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

I went after 8 yesterday Jubilcece and it wasn't too bad heat wise but I think mornings are cooler. Do it, do it, so it!!!

Hi Busehouseof8, I started in January having lost 1 1/2 stone but still weighing 13 1/2 st am now running 5k three times a week at 10st 9 (down to my eating habits not just running) so no you are not too heavy. I bought a pair of trainers for £9 when I started and downloaded the podcast and went for it. Those trainers have now been relegated to dog walking trainers and I spent £40 on a proper running pair now I'm sure it's more long term. Get out there and give it a go, we were all beginners at some point :)

Get well soon Jnice :(

hello, awful 'run' today. Meant to do about 40 mins in prep for the RFL 5K. Hahahaha. Did about 10 mins. It was hot - 25c- ran along the front without realising it would be packed with super fit folks in lycra all overtaking me. I had flies in my mouth and the sun in my eyes and it was BORING. 5k of seafront? Yawn. So will do the RFL on Sunday, but it's back to lovely leafy interesting lanes for me from now on. I can't cope with the competition. Some chick sailed past on her roller blades, looking a vision in lycra and shades. FFS

Bigbadbarry well done on the 8 mins...just the 20 to o. I am going to o it tomorrow evening, hopefully the heat might have died down a bit by then. Will let you know how I get on.

Hi all!
I havent run since monday either arghhhh!
Had my whole day planned to get out around 8, but kids couldnt sleep and then it got really late, I was cuddled up with them and heard a couple of drunks outside, so decided to stay in! Also spent the day clearing the garden, but working in this heat just saps my energy. So pprobably wouldn't have got far anyway.
Need to get two more runs in by sun.

Newbies remember you need something to play the podcasts on i.e. Phone/mp3 player. Also
I bought some newbalance in the sale 25 quid, great trainers still using them.

Hmmm, forfeits... Will think on that. But I thibk despite good will, we all seem to be having a tough week fitting 3 rums in.

Rollerblades is just cheating FunnysInLaJardin! And do you mean you're not wearing Lycra? Sorry you didn't have a great run doesn't mean you won't for the r4l though :). I hear you about poxy flies although I had more in my eyes than mouth, was thinking full face shield for next run!

I never worry about who I might meet late in the evening nomorecake until I see someone and then I think this wasn't such a good idea! Two runs by Sunday is fine for, watch out thought yehudiwho might be geting her own back . I only need one more this week and plan to go tomorrow as I'm going to the runnin group Monday and don't want to run the day before or I might die! Hoping it cools down before then, 7.6k in this heat will be awful!

Right I'm braving the sunshine and doing it this morning, going with my friend to prevent me giving up and sunbathing motivate me. I'm aiming for 2 x 20 mins this time (managed 2 x 15 last time with a little walk in between).

I'm also using running as a chance to build up a bit of a tan as all this outdoorsy-ness must be good for catching some rays [pale and pasty legs emoticon]

Bugger me, it's hot! Really struggled last night. But I stuck it out and ran for just over 5k. Took me about 37 mins though. One things C25K has taught me is stick with it. In the old days I'd have kept having little breaks and then running too fast and having to stop again. Laura, bless her little trainer socks, has at least given me a bit of determination and stamina.

Wow that was really hard work! I think we did about 4k in the end, but with several small walks in between some 10-15 min runs. At one point my friend had to put her hand on my (very soggy!) back and push me along.

I love the sun, but this is just not British!

Well... 2nd run, if you can call it that, done.
Crappy run but got out there. Couldn't concentrate, couldn't get into a rhythm and was so tired from a physical day in the heat.

But 6 months ago couldnt have done an on/off 30 min run after a day like today. My stamina is so much better. Last year I was exhausted after just going around the supermarket

Another downside to the weather is all the people hanging out of their balconies watching me huff and puff along.

Still not been for a run - really must go tomorrow morning. I really don't cope with the heat well. DH has agreed to drop me off so I can then run home

2.9 miles covered this morning but my it was hot! Had to walk three or four times but still at least I went at long last!

