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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:
Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 07/09/2012 21:15

Thanks feelingfull, I am better than I was but still not up to running!

I run at night, often after 8. When I started in January it was dark early and I just ran around the streets in well lit areas. I will ahve to stop running in the forest now apart from weekends and go back to pounding the pavements. Never had a problem running in the dark :)

OP posts:
jchocchip · 07/09/2012 21:57

Hello everyone, found this thread again! Wasn't too well last weekend and went to York to celebrate dh's 50th birthday so no parkrun. Haven't done much this week, just walking and a little swimming today but I'm going to parkrun tomorrow morning and try for a pb! I must be mad. Game plan start very slow and build up speed then run fast on the downhill and slower on the uphill. My pb on this course is only 49 mins so I really should be able to go faster! I haven't run at night recently, but may do soon as the nights are drawing in...

feelingfull · 07/09/2012 22:57

Cinnamon, will just go main roads as well at night. Certainly lots around here.

Do you guys just do circuits?
I almost have to run as far away from home as possible (so not far!) otherwise the temptation i to just go home!!

jchocchip · 08/09/2012 07:34

I have a few circular routes that I do or I run along the river path until half way and then turn back. Don't like running in the dark, remember now I was off sick when I started so day runs for the first month or so but I do remember some dark runs along the way, just kept away from the canal...

jchocchip · 08/09/2012 07:35

slept awkwardly, hope pain in knee / hip goes before 9am...

welliwouldnt · 08/09/2012 11:03

well after a couple of false starts I have completed week 3. Hoping to start 4 tomorrow or monday.

It looks difficult, how did everyone find the step up?

I am not naturally athletic and actually wondering if I am a bit old starting all this now. I am mid 30's which I know is not old as such, but feels it when starting from zero fitness! If anyone is prepared to reveal their age....

jchocchip · 08/09/2012 14:26

Age is no excuse, I'm 46 and still weigh over 18 stone Blush I don't run fast and haven't had any injuries. I do have supportive running shoes. At parkrun this morning there was a bunch of slimming world ladies walking the course, so I was extolling the virtues of c25k and although I put in a slow run, I was about 10 minutes off being last!

Babieseverywhere · 08/09/2012 19:53

I have been running on and off (pregnancy) for the last year but always on a inside treadmill in our house.

I have frankly been terrified of the thought of letting other people see me attempt to run.

But today I finally faced my fears and went outside to run. I loved it. With my earphones in I couldn't hear my breathing just enjoyed the sunshine and breeze whilst listening to music and outrunning Zombies (Zombies, Run ! App on my phone)

I managed 2.5 miles in 36 minutes and my legs are killing me, due to the hills I guess.

Certainly won't be my last outside run :)

PS. I'm old and fat runner...38 years old

jchocchip · 09/09/2012 07:58

Well done babies there's so much to see when you run outside!

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 10/09/2012 13:27

My routes are vaguely circular, whether it's road or forest just because it's a bit more interesting than running to a point and running back the same way.

Did you get your pb jchocchip?

I did my first run since being ill yesterday and although it was slow it was good and I did 31 minutes. Will go again Tuesday as I have a horribly hectic week and won't manage again until Friday and maybe not at all at the weekend :(

You'll be fine welliwouldnt!! I was 31 when I started and several stone over weight. It's a really great plan, trust it :)

OP posts:
MegBusset · 10/09/2012 13:44

Hello :) I did W1R1 today. Didn't find it too bad (have reasonable level of fitness but haven't been running in years) and looking forward to the next one!

Can anyone recommend an app to map runs? Today I just ran to the local park and round the field a few times but would be nice to work out a few 5k circular routes.

Babieseverywhere · 10/09/2012 22:05

I am so happy, I went for a run with a friend this evening and we managed to run pretty much all of 3.12 miles (5k).

It was raining the whole way and we were like drowned rats by the end but my breathing was much improved and I feel so alive, running in the rain is magical.

Why didn't anyone tell me how much fun running could be, I would of started running years ago !

