Couch to 5k Running

Palice

Just read the WHOLE of this thread (at once :eek:) and got inspired to start the couch to 5k challenge! I haven't got decent trainers yet, but I have bought an ipod armband from ebay - only £4 but it means I have to do this so as not to waste that money! - and I'm going to get the trainers and a good sports bra soon.

Can't wait to start actually, I've made my own playlists on itunes which follow the timings on the website, fast paced songs for the jogging, calmer ones for the walking, so I won't have to think about it, I'll just jog/walk according to what kind of song is playing! Thanks to the poster who recommended this, can't remember her name but she has an orange flower I think in her avatar . I also used an mp3 splitter to cut down some songs into 1 min, 90 sec etc. Means I can select only the fastest paced bits as well!

Anyway, thanks to everyone who has written about their experiences, and wish me luck!

ferrettpecker

Hi all. Hopefully next week I can start again with the running. I was doing well up the week before Xmas, then I got this terrible sickness bug and just had no energy at all. Started to feel better, then on Monday I started with earache, and now am almost in tears after 3 days of sharp pains in the side of my face, and all my teeth and lower jaw also having shooting pains and aching. I went to the Docs yesterday and I've an ear infection and build up of fluid behind my ear so having to put my head under a towel over hot water to steam it out. I don't even have the energy to go to the loo, let alone run. Hoping the anitbiotics kick in over the weekend so I can get a good night sleep and run next week!

Good luck to everyone starting, and well done to everyone who's carrying on and doing so well

kiraroo

i started About.Com's 'how to get started with running' about 6 weeks ago.

i'm onto walking for 2 minutes and running for 9 minutes and it's going really well. the cold weather is making it hard as the tops of my legs get quite cold, but i can't believe i started out by walking for 6 minutes and jogging for a minute!

anyone starting out now, it's really worth doing a running program, i can't believe how much i love running now. just need to buy some better trainers and if you're female definitely get a good sports bra, figleaves have some great offers on shock absorber bras

sarsief

oooh, my legs are aching tonight, have done number 3 run of week one.

Really struggled today, but made it through to the end, although my "brisk walks" don't seem that brisk to me

With how hard it was, am now wondering whether I should do week 1 again?
What is the difference between week 1 and week 2?

Bunny200

I did a similar incremental training plan and its definatly the best way to go. The first time I went out I had to run for 2 mins, walk 2 mins and I thought I was gonna die! I stuck to it and in last October ran a 10K run! I never did any form of exercise before and always used to say I don't do sweating but once I got into it I love it! I must admit that I've used the cold weather as an excuse not to go out atm but I bought a hat today to get rid of that excuse so I'll be out soon. Doing an incremental plan really gives you a sense of achievement, I remember the first time I ran 20 mins I felt so euphoric, it was the best moment of the whole thing, even better than crossing the finishing line. Stick with it cos its worth it and so much fun!

In answer to repeating week 1, try week 2 to see how you go and then drop back if its too bad. I think I was a little too cautious so it took a long time to build up and now I feel you need to challenge yourself and you'll be surprised at the outcome, just keep safe and if it hurts stop. BTW, I'm still the slowest runner in the world!!!

Charlies50

Although I havent been posting I have been running (or should I say jogging). I have completed the third run of week four and think that I need to take the gigantic step up to week 5. I know that the three podcasts are different for this week and am not too excited about it at all. Think I may use Suzs podcasts instead of Robert Ulllerys as the music is more motivational.

KeepYourChinUp_2

Hi everyone

The girlfriend and I have just completed week one of couch to 5k last night. I Mentioned I was going to start it and she decided to join in to which was a bit of a shock because I wasnt expecting a running partner. She is a bit more unfit than me and I have a slightly longer stride as well as being fitter due to being a gym regular for the last few months but she isnt really holding me back thankfully . She has done that woman thing and listened to all the weeks and rang me up in a omg we have to run 20 mins non stop shocked voice. so I'll try to pop in and let you know how its going. Week one hasnt been to painful for either of us.

Ephemera

Hey all,

Haven't run in a week as had a cold and haven't had the energy even to think about it

However have my weekly beasting session with my personal trainer tomorrow, and am feeling better so will attempt a 30 minute run on Thursday, will see how I get on after not running that long for over a week!!

Well done everyone, the lurkers, newbies and regulars...keep going, it's all worth it in the end!! (and I'm looking forward very much to being able to road run when it gets lighter and warmer!!) xxx

Eph.

juno

Had a not too great run today Have new playlist, which helped, but I have no energy. Apparently this is because I need to eat more carbs

sarsief

Straight back into it after a couple of days rest, have decided that am going to take things slowly and will be repeating each week, so that it'll take me 18 weeks instead of 9, which I am happy with. It also means that I have set myself a goal - I never do that!

So week one, run #4 - had no energy to start with so very impressed with how I went. Got a stitch by the end of the 7th interval though, and legs are very sore tonight, but I think that may be due to playing netball last night.

Anyhoo, keep it up everyone, we're doing great!