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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Couch to 5K - to infinity and beyond...

999 replies

cinnamongreyhound · 01/07/2012 08:37

A new thread for those of us who started in January 2012 and anyone starting now. Everyone welcome for support, encouragement and occasional arse kicking :)

OP posts:
turningitaround · 03/02/2013 11:47

Hello. Can I come back? I started in January 2012 and had just about made it to 5K when I discovered I was pregnant with DC3 ... (I pretty much stopped running straightaway and slid of the thread)
Anyway, DS was born 7 weeks ago, my pelvic floor feels 'safeish' and I've just been out for Run 1, week 1. It was tough.
I'm going to read through the thread now in the hope that a few people with names I recognise are still going strong, as already desperately seeking some motivation to get me through the first month (again)

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 03/02/2013 12:52

Hi turningitaround I remember you! And congratulations on your pregnancy and ds :) I am now running 10k at least once a week and loving it!

OP posts:
Ezzza · 03/02/2013 13:02

GrinGrin Just Skyped with my mum (I'm in China at the moment) and told her about couch to 5k and sent her the link. She decided she wanted to do it, so after I guided her through the download and transfer to iPod process she's decided to do her first run this afternoon. So I guess that means I'll have to keep going with this then. Next run planned for tomorrow.

After my first run on Friday I was a bit worried that maybe I hadn't worked hard enough (despite having a face the colour of the race track I ran on and barely making it up the stairs in my building afterwards) because my legs didn't hurt at all yesterday. Today, however, the inside of my legs are absolutely killing me! So I guess I worked hard enough after all. Note to self: make sure to stretch inner thigh after next run.

Thanks to Chopstheduck for the online pedometer link. I think that'll be really useful for me in planning routes after I fly home at the end of the month. Smile

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 03/02/2013 14:51

Hello Ezzza! I know what you mean, my face is still beetroot after running, or any other exercise for that matter. I'm just resigned to it now... why do inner thighs hurt after running? I expected the fronts or backs of my legs to hurt but was surprised by the pain in my inner thighs!

Must be great to have someone to run "with" (even if only by skype!) Envy I have failed to persuade either DH or DD to come with me. DH is very supportive and encouraging, and helpful in persuading me out of the door when I don't want to go, or cooking supper to be ready after I've come back and showered, but won't actually come with me [sulk]

frenchfancy · 03/02/2013 15:03

Ezzza it is often a day later that your muscles hurt, I learnt that from horse riding, just when you think you've got away with it your legs tell you otherwise. Good on your Mum!

pennygallops · 03/02/2013 15:18

Hi guys - lots of running going on out there over the weekend. Smile
I have name changed - was shithappensx1000, but that shit happened 18months ago and things are moving in the right direction (but that's all a different thread in a different section).
So now I am pennygallops!

This weekend, I have done my local parkrun, in 33mins - I was running with my DS, so a bit slower than my PB. Then today, I decided to run for an hour and ended up doing 10k!! That was my first 10k Smile.

Chopstheduck · 03/02/2013 15:44

Sarah, I actually prefer going by myself - get away from them all for a bit, peace, quiet and I can go at my own pace!

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 03/02/2013 16:51

I don't ache very often but if I do it usually my hips and hamstrings.

Welcome to the 10k club pennygallops, feel great doesn't it!?! I love that I can now just run, would be good to have more time and in sure there is a limit but haven't foun mine yet. Most I've done is 8.5miles. Actually went out today and was disappointed to only have done 33 mins, 5.65Km.

OP posts:
pennygallops · 03/02/2013 17:19

That's a great pace though cinnamon. And yes it does feel good to complete 10k. Like you I'd like to know my limit.

I like running by myself - no iPod - just my own thoughts! But I also like the social aspects of the parkrun and I am doing the running with DS just to spend time with him.

The only time I've ached is after running on the snow.

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 03/02/2013 18:08

Eek, I've just signed up for race for Life... what have I let myself in for? Has anyone ever done it?

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 03/02/2013 18:16

I walked/ran with my mum about 10 years ago, took me 53 mins SarahWithAFringeOnTop. Was a lovely morning, very supportive and friendly. Did a warm up aerobics type session with local radio dj's and then started. If you want to get a good time I suggest getting at the front as it took us a good 5 mins to actually get over the start line even though it was timed from the official start.

