Who's with me for couch to 5k?!

[Badgoushk]

I'm going to start Couch to 5k when my new trainers arrive (today/tomorrow/weekend) and wondered if anyone wants to start too and we can have a little support group going?

I'm 39, 2 stone overweight, haven't done any running for over 10 years and even then I couldn't run 5k without walking. I have 2 young children and want to shape up. I currently swim twice a week and walk a lot (9,000 steps a day). But I'm still pretty unfit. I need to get my heart rate up!

So who is going to join me?! You need to be able to commit to 3 runs a week (30 minutes) for 9 weeks. Have a google of couch to 5k to see what it involves if you're not sure. I'll be using an app on my phone.

Who's in?!

[friskybivalves]

Can I join you all? I'm using NHS app with Michael Johnson barking encouragement at me.

I've done W2 R2 and not too bad though have realised that sneakily they have put the running up by 50% since week one and only put the walking up by a quarter.

I'm late forties with two DCs and realised I was just getting more and more squidgy in all the wrong places - and could no longer blame the washing machine for shrinking clothes!!

[friskybivalves]

How can you tell how fast you are running? I only know because they ring a bell halfway through and I know if I've not got as far as last time. Not very scientific!

[MooChops89]

I do it at the gym on a treadmill and adjust the speed myself

[packofshunts]

I'm using my ancient treadmill. Better for me as it regulates my pace. W2 R2 - when does it get easier

[MoreProseccoNow]

I tried using the Strava app to monitor my distance & speed. But I forgot to factor in the 30-second intro & faffing around with my iPhone, so I look really slow 😂.

But it did measure my distance as 3.3 K, so once I've built up distance to 5K, I'll just stick to that route.

[MrsPMT]

I'd like to join, have downloaded the app & started today, using a treadmill, face was like a beetroot! I walk loads but haven't run for years and realise running/jogging might help with getting more toned. Have about half a stone to lose.

[Lifebeginsatforty]

Wow, you are all doing really well.

I should have gone out at eight tonight to do W1R2, but DH was suddenly hit by depression again yesterday , and he hasn't come home from work yet, so I guess I won't be going out tonight. Don't want to leave the DCs at home alone. It's an hour later here as well, as I'm in Germany, so it's getting dark.

[Pumperthepumper]

I started this tonight and ohhh Sanjeev Kohli 😍😍, honestly think I'll do it just to hear his voice.

Did a really stupid thing (exactly like in the US Office when they do the run for rabies) and just went in a straight line! Then when the podcast finished I was pissing MILES away from my house and had to walk all the way back, I was raging!

[Badgoushk]

Pumperthepumper, I have Sanjeev too! I go all shy when he says well done!! Is he an actor?

[Cheekybiscuit]

Week 1 done! Had to do it in the garden this morning though but feel worn out so must have had the same impact. So grateful for this thread as reading all your posts is definitely keeping me motivated. Everyone is doing so well.

[Pumperthepumper]

Badgoushk yes! He's on Still Game (Scottish comedy, it's amazing). Can't remember the exact wording but when he says 'you're fantastic, well done' I went all stuttery and red. So glad I chose him over Sarah Millican!

[beepbeeprichie]

Cheekybiscuit go you! Well done!! I still have to do run 3 today. Had planned to get up early and do it but baby was up a lot in the night so I had an extra snooze.

[MirabelleTree]

First run since op just under 3 weeks ago. I'd completed week 2 before that and thought I should probably repeat that. Had a sod it moment though and thought I'd try W3R1 which is now done.

They say getting off the couch and up to a mile is the worst bit...

Need to sort some proper running shoes.

[MirabelleTree]

I'm going to tell you what none of your friends will about gait analysis - wear a sports bra. Don't listen to the it's just a minute on the treadmill.

You then try shoes on and run down the road, where everyone can see you. A number of times . With odd running shoes on at one point . Learn from my embarrassment .

[Badgoushk]

Pumperthepumper, he's definitely the best choice!!

