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 to hear about the knee rebecca rest, ice, compression, elevation and ibuprofen!

Wk 8 r1 done, just overran the 5k mark in the 38m! Average pace was 7ish kph so 35m for the 5k.

I know I should have had a full rest day, but mrchocchip didn't want to go out on his own as he didn't believe he could do week6 run3! But he did! And Laura said he was officially a runner and he was so surprised that he had done it and it was ok. Snails pace but we will work on that... He says its much easier when I'm there. I think he goes faster when I'm not :)

Well done everyone running, hope all the knees heal quickly so everyone can get back out there. I read that swimming is good cross training for knees, evens up the muscles apparently. Maybe that is why my knees have been ok so far.

Wow jnice you did it! Way faster than me :) well done :)

It included the walks - so not quite there! But I think running with the buggy, then going out without it helps with the speed a bit. Like rocky training with a tyre

Adios W8, bring it on W9

Sorry to hear about the knee, Rebecca - I have been sick again (second time in a month!) with a stomach thing and a sore throat / head cold, so I've fallen behind in the last week too.

My last run was w8r3, and it felt good, and I was so excited to get through week 9! I'm hoping to feel up to w9r1 by Wednesday. My birthday is at the weekend and I had really hoped to finish the programme by then to counter any "holy shit I'm getting old" feelings with some lovely "I have accomplished something great for my health and well-being" feelings. I think if I can do my first 30 minute run by then, I'll feel a bit of that anyway, even if I have two runs to go.

Exciting to see more and more people nearing the finish! Well done everyone!

Hi everyone, just checking in after an enforced 10 day break due to family commitments :( Managed to start again on Saturday. Was due to run W6R3 but wasn't sure about the break, so started W6 again - R1 felt hard! Today did W6R2 and that also felt tough - I just feel lumpy and sluggish. Also, my knee hurts... Hope I haven't stuffed it all up by taking 10 days off. Will press on with W6R3 on Wed, fingers crossed I can manage it. Hope everyone's knees etc get better soon...

Been off the radar for a few day, completed week 9 run 1 on wed last week, felt ok but after was knackered - had to sit for 20 mins before I could summon the energy to get showered! Couldn't work out why til later when had full on temp, shivers etc so have been suffering with a horrible cold/flu since . Hope to get out on tues night to continue week 9, I'm so cross at falling in when the end was in sight!
Well done to everyone who has finished

Falling ill obv!

still hacking away like a 20 a day smoker - but hope to go out wednesday. who's going to start a new thread qrgeekmum or another graduate?

So I've done all of 2 runs and have had 4 days off now due to the weather. Think I might have to try the gym (I get it at reduced rate.)

I have finished! W9R3 done tonight, so I am officially a graduate. Although I won't really feel that I have 'done' until I can run 5k in 30 mins, which seems quite a way off. I feel slightly anticlimactic, actually - I was really determined to run 5k today, so I kept going for 33 minutes, thought I was going to be sick and gave up, only to discover had only done 4.9k - bah. Next time.

Sorry to hear that lots of you are struggling with illness and injury - and that you're struggling to get started nomnomnom - here's to better health and weather for everyone soon.

Well done dotty2, so you feel a bit deflated! At least you know you are almost there!! Are you planning anything further?

I'm injured was hoping my weak ankle would cope with the running, which it did. Just not the kerb I tripped off when walking on Sunday morning.

So to cheer me up as I sit with it elevated, can I have suggestions for the new thread title please? Will start up the new thread when this one reaches 960 posts, so entries before then!

Well done Dotty on graduating!

(I'm beginning to think I'll never finish!)

Fantastic result dotty, really well done!!!

So sorry to hear that QueenRunningGeekMum :(, hope you are better soon. How's your ds now? I really am not creative and other than thinking about some finishing, some moving onto 10K and some still moving through the plan I don't have a title, really not witty at all!!!

Thanks Cinnamon. Ds putting on weight and waking only twice a night now, which is much better!

I am trying to be positive and think that even if it takes 12 weeks I will finish the c25k!

QRGM 2x a night, that's hard, am impressed you're running despite disturbed nights.

I'm in the SE where all ferry crossings are cancelled due to howling wind and driving rain but I still managed wk8 r2, I was soaked when I got in. Had to go out today because I skipped last night due to snow

Looking forward to graduating soon!

Anyone got any tips on improving pace? Pretty please?

Well done dotty! another graduate :)

Sorry about all of the injuries! Must be very frustrating, expecially when you are so close. I must say my ankle and knee are a little sore too but nothing that will stop me yet.

Suggestion for new title Picking up the Pace

I have just done week 8 run 1. Covered 2.2 miles of actual running and 4.6 km in total if you include the walking at either end. It actually felt pretty good tonight, but legs were tired for the last five mins.

Oh and well done to all of the graduates.

My friend has just qualified as a community support person for runners so will ask her about picking up the pace, as I want to work on that too once I have graduated.

Wahey another mortarboard, diploma, and !!!!!

Well done!!!!!!!

Love the new title, for everyone injured struggling or just having a bad day, we WILL do this, you are all fab

Thanks everyone - and very sorry to hear about your injury QRGM. Chilly here too, and I've been trying to warm up ever since I got in. 'Picking up the Pace' - great thread title. But maybe include something not to put novices or the recently started off too.

geekmum sorry about your ankle, keep the faith - you will make it!

Poor geekmum, yes of course you'll make it...everyone seems to get interrupted en route to 5k! Just repeated wk5 run1 after a 5 day break....was hard going but pleased to be back on track, thank goodness the heat here has cooled off for now..

How about: "Couch to 5k: whether you're picking up the pace or just starting the race"

Or is it too long?

Any other suggestions?