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

Ah, thanks cinnamon! Well I'm still waiting to do A1, Wednesday at latest!

B2 for me later today - before it gets too much hotter. Did the school run in my kit to make me do it, but think might need to swap to some cropped leggings before I go out. Def not brave enough to go to school in those! Got a lot of surprised (but supportive) comments as it was.

I find that too Dotty - everyone comments when they see you ready for action, which is both encouraging and a bit annoying! I don't want to feel like I'm making a point of going out in running gear, I'd love to be able to go to school dressed normally, then come home and get changed, but I know that even the simple obstacle of getting changed again is enough to deter me from going.

I'd start thinking "well I'll do the washing up first, then check my email, then check MN before I change into my gear" then I'll get caught up answering messages, get hungry, have a snack and think I'll go before lunch, by which time I've got involved in something else and never do it. I have to go out with water, music etc and go straight from school (walking until I'm out of sight of people!)

Hope everyone's enjoying the sunshine today. I've decided not to even try and run when its this hot, so did a bike ride this morning, now basking!

It was so lovely to log in and see all this encouragement. Thank you all so much!!

My first run is going to be Wednesday night and I AM going to do it.

Will come on and tell you all about my heart attack after

er ....one technical (extraordinarily stupid) question - is running different from jogging? Am I aiming to run as fast as I can for those 45 seconds or just jog for 45 seconds?

doingitformyself - I know: I don't want to be all ostentatious 'look at me, I'm exercising', which is why I've never done it before, but I knew that getting changed would be enough to deter me from going. Had to do the supermarket shop, and I also work from home and have something to progress today so would have been so easy not to go. Not to mention the heat! Blimey, it was hard. How am I going to run in August?? (Mind you - will probably be cold and rainy then.) Shortish and slow, but still - B2 done.

Laurie - must confess that I don't actually know whether there's a difference between running and jogging in technique, or speed - or not at all. I have a feeling it's a matter of fashion - jogging is what people did in the 1980s wearing headbands and legwarmers; running is what we do now in our lycra. Maybe someone will come along and tell us both. But to answer your other question - slow and steady is the key! Go slower than you think you need to, and you'll make it through.

Thanks so much for all the support, did my second run of week 5 today, in the blazing sunshine. the first 8 mins were fine, didn't expect the buzzer to ring to slow down when it did. Got through the second one no problems, so role on Friday for the big 20 min run.

Laurie my advice is don't go too fast. You'll be puffing after the first minute so take it easy. And don't be shocked by just how hard it seems. I was desparate to hear Laura say sweetly. And now slow down. Never has a minute seemed so long . But it does work. Honest.
cinnamon how far you've come! Running with proper runners. blimey I feel my child had left home and gone to university!
Failed to run today so now hiding from scarycake as due to trip away next run will be Saturday. Do you think I'll get a forfeit?

I did w5r1 today eggs so not far behind you :) Dreading Sunday for 20 minutes!

Hi everyone. I'm hoping to start C25K soon and have downloaded the nhs podcast but I have one daft question. Does it tell me when to turn around? Or will I have to guess when to head back home to avoid finishing too far away from home?!

Good point Bassface, no I don't think she does say turn round, so you'll have to guess (or work out if you're more organised than me!) when its time to start heading back.

You get the 5 min walk at the end, so if you've gone a bit too far before turning round you can just make it a longer walk home. Once you've done it a few times you'll get to know your routes and be able to plan circular routes for a change of scenery.

The podcast has no gps linked to it so it wouldn't know how far you'd gone to tell you when to turn around, although I suppose it could tell you time wise. Perhaps have a look at which run/walk you are half way through in time and use that as your turn around point. I ran around a route when I started and have just had to change/extend that route as I've got quicker.

It's such a lovely day today and I'm really tired so can't be arsed to go out! I said I will go when my boys are in bed so it's cooler and I can't go tomorrow or Friday so if I don't go today I won't get three runs this week (even though Monday's was a megarun!). :(

I use the Get Running app & she tells you when you are halfway time wise so turn around if you need to. I run along a path to the end & back so if it's halfway a bit early, I just keep going and enjoy a bit of a longer walk at the end.

Did r3 w7 last night & found it OK after the first 5 or so mins. Didn't go out until about 8.15 so it was a bit cooler.

Really down tonight though as gained 1.5lbs at WW. I've only been a tiny bit off plan this week (DH's birthday cake!) but would have thought three runs would at least balance that out . Lost a stone before I started running, but nothing since. Still have about 1.5 stone to loose......

That sucks littledolly, if it makes you feel any better I am on mfp and always stick to my calories plus run three times a week and walk at least 20 mins on the days I don't and last week I put on 500g but I have lost it plus another 1.3Kg this week. I always either sts or put on the week I ovulate and my totm so although I lose quite well, it's only for two weeks out of four! Well done on your run though, it's still pretty warm here so hard going for me and I only managed 4.75K in 34 mins (27mins running).

littledolly - 1.5lbs is nothing. That kind of fluctuation is easily explained by having had loads of water to drink because it's a hot day or having done or not done a poo (sorry to be indelicate) - and hormonal fluctuations as cinnamon says. So assume it's not real weight gain and move on.

Think am going to wait and run this evening - it's hot here.

laurie how did you get on?
I made the mistake of trying to run yesterday in the heat and paid the price. managed 10 minutes than had to walk for a bit, then another 5 minutes, then sit down in the sunshine and then a final 3 minutes cos i was in the shady woods and it was downhill!
Lesson to self - completing one slow 5K at the weekend does not make me an olympic athlete!!

I just ran for 8 minutes! Twice!

well done barry. I'm doing the RFL course tonight to see how I get on, actual run on Sunday. Am sure I won't manage it though, although it is all flat and along the sea front, but will be warm I think. I feel weary thinking about it!

Have to admit defeat for now, I have come down with something

Please kick me up the bum to get me out of the door as soon as I'm better!

OK, So I've just lost 2 stone using CWP (hooray), but still have 3 stone to go. I am still a hefty 14stone 10lbs at 5'4".

I am really attracted to the idea of Couch to 5K, but in your opinion is it practical for someone of my size, or should I come back to it when I'm somewhat smaller??

If you think I could give it a go, what do I need?

you can give it a go now busy
You need a good sports bra and some decent trainers. that's all. oh, and some determination.
Just start VERY VERY slowly - hardly more than walking pace.
you can do it!
and bloody well done on the 2 stone!

Tx demented

I have a sports bra, although with the size of my boobs it's more a medieval corset...

Just need to get the trainers. Do I need to spend a fortune?

no, not at this stage. Go to Sports Direct where you can get decent ones for about £30.

Busyhouse just go for it! You'll love it. I'd lost a stone before starting and was down to 12 stone. I'm in week 8 & haven't really lost any weight since I started but my shape has totally changed, I'm so much more toned and clothes are looser.

I struggled in wk 1 to run for a minute at a time but I'm just back now from a 28 minute run . Tough enough in the heat but I quite enjoyed it! I'm finding the first few mins hard, but once I get into my stride I'm fine.

BTW, I run in a pair of Asics that I got in Sports Direct & they're fine for now. Good luck!

Hello, cece here with my jubilee name.

Someone kick me up the bum to go for a run; combination of heat and tiredness has made me lazy this week. Only managed 1 run so far and that was Monday morning. So shall I do one Fri eve and then another Sat morning?