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

Congratulations Jnice and cece!!!!!! Hope the 8K goes ok Jnice :)

I did another 5K today (including 9 mons walking though) and it was a lovely run, really enjoyed it.

Good to see everyone still at it, get out there yehudiwho!!!!

For the Graduates, as a progression, has anyone tried the app "Zombies, Run"... a running game where you are told Zombies are chasing you and you have to run to survive - it sounds a bit nerdy but the reviews are fab and the reviews on the apps to 10k aren't. Fun while you run?

Agh!!!!!!!

Ha - I used to have a recurring nightmare that involved being chased and remember almost having to leave The Fugitive as I found it too close to the bone. Haven't had it for a few years, but still don't think Zombies is for me...

Well done cinnamon - it's fab when it's enjoyable rather than endurable, isn't it.

rusmum - is that cry of pain because of a horrible run, or are you being chased by a Zombie?

I need bloody zombies! Can't do 25! Again failed dismally! Think it's mental? Did about 8, then walked 3 ish then ran rest! Feel ok on last bit. Grrrr and if I go any slower I will stop lol. Did 2.95 miles in 36 mins with all walks. I WILL do this!!

That's not slow rusmum, 2.95miles is about 4.75Km. I did 5k in 39 mins today, although first 5 mins are pretty slow due to my dog. There are quite a few here who have graduated and are doing 5K including the walks but still not managing it in the 30 min running.

I just want to do the 25 mins!!!!

Slow down a bit, looked back at run keeper and I was covering just under 4K when I was running for 25 mins and that includes the 10min walk.

Thanks!!!

I ran 5k on Monday in just under 32mins and I was pelting along - not sure I can run any faster and come home alive I think you should just get out there and run at your own pace. That's my favourite thing about running - I'm only competing with myself!

Even crap runs burn loads of calories, try hard but take walking breaks when needed, no point in making the whole thing a misery.

you will do it rusmum...if I can, you can! I am going very slowly on these 25 min runs...I just can't run fast at all and have to go at a really even pace too otherwise it messes me up. Good luck!

I am stuck forever on week 4 with a never ending cold of doom. I have been blowing my nose since half term! Thought running was supposed to make you healthy?

Hello, I've just done day 1 of the c25k so pleased as I never thought I'd actually get going! It was hard though but looking forward to d2.

Can I ask how you all know the distances run? Do you use a watch/app? Is there anything cheap I can get to track?

Also have you all noticed changes in you bodies, toning, weightloss etc? Really wanting to tone up!

Thanks

Welcome Mamasunshine,well done for getting started. I used RunKeeper which is a free app to track distance. Now I've finished the c25k I just use that as it tells you every 5 mins how far you have run and it uses my music to play in the background. I have definitely toned up, I have a lot more muscle. I have lost weight but have been trying to and not sure how much running has helped as others here haven't lost anything.

Just back from W8R2 after 2nd day back at work after mat leave.
I'm really proud of myself to have done 28mins and including my 10mins walking covered 5.1k - my furthest yet Looking forward to Friday for the next one.

Hi Mamasunshine, my app (free) is called sports tracker. I have lost some weight, still want to lose more and have def changed shape - well worth doing.

I lied! W8R1 oops

Do these apps work on a mp3 player? I don't have a fancy phone or ipod, so wondered if the one that gives you 5 min reminders would work on my cheapo mp3 player.

I have just been out on my first post grad run. Did 35 mins including walks - got no watch so just guessed timing.... But only covered 4k Feel a bit gutted as managed 5k in 40 mins on Monday.

I'm not an expert but I would imagine you can download the app from iTunes on your computer and upload it like you do music. Having said that run keeper uses the touch screen to start and stop activities and to look back through them so it would depend on your mp3 player and what buttons it has maybe? It's free so you could download it and try without losing anything?

Welcome Mamasunshine - I am one of the graduates who hasn't lost any weight. But I have been reading Escape the Diet Trap by John Briffa and am going to try his recommendations for a bit and see how it goes. Basically low carb but not as extreme as Atkins/Dukan. He also recommends High Intensity Interval Exercise - alternating gentle jogging and 10s of fast sprinting. I might give that a go too, although would be worried about looking an idiot so might try it in the dark! (I am 5'9'' and weigh nearly 13st which is depressing as I did WW last year and got down to 12'3 and have put it all back on. Sigh.)

hi all!
another grad here who hasn't lost much weight, but clothes looser and looking better!

half way through last nights run, I knew the last half was going to be ugly! luckily I saw someone who was having a really tough time carrying their shopping, I couldnt ignore, so helped her carry it home (not that far thankfully!). but it gave me a welcomed rest, before I ran the last half! ruined my run figures though.

and on the way home I saw the silhouette of a hgv driver outside his cab, lifting weights, in a carpark. I was quite impressed with that!

Ha nomorecake - there's been more than once when I've been running that I've indulged in a fantasy that someone might need me to stop and help them thus giving me a bona fide excuse to stop running! Very public spirited of you, though, if not entirely altruistic...

No carbs and 36 lengths at the pool so far today. Feel good and might run tonight.

Oh how I long to swim Dotty2!! Never seem to find the time to go around running and have had lots of busy weekends so haven't even taken my boys for a while. If I go it would have to be after the kids were in bed and once I've settled for the evening it's hard to move my arse!

I didn't make 5K today but mainly because of dog messing around so warm up was slow and didn't have time to add the extra bit to get to 5K. Plus my abs and hamstrings REALLY ache, not sure why as I haven't since week one so perhaps I'm more tired than I realise.

One of the benefits of working from home= being able to swim during the day when it's quiet and I'm 20 - 30 years younger than most of the other swimmers so don't feel so slow and flabby! Though it does mean I'm working now to make up for it. Hope the muscles feel better soon, cinnamon.

I haven't lost any weight either. I think lack of sleep, breastfeeding and running are all contributing to a huge appetite and craving bad foods. Am going to restart WW on Monday.

I did my first graduate run today, the b210k - run 10 / walk 2 x 4. Last 10 very tough. I covered 3.8 miles on treadmill, is that about 5.5k? Anyway, pretty poor in 46 mins.