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Original poster

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

998 replies

QueenRunningGeekMum · 08/03/2012 20:16

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:
ObviouslyOblivious · 25/04/2012 13:26

Ru, what week will you be going back to? I'm hoping to get out tomorrow night for the first run in nearly three weeks. Want to 'join' me? I think I'll be going back to week 5 to be safe (had finished week 7).

rusmum · 25/04/2012 15:31

My last run was week 9 run 3 . So not sure? Week 8 or straight back in at 9.?

ObviouslyOblivious · 25/04/2012 15:40

I'm so worried about failing I'm just playing it safe and going back to 5 run 2. So I guess it depends on how you found week 9 and how much fitness you think you've lost?

FunnysInLaJardin · 25/04/2012 16:35

rus I didn't run for 4 weeks and had got up to w7r2. I started again at w7r1 and failed! then I did it again and managed it. I was then back on track and my next run is wk 8r1. I'd do a week 9 run and see how you get on.

rusmum · 25/04/2012 18:28

Will do ! Grin

bigbadbarry · 25/04/2012 19:39

I tried my first run in 3 weeks yesterday - I had finished W5 and had to drop back to W4.

BigTeuchLittleTeuch · 25/04/2012 20:12

W2 R2 this morning. Really struggled the first 2 runs, but by the last run I decided to see if I could go beyond the 90secs (so sure I couldn't!) so ran an extra 30 secs or so. Then I decided to try for an extra 60sec run during the cool down and then just walked for an extra couple of minutes home.

Felt great! Still can't imagine that I'll manage 3 minutes though...

makinglemonade · 26/04/2012 12:24

Well I had WK1 R2 today and as its my day off I wanted to get it over early in the day. I only did 20 mins instead of 30 but really pushed myself hard.

I ran for 3 mins but some of that was down hill so easier. It was wet and really windy and the country rd I run on was a lot busier than it usually is in the evenings. I really pushed myself and was completely shattered when I reached home (just before a torrential downpour thankfully).

I won't get out again now until Sunday.

FunnysInLaJardin · 26/04/2012 13:22

I have wk8 r1 to do tonight. 28 mins.......not in the mood at all. Ah well, will give it a try!

dementedma · 26/04/2012 20:14

did W5 R2 and was feeling good so jogged right through the 5 minute walk bit in the middle and the 5 minute warm down at the end - did an amazing, 30 minutes in total!!!!
Feel really pleased. Race for Life is only 3 weeks away so needed a good session to boost the confidence.

cinnamongreyhound · 26/04/2012 22:01

Well done dementedma!

I wasn't feeling it today FunnysInLaJardin, I only did 26mins instead of 30mins but just didn't have the last few mins in me without feeling ill and I felt it was a good run anyway. How did you get on? And on the plus side I avoided the rain :)

rusmum · 26/04/2012 23:31

Erm BlushBlushBlushBlushBlush still avoiding it! BlushBlushBlush

Jnice · 27/04/2012 06:28

cinnamon lost you all again for a while. I had a cold and a week or so off and went back out today. It took me 37 min to do 5k Sad

Catching up now...

BartletForAmerica · 27/04/2012 08:01

The weather was awful yesterday morning, so I was dreading my run, but it was lovely and sunny, if a bit windy, by the evening. I did Week 6 Run 2, 5km in 34 minutes, so I am pleased with that.

Jnice · 27/04/2012 08:09

bartlet that's impressive!

FunnysInLaJardin · 27/04/2012 14:24

cinnamon, it didn't quite go according to plan! Forgot my gym bag and no time to go home and collect it and then get back to collect DS1 from karate. So ended up missing it altogether! Will be going tomorrow though, so fingers crossed. Funny how sometimes you are just not up for it, well done for going out though.

Bartlett you must be running really fast. It would take me about 45 mins to do 5k at the moment! Mind you I am quite slow

littledolly · 27/04/2012 16:13

I did W4 R1 on Monday and intended to do run 2 either Wed or Thurs, but have been flat out with work and haven't been able to. Really want to get out this evening but am quite tired. Will see how I go.....

rusmum · 27/04/2012 19:41

Going out tonight defo!!!!! Grin starting again at week 7 lol or 8?

littledolly · 27/04/2012 20:47

Good luck rusmum! Well I did R2 W4 & while it wasn't easy, I managed it all. An wrecked now though!

Can anyone tell me about breathing when running? I know I've mentioned problems with breathing before, but now I'm doing longer runs, I really need to do something about my puffing & panting!

rusmum · 27/04/2012 22:37

Did w 6 r 2 BlushBlushBlushBlushBlush enjoyed it and did a reasonable speed. Still tough but doable. Will go for it now!!im back

rusmum · 27/04/2012 22:53

Little the breathing just comes! Stick with it xx Grin

ManyMomentsOfMadness · 27/04/2012 23:03

Thanks dotty and cinnamon, I have had 2 bad runs since I graduated and wasn't keen to post on here as feel very :( but your posts have made me realise it isn't just me and there are other graduates that are finding it tough.

I think it is because I don't have a proper plan to follow. I was, and may still, going to follow one that us on the website of the 5k I have signed up for. Today I went for a hilly route as my 5k is up a bloody hill so thought I best practice, but it was tough and I couldn't complete the 30mins. On Monday I listened to my own music - I set off like a rocket and fizzled out by half way.... I need to keep at it as I'm doing the 5k for charity so can't let them down.

Good to see new runners - just remember Laura's advice, if you are tired slow down, promise it works.

BigTeuchLittleTeuch · 28/04/2012 10:15

Just 'ran' w2 r3 and, although I tried pushing myself a bit beyond the 90secs each time, I just CANNOT see how I am going to manage 3 mins next week Confused

How did everyone else manage with the transitions between weeks? Particularly 2 to 3 (since that's where I am!)

cinnamongreyhound · 28/04/2012 10:28

I think most of us found that we were worried about the next week but were able to complete it BigTeuchLittleTeuch. All I can say I have faith in the plan and yourself and you'll be fine :)

BartletForAmerica · 28/04/2012 10:30

BigTeuch, just give it a go. I was really surprised that the plan does work and does take you to the next week ready, even when it doesn't feel like that!

It is raining and miserable here, but, encouraged by DH, I went out and did Week 6 Run 3 - I can run 25 minutes! I really wouldn't have thought that 6-7 weeks ago when I started this! According to Laura, I am now a runner!