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Weight loss chat

A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

Couch to 5k: thighs a-slapping, boobs a-flapping, bellies a-swinging but we're winning!

977 replies

QueenRunningGeekMum · 30/01/2012 09:22

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

OP posts:
cinnamongreyhound · 01/02/2012 15:11

Haven't been yet Jnice it's tonight im going. Where are you that it's 8 hrs behind?

badmumalert I am just cold until I get running!! Always have bright red legs when I get home but they don't feel cold to me by then!

weblette · 01/02/2012 15:18

I've been very norty today and did W5R2 without a day's break - someone please slap my wrist - tomorrow's logistics are just hopeless for fitting a run in.

It was hard but I really enjoyed it :)

W5R1 is warm up, 5 run, 3 walk, 5 run, 3 walk, 5 run.
W5R2 is warm up, 8 run, 5 walk, 8 run
W5R3 is warm up, 20 run (aaaargh hadn't realised that was coming!)

Next run on Saturday

MNHQ
RebeccaMumsnet · 01/02/2012 15:44

I'm doing it tomorrow, little bit worried but more concerned about Saturday, 20 mins Shock

DorisIsWaiting · 01/02/2012 16:18

Was supposed to do w4 r3 tonight but have a (very boring meeting and just realised I would rather be running ...don't know whether that says more about the running or the meeting!

well done all of you keep it up.

cinnamongreyhound · 01/02/2012 18:26

W6R1 done! Found the last 5 min run pretty tough but perhaps because I went a bit faster as I had it in my head that I had done 20min so intervals again would be easy? Tried to make my walks brisker too. I am so impressed to have got to week 6 :)

strawberrypie · 01/02/2012 18:30

Well done everybody! Fantastic weight-loss cinnamon and great song 100years :)

Can't wait to get as far along as you guys! W2 R 2 tomorrow.....

sweetandtenderhooligan · 01/02/2012 18:43

I really want to do this but Im -massive- a bit overweight and have dodgy knees. Will I struggle do you think?

Also, does anyone know what type of trainers are best for flat feet?

TIA

sweetandtenderhooligan · 01/02/2012 18:44

Bah! did strikeout wrong Blush

Original poster
QueenRunningGeekMum · 01/02/2012 18:59

sweetandtender I'm about 4/5 stone overweight and am currently enjoying doing w5. I did invest in a good pair of running shoes, got fitted properly in a shop. Others on this thread have got by with older trainers though.

Obviously only you can tell how your knee will hold up with exercise, maybe talk to your gp?

OP posts:
debka · 01/02/2012 20:14

Just in from w6 r1, found it harder than I was expecting tbh, thought it'd be a walk in the park after wk5 r3, O NO!! Nearly didn't go out tonight, it is fecking FREEZING, and blowing a gale here as well. I looked a proper charlie- t shirt, long sleeved t shirt, hoodie and wanker jacket hi-vis vest on the top half, tights then 3/4 length sporty affairs on the legs. Topped off with a pink hat and white gloves. Was warm enough though Grin

Can I issue a note of caution against the glass-of-water-before-you-go-out advice please? I did that last week and actually did wet myself a little bit on my way in to the toilet. Made me run quicker to get home though.

sweetandtender I am about 9 stone overweight and on week 6. However I have lost nearly 4 stone with SW since October, including 17lbs just in January since starting this wonderful program.

jchocchip · 01/02/2012 20:16

Oops, failed to get ready in time for my run this morning so it is deferred til tomorrow. dh is pleased because it means we can go together. I did do a 6 mile bike ride today so I wasn't completely slacking.

week 1 does start slowly but pay attention to any aches and pains and don't overdo it. My kmees feel better for the exercise...

cece · 01/02/2012 20:44

I too could do with losing about 5 stone or so and managing to do it. If you have specific worries and problems though maybe it is worth talking to your GP first?

I just bought my trainers off of the internet. Smile

Just had a phone call from DH though to say he has been delayed at work and won't be home for another hour Sad so bang goes my plan for a run tonight. Sad

Sat here in my running gear and nowhere to go Sad. Will have to go tomorrow I suppose. On the bright side though it is rather cold here so at least I don't have to go out in it! Smile

thestringcheesemassacre · 01/02/2012 20:53

Evening all,

Slogged through week 7, run 2. was hard the WHOLE way.
My knee hurts a bit.

