.
Going to do one next week, already nervous/excited.

go for it stringcheese :) You will be faster than me. 50 minutes 14 seconds, but I'll be faster next time :)

Did it! W6R3. Never thought I'd manage 25 mins. Slowed a bit after 20 mins to 7kph, but managed to run 3k and walk 0.5K. How did you get on OneLieIn ? I found it hard going toward the end but far better than I thought I would.

Sorry funnys got my dates wrong and was w6r2, which was good. I carried on running for another minute after the 10...

I had a go lengthening my stride and increased my speed to 6.11 per kn at best but boy, was I knackered afterwards. Well done funnys, I will report back tomorrow or Monday

hello sister runners,
i am so jealous of you all. reading this, i just want to put on my trainers on and get out there.
But unfortunately i'm having to take about a 5 day break before i start week9. i just want to get out there and do it though (and graduate) !! argh!

well done jchocchip -you are so brave!

Montogue i tried shred after a run. but doing both left me too shattered to do anything the next day!! impressed that you can do both.

cece i some how finally moved up from 2miles during week 8. so, dont worry theres hope yet!

Meant o say that I am very impressed with the park run jchoc. I am not brave enough to give it a go yet.

Well done jchocchip! I am only 500m away (inc warm up and down) but still not sure I could run a full 5K!

I was worried after having a break woodlands but I think a lot is mental about how much we can do! Well done!

That's great weblette, further than I run in 30 mins :)

Hope you feel better soon yehudiwho.

I did Wk7 r1 this morning. I added a loop into my route now I'm running further, but it's more uphill. Still, a longer downhill all the way home.

I find the running quite gruelling, but the feeling when I've finished is immense!

I went shopping today, and had to buy tops TWO sizes smaller than before! Instead of a 14, I had to buy a 10! I haven't lost much weight but feel much more toned.

Well done on the park run jchocchip - it's great that the other runners were so encouraging.

Sorry to hear about the various ailments and lay-offs, but we'll all get there in the end.

W9R2 done - one to go! Did a bit extra - another minute or two - on the end to try and get nearer 5k, but still only managed 4.7 before I had to give up - so definitely will need to work on pace/stamina.

Looking forward to graduating on Tuesday! I think my old mortar board is in the dressing up box - perhaps I should get it out for the occasion!

I want to have my Samsung Galaxy S2 in one of those arm strap carriers. I went to a running shop yesterday and could not find one big enough for the phone. Is there anything suitable that anyone else is using.

Well done jchocchip Personally I'd be mortified by the cheering on - I prefer to fly under the radar. What was it like running in a park? There are quite a few parkruns in my area but I think you have to run on grass or woodland trails. I'm not sure I could run on that.

I bought one for my iPhone from eBay for £2.95 noseynoonoo, have you tried there? Mine is fab the seller was tuzee.

Our local parkrun is quite near the city centre and has wide tarmac paths. Its 3 circuits and there is a steep bit up at the end of the circuit but a nice long downhill stretch on the other side so it evens out! I don't like running on grass but have run on a woodland track and that was a good surface. Better than the muddy path near the river, anyway. We've had loads of rain again, so the roads or the canal paths are the best option for me tomorrow.

W6r3 done and here's the story. First five were ok, apart from the fact that I did wonder how sensible it was to have done w6r2 yesterday. 5-10 minutes were the usual think I have found my groove, no I haven't, where is it? 10-15 were awful, I just kept honking about me in a bikini, the YouTube bloke who had shed all his weight and turned into a total hottie, just kept running. 15-20 just kept running, lost in thought. 20-22 were amazing, quick, fabulous. 23-25 ffs when is this thing done????????

OneLieIn - great summary, totally agree!

Very pleased to be back into it. I have signed up for two ten kms so will definitely be doing the bridge but plan to consolidate the 5km for a few weeks before starting.

Not that I have got o five km yet!!! Two weeks to go.

One of the ten kms is in July on Clapham Common- anyone local and fancy it?

Mine vary on the run but in general the first 3 mins are omg there is no way I can do this today and the last 3 are when will this be over not sure how much longer I can carry on OneLieIn, well done though!

I have done my third non plan run today and I did 4.55Km in 38min 20s so not bad, ran the last 1-2mins of warm up walk as I was so cold! It was chucking it down with snow and very windy :(

Supposed to graduate today, with one run to go ( have done W9R2) I have seriously fecked my knee
I am hobbling around , it's so painful.
I did my last run when I had a small niggle, when I was running it felt fine so I just kept going and really enjoyed the run.
When I stopped I got home and stretched and it started to ache. Had to take DD to spend her birthday vouchers and half way through I had to come home because I couldn't walk.
I am currently on the train on the way back to London Town and it blurdy hurts!

I think it is going to be a week rest job gutted. And Goldie Hawn is coming in tomorrow and I wanted to look all nice and that but not sure that heels would be a good move

Gutted yet determined

Ach Goldie won't notice your feet, she's teeny isn't she so might be more inclined to talk to you if you're not Louboutined up....

Bummer on the knee though, any idea what specifically might have triggered it?

I ignored it when it was groaning at me last week. I should've rested more but wanted to finish. That will teach me

I used to teach aerobics many many moons ago in my yoof and my knees are sensitive to impact but I got good trainers and try to be careful. So annoying but it means I get to hang around here for a bit. I've signed up for a 10k so it better get better!

I may wear my shiny flats, no worries on the height thing, I am 5ft nothing

Well I'll be finishing W8 tomorrow unless there's a monsoon and am aiming for W9R3 next Saturday if you want a run buddy :)

Sending mendy knee vibes (some medicinal might be better though)

Take a lot or arnica, keep it elevated and plenty of ice...hope it heals quickly

I am off w4 yay! W5 r1 done and it was ok!

I'm just off out in the cold and hail to do w4r3!

Sorry to hear about your injury RebeccaMumsnet, hope it improves quickly for you!

Well done rusmum, knew you could do it :)

Enjoyed my run, although I rather misjudged how cold it was and was wearing one too many layers. So I felt a bit crap until I stripped off my gloves and hat and stuffed them fetchingly down my trousers :o