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

Went to running group today and we did a warm up and down lap around the field and the rest of circuit training type things. The activities were skipping, sit ups and throwing medicine balls, short running, running through a rope ladder tippee toes, hurdles, balancing on your bottom while picking things up and then running and bunny hops over some plastic strips. Also did two relay races. A bit disapponted so went out for a little run which lasted 12 mins so not bad day activity wise but not great for running, although the coach said it all helps!

cinnamon - you may well find that your next run will be good. I find doing those sort of things in my running group really help when I then try to do a 5k. It is something to do with needing a strong core to improve your running (or something like that!)

B210K - jchocchip - which training are you following, as there seem to be a few silghtly different ones around.

bibbety - when I hurt my knee I stopped running for a few days and bought myself a strap to wear for runs. Did this for a week or two and it was much better....

I did 4k on Sat morning in 30 mins and this mornning the weather was dreadful. So found week 2 of Laura on my MP3 player and did that as a kind of interval training. Managed to cover 3.7km in the 28 mins. Not bad considering most of it is walkiing! Tried to run as fast as I could for the running though.

Thanks funnys and cece its feeling a lot better today just a bit of a twinge so will see how i go today and strap it up for next time if it doesnt improve. Off to do week 1 run 3 in half an hour, excited about completing my first week!

Yahoo! Week one complete and i ran further and faster today and found it easier! (easier, not easy by and means!). Very proud of myself! But also very scared at the thought of running 6 x 90 sec intervals on Thursday.

well done bibbety. Next week will be fine.

Well done bibbety, don't worry week 2 will be fine!

I went out this morning @ 6.30am and it felt good, I love doing my run first thing and knowing I've already been out feels great all day long!!!

Good luck everyone out later

Well done bibbety.

Just done W2R1...and actually found it pretty ok . The only downside was I got a massive pain from my hysterectomy scar-tissue which basically forced me to stop just after my first run but I picked up where I left off and finished it with no real problems. Considering this time last week I was knackered after doing 30 seconds, I am pretty pleased with myself.

Still in bloody awe at all of you who have come through this programme and can run. I really hope that I will get to that stage.

Well done going out early arabellacaterpillar - my good intentions often come to nought and dh had to leave for work at 6.15am and we wanted to run together so went out this evening. Both a bit tired so another slow run but we just keep plodding along :) Managed to fit in a quick swim this evening too so a good day.

Ooh well done Lily! I have to say from someone who hates exercise i am very surpised at the face that each time i finish a run i am really keen to try the next one to see if i have improved. It is a little bit addictive isn't it?! I've tried running a couple of times in the past but not following a programme and hated every second so swore i'd never do it again but i'm loving c25k!

Hi, all of the beginners are doing really well.

Been to running club tonight - was late so missed the shuttle runs. Just did the 2 miles run, which was OK, but my buttocks are still hurting after Saturday and MOnday's runs. So ended up walking quite a bit of it.

I am worried it is sciatica. Had back problems in the past - due to run on Sat next but will see how I feel. It might not hurt to rest it and wait till Monday.

That's rubbish cece, perhaps you should get it checked out? I don't ache from running anymore but I am feeling a little sore in my tummy and upper arms from the circuit training monday!

Hi I really cant bring myself to read through 36 pages, sorry. I was just wondering which was the best app to do this. Thanks

I just downloaded the C25K from NHS website. My friends uses runkeeper.

I might start to really worry if it still hurts next week cinnamon! So will rest it and see how it goes.

Snoopy I use the Get Running app.

Well, after a very bad post-graduation run on Saturday, I had a much better run this evening. Am sticking to my 30 mins but not making much headway on increasing my distance. However I'm happy enough with that for now.

Need to get back on track again now as had a bad week and a half. DD was sick & FIL been in hospital so finding time to run has been tricky. Just need to keep prioritising it though, as 30 mins 3 times a week is not alot!

W2R2 just done and it was horrible. I now officially hate running again. My calves and shins feel like they are on fire. I could have easily packed in after 12 minutes, it was only sheer bloody mindedness that made me carry on. Urgh.

well I was totally rubbish tonight. I got to the gym and had left my kit in the dryer FFS. So I went for a swim instead!

Lurk lurk lurk... Head hanging on utter Shame!!!!

Hi snoopyplaystennis I used the nhs podcast downloaded to my phone, use runkeeper to track my distance and speed.

Glad you had a better run littledolly!!

The next one will be great LilyPickle :)

Come on rusmum get you bottom in gear! How's the injury yehudiwho? Where are you Jnice?

Well you could be right about about the circuit training cece, I had a great run!! My first 30 min 5K in fact I did 5.1K in the 30 mins today! Finally a lot longer than the 9 weeks I can do 5k in 30 mins, onwards and upwards. Could be my iron tablets helping or the fact the I didn't work between 9 and 3 today so had more energy.

cinnamon - that is great you have done the 5k in 30 miins. I too was sceptical by all the faffing at running club but it does seem to work. Although I still take about 37 to 40 mins...

rusmum - where have you been?!

My pain in butt is still with me and very stiff today, so been frightening myself by googling it. May well try GP next week if still got it!

Can I join please?

Am overweight and have bought a treadmill. Am following a 'fat to 5k' plan. I did my second 1min walk, 2 mins jog for 20 mins tonight and feel very proud of myself. Bloody hard though, and my calves hurt whilst jogging.

Ce I have been sitting on the sofa dipping wine!

How lovely!

Sipping not dipping!! Help my resolve has give?!

W2R1 complete, yay! Took it nice and steady and found it much easier than i expected. Will push myself a little harder next time now i know i can do it. Bring on Sunday...loving it!

Oh well done Bibbety. I started to do it but my foot was hurting so badly I had to stop. I was so cross because I really thought I'd rested it for long enough. At this rate I'll have to do Week 1 again and the rain is coming back too. Groan.