Ps. I use Sports Track Live App to track my runs and Walk Jog Run website to plan my routes before I run them. HTH

jchocchip · 11/09/2012 08:22

Didn't make my pb, cinnamon, maybe next week!
I like running in the rain too, as long as I have a hat on, I think that stops the water running down my neck. I put in better times on cool days and a bit of drizzle helps too.
I went out yesterday morning from my Mum's house and bumped into one of her friends, so had to stop for a quick chat!

dotty2 · 11/09/2012 12:30

Hello everyone. Have been MIA for a while, so great to see you are still here. (I did C25k in jan - march and still running regularly though a bit less regularly over the summer). I've been mithering about doing a 10k for ages and am finally going to go for it this autumn - or at least get up to the distance, even if I don't manage a race. I am going to try and go out with DH this weekend and run just as far as I can, and see how far that is. Wish me luck.

I sometimes use MapMyRun website to work out routes but it doesn't really work if any of your run is off road (e.g round the park). I have yet to find an app I really like for my phone but to be honest these days I mostly try not to worry too much about time and distance and just enjoy getting out of the house. That might need to change if I am serious about a 10k.

Em3978 · 11/09/2012 16:14

Hello everyone, I've just been out after not running for over 2 weeks, I did W7 again, and didn't manage to run all of it, but thats not a surprise really, I'll do it another once or twice before heading on to W8 I think, get back into the habit.

I use MapMyRun too, but yes it is difficult if you go off road.

Original poster
cinnamongreyhound · 12/09/2012 23:22

Run keeper is fab MegBusset!

Welcome back Dotty2, glad you're still running! Good luck with your run I keep meaning to do the same.

Was meant to run Tuesday but felt so totally drained and tired that I didn't. Will try to get out tomorrow but it's ds2's birthday so may have to wait until Friday :(

OP posts:
TellMeLater · 13/09/2012 07:13

Hi all

I did the C25k in Jan - March last year. I am still running and the fitter I get the more I enjoy it....I'm doing a 10k in a few weeks and I'm feeling strong, the fittest I've ever been. Keep at it, no matter how long it takes...it's all good!

dotty2 · 13/09/2012 10:02

Only one run so far this week, but I have shredded and swum and I ache all over. Keeping fingers crossed for a long one this weekend. Thanks for the encouragement, tellmelater!

cinnamon - I'll let you know if I book a date. There's one nearish me on 11th November, but it's 2 laps of a 5k circuit which sounds a bit discouraging - can just imagine getting to the end the first time and thinking: oh no, I've got to do it all again.

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 13/09/2012 13:29

Can I come in?

Did W1R3 last night and am constantly surprised that I'm not keeling over!

MegBusset · 13/09/2012 13:49

Just done W1 R2. Enjoyed it so much I stuck an extra minute's running on the end!!

dotty2 · 13/09/2012 15:31

Well done, Meg and ICTMBIMP - that's the beauty of the gradual build up, you keep being surprised by what you can do all the way up to 5k!

jchocchip · 13/09/2012 17:24

Hello ICTMBIMP and Meg and well done for starting! hello again to dotty and tellmelater

I've had a busy week and long drive today so won't fit another run in before Saturday. When. I. Will. Do. Parkrun. :)

Maybe go for a swim after tea and wind down...

LilyPickle · 13/09/2012 19:45

Haven't posted on this thread in ages but started just over 12 weeks ago - literally couldn't run for a minute.

Tonight, I have just run 3.5 miles. Grin

The endorphins have kicked in big style and I am buzzing (if slightly jelly-legged) but am so amazed and bloody proud of myself.

Last year I had low-grade Ovarian Cancer and have made some massive changes in my lifestyle since my diagnosis. I have never been able to run and my aim was to do a 5k before I was 40 in September 2013. Looks like I am well on target.

So from the biggest, unfittest sceptic - yes, you can do it, it does work. And it feels damn good.

jchocchip · 13/09/2012 20:56

Well done lilypickle awesome run :) I had breast cancer last year and I suppose the c25k thing came out of a lifestyle change for me too.

feelingfull · 13/09/2012 20:59

Well done! I love that this is really achievable and gives me so much hope.

I am on w3r1 (r2 tomorrow) and am surprised already how much longer I can run for. I am still really slow, but I am def exercising. And recovery after is hardly anything.

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