[MoreProseccoNow]

Just done W3,R1. Am wondering if I got app wrong as found it ok. Really surprised myself.

I listen to Jo Whiley, she's nice & encouraging

[beepbeeprichie]

Really enjoying this thread. It's nice to feel I'm not alone.
I've finished week 1 tonight. But I had a really tough day so I've had 2 gins and a bag of wotsits and I'm feeling pretty sorry for myself in general. Weigh in tomorrow. I've got 16lbs of baby weight still to lose but in reality I could be doing with losing 25.

[MirabelleTree]

MoreProsseco I felt like yesterday when I did it too ! I could barely do a minute a few weeks ago so really pleased to do 3 mins. Apparently next week gets harder...

[Badgoushk]

Hi there, I've just got in from week 1 run 3. It felt a bit tougher tonight, maybe it's because it's warmer. Also, I've been sticking to a lower amount of calories than before so I think my energy levels are a touch lower. Plus I have been feeling really sad today about the terrible fire in West London.

But I feel ready to move onto W2R1 on Friday! I started on a Thursday so my weeks are a bit out of sync.

Does anyone have a goal that they're trying to get fit for or shape up for? I have three!

1. My holiday in 3.5 weeks time
   
2. My new job at the beginning of August
   
3. My 40th birthday in late October!
   
   I have wanted to be 'Fit for 40' for a while. I lost 5 stone last year but put 2 back on (groan!). I'm trying to lose the 2 stone, plus ideally another 1.5 stone. I'm back to my old good healthy eating habits again

[Lifebeginsatforty]

Well I managed to do W1R2 on the treadmill on Tuesday morning (why did I forget on Monday evening that we have a treadmill in the basement, which I used to use sometimes, doh!). It was ok, and I felt really good afterwards. That means that I am going to have to force myself out of bed in a minute and do the next one. I know from past experience that motivation later in the day just doesn't exist unless DH comes with me.

My goal is to lose about 12lbs which I have put on since being diagnosed as gluten intolerant. I feel much better since not eating gluten, but I need to reduce portion sizes because now my body actually absorbs food. And I need to lose the weight I put on because I can't afford to buy an entirely new bigger wardrobe twice a year.

Also I am going to a wedding at the end of August and I would like to wear a dress that I already own rather than buying another new special occasion dress that will only get worn once.

[MirabelleTree]

W3R2 done. Seems it is like a secret club - people running ignore me when I dog walk but say hello when I'm jogging. I have no motivation late in the day either.

[missedith01]

I'd like to listen in, I should be on week 3 but I've decided to repeat week 2 because I went out last week and had an election-related wine binge and feel like it has set me back quite a bit - I'm 49 and just can't hack it any more.

Good luck everyone!

[livefrommysofa]

Think I need to take inspiration from this group. Just failed at W1R1. I only managed 4 of the 1 minute runs the others were a mix of a slow jog and walking whilst gasping for breath! To be far my conditions weren't great, and uneven lumpy field and my dog running in front of me, but still I expected better of myself. I'm struggling with the breathing and running at the same time, I know that doesn't make sense but it feels like patting my head whilst rubbing my belly. I think I might need a week or two on my cross trainer at home to build stamina before I venture out again.

[MirabelleTree]

Livefrommysofa totally get that you feel disappointed but hang in there. You got off the couch and you started. The dog can be very off putting (or maybe that's just mine) and it's been warm today.

Don't know about anyone else but I go very very slowly. And the breathing thing does feel a bit strange at first but gets easier. An alternative to the cross trainer is whilst out with the dog have some running music downloaded and try walking at different speeds - steady pace then faster bursts. I think you can get a sort of Pavlovian response after a bit and your body associates the music with a faster speed and it helps the jogging bit when you get to it.

[Lifebeginsatforty]

Well I didn't manage to drag myself out of bed yesterday, but I did today! So a day late, but still done all 3 runs in one week. Feel absolutely shattered though. Normally after exercise I feel all energised, but right now I could just go back to bed. Ah well. Weighed myself too - I am losing a few grams here and there. Very relieved about that.