OP posts:
SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 03/02/2013 18:55

Thanks cinnamon, that's really encouraging. I'm not bothered about getting a good time, just getting to the end (and not letting anyone down). Eek, sponsors!
Think local radio is quite involved here too. At least on the radio they can't see what I look like Grin

Ezzza · 04/02/2013 04:16

Phew! Just back in from Week 1 run 2. (8 hour time difference, not a loony 4am runner) I did it! Grin That one wasn?t quite so hard, but I wonder if that?s partly down to me making a point of just jogging during the running bits. I had a horrid cold at the weekend, which has mostly gone now but the cough remains (and probably will for weeks now, as usual Angry) but I didn?t want to wuss out after getting my mum started on this too. I didn?t want to have a coughing fit half way round so took some paracetamol before going out and just jogged for the running bits, which seemed to work because the coughing didn?t start up again until I came back in.

EmmoEmmoAllTheGang · 04/02/2013 05:32

So glad I found this thread :) Im on week four day two today! Wanted dh to do it too...but lost him at week one day two! :-/Ah well! Lol. Keep harping on at him to start again. Its a great feeling to be progressing along the weeks.

SarahWithAFringeOnTop · 04/02/2013 07:21

Ezzza, I'm still jogging rather than flat out running! I don't think I could manage 30 minutes going any faster than a jog, I'd never keep it up.

Ezzza · 04/02/2013 09:36

Oh crumbs! I've just realised: this thread is a running club isn't it? I've just gone and joined a running club haven't I? How did that happen? Confused

SarahWithAFringOnTop, I don't think what I did on Friday can be called a flat out run either! More like a jog. But what I did today could charitably be described as a shuffle. I don't think it would have been difficult to overtake me at a brisk walk. It only even counts as running because there were times when both my feet were off the floor! Blush Glad I got out there though. Smile

Chopstheduck · 04/02/2013 11:59

I'm back from week5 , day 2. Feeling very pleased with myself. Was the superbowl last night, so I only had 3 hours sleep, and rather too much alcohol! But I had to go fetch the car from the station (dh took it this morning, then I remembered I need it later - doh!) so I went.

I ran straight past the car, couldn't stop! Did mile and half in 15 minutes non stop. Grin

SamuelWestsMistress · 04/02/2013 16:56

You're all doing really bloody well! It's so exciting. It's hard to explain bit I guess all the right hormones and chemicals must be getting released when you're doing this!

I've just had w5d1 today and it was great. Plus I did an extra 2.5km on the way back to the car just to see what I could do!

I've ordered some more clothing this week as well. Really like the Under Armour stuff, so I've ordered some legging. Hopefully will be a bit warmer than the Adidas ones I have just now. Looking forward to running in the warmer weather though. It was snowing and windy today (50mph gusts!) which made the hills rather more hideous than usual!

What are everyone's aims once you've reached your goal distances. Will you go further or just stick to 5 or 10km?

GoingBackToSchool · 04/02/2013 21:24

Hi everyone,
I feel a bit of a cheat posting here as I've not actually started running yet but I am really keen to get going. The issue is I have to trainers and I'm not sure where to get any/how much they would cost! Anyone got any suggestions? I'm so determined to start running but feel like if I don't start soon I never will! Smile

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 04/02/2013 21:36

Hi GoingBackToSchool! These were my first pair, these were my second pair but £47 when I bought them and these look pretty good for the money.

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GoingBackToSchool · 04/02/2013 21:56

Thanks! It just seems like there's so many to choose from!

battyfum · 05/02/2013 02:20

Well I went out last night, and ended up going over on my ankle Sad in quite a bit of pain (hence why awake at this time) so that is me not being able to run for a short while Sad

Keep up the good work everyone, and good luck with week one Ezzza and GoingBack. Will be back to join you all again once my ankle is ok to run on.

Ezzza · 05/02/2013 03:11

Ooh ouch! Sorry to hear about the ankle battyfum. Sad

Chopstheduck · 05/02/2013 07:10

oh no battyfum, hope your ankle is better soon.

My knee is still healing, plus my ankle on the other leg is hurting this morning, I will be limping up the school this morning! I'm sure it will be fine by tomorrow though.

I have no idea what my eventual target will be yet, SamuelWestsMistress. When I started I never really thought I'd get to 5k, now I'm tentatively wondering if I could work up to 10k, we shall see!

I have these trainers Adidas Kanadia they are trail running shoes, have really good grip in the mud (and snow!). I like running offroad and I can run through the mud while dh slides all over the place Grin

pennygallops · 05/02/2013 07:40

Ouch battyfum that's not good. Rest it for a few days and see how it goes.