Couch to 5k Running

Gopppers

Hi Idiophreak, PepPop - thanks for the advise. I will give the insoles a try first (trying to be all MSE about it) and if they don't work, i'll have to get myself some new running shoes. I did google them but there are different types? Any advise on which are the best to get?

Gops

Idiophreak

Generally speaking they're all much the same cost, but they give varying levels of protection - I'd go for whatever seems to offer the widest coverage - you get some that just do heel protection etc, but I normally find the "double strike" ones or whatever they are pretty good, as are the "full strike"...

Think there are some more ergo looking ones for more serious athletes, but never tried them myself.

belfastgirl23

Oh dear I've been hiding out from you all - have had achey knees feet and legs lately - I don't think it's just psychosomatic have promised DH to go running with him at the weekend and might have a gentle try on the treadmill tomorrow.

Gops I don't think there's a substitute for getting your running shoes properly fitted in a specialist shop (eg up and running or similar) especially if you're having trouble.

juno

Check where your shoes have worn out most - if they're badly worn in one area you need shoes with support for that. If you can, go to a decent running shop and gt advice.

belfastgirl23

Well I forced myself to give things another go at the gym this morning. Surprisingly all of my aches and pains dried up when I was running. It was over a week since i'd done anything so I did the week 4 run again although I did extend the last 5 mins of it to 7 mins (yay) just to make next time around seem less grim. Hoping to run outdoors with DH over the weekend, of course he's a foot taller than me so is practically walking at my pace but hey if it gets me out. Next run is

Brisk five-minute warmup walk, then:

• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes)
• Walk 1/4 mile (or 3 minutes)
• Jog 1/2 mile (or 5 minutes

I think I can manage that!

Idiophreak

great work, bg23!

Just a note, though - are you sure you're running as slowly as you can? If you're really just jogging along, trying to build distance, you don't wanna be going much faster than *you* can walk, muchless your DH...

Also, that next run is 2 miles or 21 minutes? that's pretty rapid "running" pace for a beginner, nevermind run-walk pace...

belfastgirl23

Idiophreak wrote: »

great work, bg23!

Just a note, though - are you sure you're running as slowly as you can? If you're really just jogging along, trying to build distance, you don't wanna be going much faster than *you* can walk, muchless your DH...

Also, that next run is 2 miles or 21 minutes? that's pretty rapid "running" pace for a beginner, nevermind run-walk pace...

Believe me it would be impossible to run any slower than me I did discover early on that building up the time is only possible if I go at a snails pace. Was at 7.5k ph in the gym this morning so you see what I mean. DH is very good about going at my pace - he's just starting to build up again himself so I think he enjoys the fact that I'm 'worse' than him

The next goal is just the next step on the programme, actually it didn't look quite as bad as I expected since I'm already doing 5 mins non-stop so it's just about doing it three times instead of two. I actually ignore the distances and just run for the time they say, I'm pretty sure that my distance will be shorter than they say (the programme says to choose either time or distance) sorry that probably wasn't clear though! Thanks for taking the time to notice, it does make a big difference getting advice from people who know what they're doing

treeny_bash

Hi all

I haven't read through all the posts here yet, but really wanted to jump in. Having failed miserably to acheive much in 2009, I was determined to do better in 2010. When my bf said he wanted to enter the Great North Run, I decided I would too, even although I couldn't even run for a full minute and am at least 6 stone over weight.

I am currently on week 4 on the couch to 5k running program and have to admit I am finding it very hard. I am consistantly amazed when I manage to move up a week though, so it does seem to be working. I am very very scared about next week which cummulates in 15mins of solid running.

My biggest problem is I have much less energy during the week than on the weekend (I seem to be constantly tired, a problem I've had for years) so my weekend runs go fairly well then mid week I feel like I'm dying. I'm very scared by next week where the running increases through the week because I have to increase the runs on work days. But I will get through it I'm sure, and will be so proud of myself when I've done it.

I am desperately trying not to think about how I'm going to run 13.1 miles when I can barely run 5 minutes, but I know I'll get there in the end.

Looking forward to hearing all your tips and experiences

Katrina

belfastgirl23

treeny_bash wrote: »

Hi all

I haven't read through all the posts here yet, but really wanted to jump in. Having failed miserably to acheive much in 2009, I was determined to do better in 2010. When my bf said he wanted to enter the Great North Run, I decided I would too, even although I couldn't even run for a full minute and am at least 6 stone over weight.

I am currently on week 4 on the couch to 5k running program and have to admit I am finding it very hard. I am consistantly amazed when I manage to move up a week though, so it does seem to be working. I am very very scared about next week which cummulates in 15mins of solid running.

My biggest problem is I have much less energy during the week than on the weekend (I seem to be constantly tired, a problem I've had for years) so my weekend runs go fairly well then mid week I feel like I'm dying. I'm very scared by next week where the running increases through the week because I have to increase the runs on work days. But I will get through it I'm sure, and will be so proud of myself when I've done it.

I am desperately trying not to think about how I'm going to run 13.1 miles when I can barely run 5 minutes, but I know I'll get there in the end.

Looking forward to hearing all your tips and experiences

Katrina

I feel like saying hi neighbour since you've just articulated all of my fears about week 5 as well. I think that's partly why I absented myself from running, this week does feel like a big jump. But for me (and I think for you too) being able to run 60 seconds was a huge deal at the start. So maybe 20 minutes will be manageable. And if I have to have an extra go to get to the 20 mins so be it, I'm not hugely bothered about when my weeks begin and end

I know what you mean about weekdays though but for me the barrier is more mental than physical. Do you work at quite a physical job? It will be possible as your training goes on to schedule your harder runs for weekends and easier ones during the week (DH did this for marathon training). And don't forget that the runs will feel less tiring as your body gets used to it.

I'm so impressed that your goal is a half marathon though, 5k feels really ambitious to me, you're really brave by my standards!

helen81_2

Week1 run 2 completed this morning :jand already feeling a difference, I felt as though I could have ran longer than 60 seconds but I didn't, don't wanna burn myself out. My treadmill computer has mind of its own..says I only burnt 65cals!! How are u all going for the brisk walking parts and the running parts? My walking I go at 4.8 and running 5.8 but I did the last 60sec run at 6.