I know nomorecake and jubilcece its not easy is it? DH went out for park run this morning and said it wasn't too bad , but its all I can do to stand up for a glass of water when its so hot! Our poor British bodies are not cut out for these temparatures!

Lets just enjoy the sunshine, do our best huffing and puffing (at least I can blame the red sweaty face on the heat, not just my lack of fitness!) and vow to put in double the effort when it cools down.

Well done J you did it! You've inspired me to go out tomorrow morning heat or no heat.

I went for I can't remember if I'm on B or C but the third run of this week anyway. Fell asleep on the bed when I went up to get my gear so didn't go until 9.25 but it was not too warm at least! Did 21 mins plus walks and covred 4K so not bad. Back to running group Monday, hope it's not too warm eeeekkk!!! Well done nomorecake and Jubilcece for getting out too :)

Flipping Nora it is too hot! AC in the gym set to about 30 degrees or something insane so I failed to do the 20 minutes :( But I did 8, then 2 min walk, then 3 - I reckon as long as I keep doing 8 then something, as soon as it cools down I'll nail the 20. Right?

Back from my trip. First run for a week this morning only managed 15mins and walked the rest. Too hot and couldn't hit the rhythm . But went out at least. If the heat carries on will go out at dawn.

I somehow managed w8 r2 last night. There was a lovely breeze so I thought if I left it until around 8.30, I'd be ok. Turns out the path I run on by the river was completely sheltered so was totally baked. 2 drunken fishermen tried to stop me to ask me for a cigarette but I was not for stopping! Managed the full 28 mins & ran for 4k - not counting the 5 min warm up and cool down. Pretty pleased with myself.

While I'm loving the sunny weather, a sudden drop in temperature every evening around 8pm would really help my running effort!!

did the Race For Life today. 5k in 42 mins along a baking hot sea front. But I did it. Knackered now though! But I got a medal!

well done to everyone who managed to get out and run this weekend.

Funny - excellent effort with the R4L - good time too.

I plan to go out tomorrow morning. However I have the trauma of waving my pfb off on her Year 6 PGL trip first. GULP - my baby!

Well done Funny!! Good time too, especially in this weather.

Im dithering about whether to go out or not. I think I 'll go and put my kit on.... Hopefully make it out tonight, but right now im horizontal on the sofa!
Right...where are my trainers....

Did my second run off week one today and am buzzing :) run one on Friday difficult but done, run two ok today even did another five mins of running at the end, it was on a treadmill in a very nice air conned empty gym though. Zumba tomorrow and then final run off week one Tuesday.

I really really want to do this, I'm so worried I'll fall off the wagon though. :)

So, finally made it out.
spent too long faffing around and had to be back by 9.30. So only time for 15min run. But that takes me to 3 runs this week, dont know how i managed that!!

well done if you ran this week at all. High fives/ firm handshakes* all round.
(delete as appropriate)

And hats off to anyone who ran a race/5k/run group/park run!!

Cant believe all winter I looked forward to running on the summer, and now i'm looking forward to snow on my face!!!

Just checking in. Been suffering with the heat, like everyone else. (Not to mention the overwhelming urge to sit and drink wine in the garden.) I've got a day or so behind because there have been evenings when I just couldn't make myself go, but did B3 on Friday morning and C1 this morning. Being out at 6.15 was lovely - cool, and beautiful (and zillions of dogwalkers taking advantage of the weather).

Well done to those of you making progress with the plan, and to all the park runners/R4L etc. Am dimly remembering now I said I'd do a 5k in June - must look and see if it's too late to register.

ratbag stay on here. I was./am rubbish at staying on track. Even if you miss a couple just pick up again and start where you left off. We all said at one time that this thread kept us going.
Hope to get up early tmrw for run.

I'm still going to Zumba tonight even in this heat - I must be mad.

I'm enroled on Global Corporate Challenge with work, it only started thursday and a team of seven of you have to walk your way around the world, it's given me a massive kick to get fit which is now why I'm combining it with Couch25k - you have to get a minimum of 10,000 steps per day and register it on a website, it's great fun, but I'm getting a bit competitive!