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

Great song 100 :)

W4R3 done today so week 4 complete

I still don't feel like a 'proper' runner, maybe once I can do the 20 min run - which is coming round fast now. However thinking back a couple of weeks ago, 60 and 90 seconds seemed to last forever.

Good tips from spider

I am a terrible procrastinator. My tips are similar:

1. remove all obstacles, if tomorrow is a run day get gear all ready and in place (checking weather forecast). make sure any tools are in order (iPhone charged, podcast downloaded etc.)

2. don't think! Go into automatic, this is not optional, it's part of my daily routine just like eating and sleeping. When the time comes get changed and go.

Right now I'm a SAHM (on mat leave) do if it's a run day I just wear my gear when I get up - means i'm ready to go when te time comes.

metalsian I'm not convinced about the shredding either - i've done it twice and I'm very achey (though not in places that I use when I run, I think ). Might give it up again for now and just stick with the C25K.

I totally second jnice's tip about preparation. i make sure my gear is all ready the night before - then on my run days I avoid the faff and go into autopilot

Well -done wk4 r3 one day late.bizarrely found it harder than r2.
Welcome to all you starters. How weird to feel so experienced, we were all where you are and it really is possible, believe in it .that Laura is a genius and whatever she says is true.

Back from w5r2! Woohoo!

On phone so can't remember who said what, but a couple of things:

1. I use the nhs podcast with the runkeeper app to record distance/time.

2. I run on residential roads on a Tuesday night, Thursday night and either Saturday or Sunday during the day. Quite like running in the dark!

3. I felt like a real runner during week 5 - the longer running bits and not getting so puffed out!

4. my DH motivates me to go out! He does childcare until I'm back and showered. Also posting on here motivates me.

5. another tip to get your heart beating faster - on an evening run, on one of the walking bits, allow yourself to daydream. Then feel someone touch the arm your iPhone is strapped to. Jump out of your skin and scream.

Then realise it's the same sticky-out branch you've been avoiding every run

Lol QRGM! :)

W3R2 just done and it nearly killed me I think! Got a bad stitch in my side after the second run BUT I kept going and finished tge run despite the pain. Soooooo proud of myself!

Good evening! I skipped mine today asi have a grotty cold n my asthma is rotten. However, I am hoping that being a little fitter will help me shake it off without needing the usual industrial strength antibiotics n steroids.

Well done MoneyBunny!

Tips for stitches:

1. Drink water prior to run
2. Deep breaths in, pushing the stomach out can help once you have a stitch.

Laura recommends above during week 4 but I got stitches during the first week, could have done with that advice then!

I laugh at myself everytime Laura tells me to try that - breath in, stomach out - I don't seem to have the co-ordination to do it right

I wish she'd have told me that already, Queen!

When I was little my PE-teacher told me NOT to drink or eat before exercise to avoid stitches.

He also said to pick up a pine cone and hold it in the hand opposite to the stitch and it actually used to work. Could unfortunately not find any pine cones during my run today.

Me too ManyMomentsofMadness, but tried every time she said it!

W6R1 tonight, it's very cold here!! Total weightloss now 13.3Kg so over 2 stone

Whoa cinnamon .that's impressive .

cinnamon well done! After a terrible day (it's midnight here) I am eating ice cream straight from the tub. I haven't stepped outside let alone run. Blame sick kids.

How was the run?

I love the bonkers pine cone tip! Must try that...Did W5 R1 last night and my knees hurt a bit for the first time, but otherwise fine and dandy. 20 mins at the weekend for R3 seems utterly undoable, though - so good to hear from those who already have.

Wow well done cinamon.

Busy day here. Must have my breakfast and get out for my run!

Been off the radar as I hammered week 2, and ended up too sore to walk. Back to the beginning again now. Finding week 1 much harder 2nd time around.

MoneyBunny toning your abdominal muscles helps to aviod stitches. Stops your diaphragm bouncing around as much.

I did W5 R1 this morning. The car told me it was -2 outside and it felt it. I go out in yoga pants which left me legs really cold. I think my calves were so cold once I'd finished the 'warm up' and they are quite stiff, having been fine since week 2.

So, I did the run. I though it was going to 5 runs of 5,3,5,3,5. When we got the first of the 3 minute runs it seemed to take forever and then at the end of the second 5 minute run Laura said that I was done for the day and had run 5 x 5 minutes. I was confused but relieved.

I still have no idea how I'd going to run 20 minutes next Monday. One of my fears is that I'm just going to be bored by it and stop.

meant to ask - what do you have on your legs to keep warm without overheating?

This may sound really silly but I wear a pair of shorts with a pair of lightweight trousers over the top, they are made out of linen and cotton.
Keeps me warm.

W4R1 done. I'm using my week off work to keep to the one day on, one day off schedule.

DH came with me, as on my run on Monday he thought I was really belting along and wearing myself out so he offered to run pace for me. He downloaded the podcast and carefully passed on Laura's instructions, with a few of his own added on. Running at a lower speed felt much better and I actually managed to get round.

I've made him a hot coffee as he is used to running 10ks and didn't even get warm.

W1R2 done I have stiff muscles now. Feeling good though.

Ok after much fafage with the ipod, i managed to get the first c25k on.

So just back from W1 R1 and allthough shattered, well worth it prob fri am for next one before work i think.

Also well done cinamon on that weight loss! Im also hoping to lose weight as im also following slimming world so fingers crossed!

Done W4r3 today. I almost put it off til this evening, but it's such a beautiful day, I made myself go out there. It's so cold, though!
I'm nervous about starting W5 on Saturday. How long are the runs on Wk 5?