Couch to 5k Running - Part Three

Al1x

I've have a few weeks off as I've been on holiday.. we did get up to week 7, not sure I'll be able to manage starting straight back at week 7 though!

1940sGal

Well I went for a run this morning and really surprised myself! Not only did I last longer than I thought I would after switching from the treadmill (got to 17minutes before feeling like I wanted to die), but I also ran 1.5mile ONE WHOLE MINUTE faster than I did on the treadmill! Probably helps that when you're outside you can alternate your speed a damn sight easier. But I was amazed all the same

So now I know I have a minute minimum to knock off my time for the army.

Also, has anyone downloaded the Nike+ running app on their phone? I did and I really like it. Used it today and you can set your run by either time or distance and it tells you when you get to a certain point, like a mile, what your average time is and that you've reached the mile. You can keep track of your running surface too, and set yourself challenges.

I'd recommend it anyway

Have a great weekend folks!

Kiwisaver_2

Chickvic wrote: »

Is there a version of C25K without the music? Just her reminding you when to run/walk? I watch the tv at the same time as I find it easier when I'm distracted but the music is driving me nuts!

I don't especially like the music but I always draw something motivational from the words of the songs, especially seems to happen when I'm going through a tough bit and I hear something that makes me smile or seems relevant to my struggle. The DJBeatsmith Podrunner series of podcasts are just as bad, if not worse on the choice of music but you get absolutely none of the motivational talk nor indications of how much more you have to go, so I am sticking with Laura at least she says nice things and gives me some encouragement.

Today I had so many excuses not to run, it was too cold, too wet, my legs ached, my ribs hurt and I was going to put the whole thing off until tomorrow. Still it nagged away at me and I didn't want to wimp out and be making excuses at this stage. I wasn't feeling 100% and maybe just a bit afraid of failing, so I convinced myself to get my kit on and go for a walk instead or maybe repeat one of the easier weeks.

Anyway once I actually go out there I thought I would maybe just do half of week four and try to do just one of the five minute runs and walk the rest, but once I started I didn't want to stop and it was quite good running in the rain, as hardly anyone else was out in the park, so I did the whole thing.

Kiwisaver_2

1940sGal wrote: »

Not only did I last longer than I thought I would after switching from the treadmill (got to 17minutes before feeling like I wanted to die), but I also ran 1.5mile ONE WHOLE MINUTE faster than I did on the treadmill!

Well done! :T

Polly

I've now reached the end of C25K not once but twice and then stopped - the first time was last November because of snow and ice (too slippery) and the second time was last month as it was just too hot. Feel a complete and utter failure. I loved running and loved these podcasts. Am I destined to be a Forever Quitter?!!

Kiwisaver_2

Polly wrote: »

I've now reached the end of C25K not once but twice and then stopped - the first time was last November because of snow and ice (too slippery) and the second time was last month as it was just too hot. Feel a complete and utter failure. I loved running and loved these podcasts. Am I destined to be a Forever Quitter?!!

No not a quitter, don't put yourself down, it's fully understandable that weather conditions have an impact not only on the way we feel but also can hamper our best intentions. You've not long since fallen off the wagon so perhaps you could pick it up again at a half way point or somewhere where you would be comfortable for a while, rather than starting all over.

I'm not sure how long fitness lasts once you have completed the program and built up a built up the stamina to run for 20 to 25 minutes at a time but I am sure it wouldn't be that hard to get back to where you were.

Polly

I recommenced around week 4 the second time and was surprised how quickly I got my fitness back. I think I'll try week 6 or so this time. It really is a terrific programme and its fantastic to reach the end of it. Children back to school soon so that'll be my cue to restart. Thanks for the encouragement and good luck to all the MSE runners.

1940sGal

Chickvic wrote: »

I've just done week 1 run 2 which I did find easier (I run on a treadmill) with a fan blowing in my face :rotfl: I may stick at doing week 1 for at least 2 weeks before moving on, I am a big girl and am losing weight as well so don't want to push it! Is there a version of C25K without the music? Just her reminding you when to run/walk? I watch the tv at the same time as I find it easier when I'm distracted but the music is driving me nuts!

The app I use just bleeps when it's time to jog/walk, it doesn't have any music. It's called C25K Free and is the one in partnership with Breast Cancer Care.

pink_princess

well done kiwi :j It is pushing like that, that will get you to the end :T

Welcome back Polly

iammumtoone

Polly wrote: »

I've now reached the end of C25K not once but twice and then stopped - the first time was last November because of snow and ice (too slippery) and the second time was last month as it was just too hot. Feel a complete and utter failure. I loved running and loved these podcasts. Am I destined to be a Forever Quitter?!!

That is my fear. I am confident I will complete the C25K course as I have a plan to follow and the podcasts which really help, but after that, then what do you do? I would be useless without a structured plan and left to my own devices would soon fail. I am long way off yet so will cross that bridge when I come to it and follow with interest what others do who complete the plan before me.

I haven't managed to get a run in yet but did some cycling and loads of walking today (been to london zoo ) so hopefully when I do the run I will be ok.