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

[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 tbh I have avoided running with anyone else up till now. I have had lots of kind offers but always worry I will slow them down.

This club is run by my friend so I think it will be fine. Plus DS2 is due to start nursery next week - 1 morning per week to start with - so hoping to take up some of the offers to go for a run with some of my other friends. If I feel brave.

Can I join please? I'm going to start on Monday I think!

Ive never ran in my life. I'm really unfit, about 1.5stone overweight but really want to get myself in better shape.

DH is going to support me.

Any tips for a newbie greatly appreciated

hello. Did wk7 r2/3 managed fine. Did 3k in 25 mins, but need to get a lot faster to do 5k in a sensible time

making welcome! No tips, just get stuck in. I had never ran until about Feb and now I am hooked and doing the 5k Race For Life at the end of May

I did r3 w3 yesterday & found it really hard, but did manage it. I took my period yesterday morning & also ran just before dinner, so think both of these contributed to me finding it hard. However, onwards & upwards now
I use an app that I downloaded which may be slightly different to what some of you use, but it's the same idea. Moving on to 2 rounds of 3 min run & 5 min run tomorrow eeekkkkk!!!

funny thanks :D Im planning to start tomorrow but I've not got proper 'gear' but I suppose I'll be ok for the first week or 2 as its more walking than running and I have my normal trainers.

I hope I get the same results as people on here, I really want to be fitter and also hoping it will help with my stress levels!

little I'm also using an app I downloaded but from what I've seen they are all much the same. Good luck!

did W5 R1 this morning and found it quite hard. 3 x 5 minute runs. I am annoyed at myself for finding this such a challenge. Shouldn't it be getting easier by now?

It is getting easier for you, demented. Just think how easy it would be to do a Week 1 run now. You have come a long way. It's just that the programme pushes us to do more and more each week.

I say all of that though while getting nervous about the Week 5 Run 3 run I am going to do this afternoon. I have some good music to keep me going so hopefully that will see me through...

Can I join please? Just got back from watching the marathon and I've been inspired! From acorns and all that...

I need to lose about 3.5 stones to get within the BMI healthy range.

Will need to get running shoes and a sports bra (F cup, the buggers need strapping down securely) before I can do anything, but I've already made the commitment in my head :)

good for you lemon. Yep, you'll need to strap those puppies down.
Best of luck. download the couch to 5K podcast from NHS and off you go

Thank you demented :)

I have just done week 8 r 1. I did the same route as the first 25 min run which killed me! I found it easier the next time. When I went back today I realised why it had been so hard before - it's uphill all the way! Not steep but enough to increase the legwork and lungwork.

Bravissimo do some decent sports bras, Lemon. That's where I got mine anyway.

Well, I went out and managed Week 5 Run 3. I must admit there was times I wanted to stop but I forced myself to think about my friends doing the London Marathon today and to remember that I only needed to manage 20 minutes - nothing in comparison!

Hi can I join? I've just finished week one due to do week 2 run one tomorrow. Found the third run harder than the first was struggling the last 2 60 sec runs. I'm finding it mind boggling that I will eve ever be able to run for 30 minutes! Id love to lose half a stone but am mainly wanting to increase my fitness.

you and me both dementedma, did mine today :)
First two five mins weren't too bad, but the final one....it was a real struggle. I'm quite worried about w5r3; 5 mins walk then 20 mins running nonstop. Seriously.
That's a heck of a leap in pace, I'll give it my best but am stressing about managing to finish it [bows head in awe of todays' marathon runners]

Thanks Bartlet (love your name, I'm new to WW :) Just watched first season and have rest of the boxset to enjoy!)

I'd been meaning to try Bravissimo anyway for regular bra's. I've had a Shock Absorber in the past and thought that was good. I might buy one of each and alternate.

Hepsibaaah take it slow and steady and you'll get through the 20 mins. Mine was slower than previous runs but laura'a advice was to keep it slow, it will be better for you to finish it slower than not to be able to finish it as that will knock your confidence.

I was going to say the same - take the 20 mins slow and steady. The aim is to finish and not a record breaking speed. Honestly it is possible. As Laura says it is more in the mind than the actual ability to do it.

Just a quick question, if I may: I've got the Shred DVD, which has been gathering dust on my shelf for two years could I start Shredding and C25K at the same time?

Lemon don't see why not. If u r a sadist lol

I think that's a masochist - it's JM who's the sadist! Seriously, though - you need to think about letting your leg muscles recover and both running and shred can be quite tough on your legs, so you could try, but go carefully.

Haven't checked in for a few days so I missed yehudi graduating! Well done! And welcome all the newcomers -two on a lemon theme...

I had I think my worst ever run on Saturday. My legs felt like lead and then when I was a mile and a bit away from home there was a huge torrential downpour, with a bit of hail thrown in for good measure. I kept going but couldn't see very well as my glasses were completely covered in rain so ended up sloshing through massive puddles. Yuk. Am finding this whole postgrad running thing tough at the moment - finding it physically hard when I do go out, and hard to find the motivation. Hoping to go with a friend in the same boat tonight, but worried I won't keep up with my mojo gone out the window. Sigh.

Me too dotty2!!! I'm not sure what it is, I feel fed up if I'm not quicker but the past few runs I have been quicker but had to have a walk break in the middle. Last night I was determined to do the full 30 mins running so I slowed a bit and changed my route, covered 5.05Km in 37 mins (7 of those warm up and down) but have been doing 5.25Km in a minute less than that. I think it's perhaps not having a target to aim for. I don't have time to run for longer so don't want to do the bridge to 10K and at times I feel guilty for time I take for the running that I do do. My DH want's to devise a training program for me to get faster, using interval training, shorter but faster runs and one long slow run a week but I just feel I'm not that dedicated and in an ideal world I'd just go out three times a week and run for 30mins.

cinnamon - I think for me it's the lack of a definite programme/target. Plus maybe expecting it to be physically easier when actually we're still not all that fit - maybe the W6R1 syndrome, which everyone finds hard because they think it should be easy?

Also I miss doing the programme alongside everyone on the thread and looking to see how everyone was getting on/posting my own progress. I know where you're coming from in thinking you just want to run 3x30 mins a week, but somehow it's less motivating than seeing progress, don't you think?

Yes I agree and hugely agree with you that I feel it should it be easier and am disappointed and a bit cross with myself when it's not! It was nice to post how I'd done on each run and compare to others. I am tempted to run with a group like cece but I'm also not confident enough in my own ability to run to want to go with others.

Slinking onto the thread...

Just completed w2 r1, despite having considered repeating week 1 as I did find it hard. However, managed all of the 90sec runs and actually quite enjoyed it

Background - catagorically not a runner, about 3 stone to lose but also just wanted to feel fitter and wanted to take up the challenge. Seriously, if C25K can enable me to run for more that 90sec bursts I will be seriously impressed...

My biggest problem is that, although I am really fortunate to have beautiful, mostly deserted coast to shuffle around, the ground is very uneven and I am feeling it a bit in my hip. I also need new trainers but I am 2 ferry rides away from anywhere that may even do gait analysis...