2 days rest now, so hopefully better saturday. i need to run on softer ground i think, pavements are hard work.

Well done all. Keep on trucking.

Woodlands · 01/02/2012 21:17

Found you all! Sounds like people are doing really really well. I did W5R2 yesterday so have got the dreaded W5R3 to look forward to next time...

I have been doing fine apart from the bloody stitches. I always get them after about five minutes of running and they last about five minutes. I run as slowly as I can and do the breathing thing that Laura said but there are always a minute or two where I just can't run and have to walk. It's so annoying as I can manage the runs from a fitness point of view but the stitches make it so hard. I should really have run W5R1 a second time as I had to walk for a large chunk of the middle run, but I carried on to R2 and managed to run for both of the 8 minute runs. I have tried not eating for ages before the runs, drinking loads etc etc. Maybe I'll try the pine cone trick!

I mainly use Laura and the NHS podcasts but I have also used an Android app called RunDouble which is pretty good.

cocoachannel · 01/02/2012 21:29

Week 5 is awesome! Gutted to hear six isn't..!

I went out tonight in my smart new running gear DH bought me. Felt quite the pro Wink

Still not lost any weight though. In fact am heavier than when I started so still about two stone over. Clothes fitting much better though. It's weird.

Hope everyone's well. We made it to February!

cocoachannel · 01/02/2012 21:31

Woodlands are you drinking a lot/ not enough water? I know that has an effect on stitches.

rusmum · 01/02/2012 22:18

Week 2 run done ! Felt better today Grin enjoying it again .

dementedma · 01/02/2012 22:24

have done C25K before and ended up running a 5K in 32 minutes. since then have gained over a stone and not run since last June.
Plan to start again next week but am dreading it. don't even know if i can do a minute....wish me luck

cocoachannel · 01/02/2012 22:31

Good luck! 32 mins is awesome. You'll be back at that in no time.

LookMaOneHand · 02/02/2012 03:14

Hello All! My first post on the new thread - I can't believe it's already six pages long!

I did W5R1 today, and it felt good! My legs were like lead on the last run, though, not sure why as the first two felt okay.

I'm so excited to be in week 5 - it feels like a real milestone. The halfway mark, and the start of the longer runs. I'm looking forward to seeing how 8 minutes feels, not so much the 20 minutes later in the week!

Well done everyone. It's great to see so many names from the first thread who are sticking with it and getting through the weeks. Also great to see new people joining in.

cq · 02/02/2012 03:34

Just ducking in to add words of encouragement. I did c25k for the first time about 4 years ago, then did it again with some new running buddies, then 3 years ago ran my first 5k race. I was probably about 4 stone overweight then.

Once you can run 5k you'll never look back. You can keep to that distance or build it up even more.

I hate running most of the time but love it when I stop - such a great feeling of achievement.

Sometimes train with my dogs but live in Texas so too hot for them half the year.

On Jan 15th this year I ran my second half marathon and beat my target time of 2:14. I never would have thought I could run for that long. And I'm still about 40lbs overweight!

So keep it up ladies, you will be so proud of yourselves and amazed at what your bodies can do with the right training.

AltShiftDelete · 02/02/2012 09:17

Cinnamon i'm Shock at your weightloss, that's incredible. What's everyone else's like i need some encouragement!

Week 2 not as bad as i thought. I can't believe the difference in distance from w1R1 to W2R3, so encouraging and makes me realis how lazy i've been being.

Anyone else treadmilling it and not risking the cold?

Original poster
QueenRunningGeekMum · 02/02/2012 09:25

cq thanks for your words of encouragement. Are you still trying to lose weight or are you now at a stage where you're happy? I don't think being slightly overweight is much of a concern if you're fit enough to be running half marathons iykwim!

Also is your amazing weight loss down to running alone or did you do anything else? How did you continue your motivation to run after finishing c25k? Sorry about firing off the questions, but it's so interesting to hear from a survivor!

OP posts:
rusmum · 02/02/2012 10:04

Last offer of size 8 mizuni wave 7 shoes. Rtp £90 cost £80 in sale. Worn 4 times. Light support shoe . £50 x

trice · 02/02/2012 10:26

I am planning to do weights on my rest days. I am going to go do some burpees.