Couch to 5k Running - Part Three

Jacky-f

Welcome lvm . I started doing all the sessions on a treadmill and only moved outside once I felt confident that I could actually run for at least 5 minutes at a time. I now do 2 sessions a week indoors and run outdoors on Sunday mornings.

Regarding doing more than 3 sessions a week, everything I have read says not to do that. Your body needs time to recover between sessions and you could end up doing more harm than good by not having rest days.

I would say trust the programme as it is and don't try to do too much too soon.

lvm

Thanks Jacky!

Gonzo1987

Week 2 Run 1 completed yesterday. Slightly hungover so not a good as I could have been, tomorrow is run 2 and will push myself more.

askgar

Started doing this back in August but gave-up because I was wearing the wrong sort of shoes and ended up with shin splits. I want to get back into it but I'm not sure on the best thing to do about running shoes, I don't want to spend a fortune but I also don't want to buy the cheapest ones I can find and them being no better than what I've got now. What have the rest of you done about running shoes?

krustylouise

askgar wrote: »

Started doing this back in August but gave-up because I was wearing the wrong sort of shoes and ended up with shin splits. I want to get back into it but I'm not sure on the best thing to do about running shoes, I don't want to spend a fortune but I also don't want to buy the cheapest ones I can find and them being no better than what I've got now. What have the rest of you done about running shoes?

I have a very old pair of trainers that Father Christmas is going to replace for me. My advice would be don't buy online, or go and have a look in the shops, try them on, get advice from the assistants and then look for the cheapest price online for the shoes that you prefer. I would say trainers with lots of cushioning would probably be best for you.

lvm

Just finished the 3rd run of week 1. I've decided I'm not going to just do the 3 runs a week. I have a lot of weight to lose and am seriously unfit so the more exercise I can get in, the better. I'm not going to overly push myself though so if I get any pain or don't think I should be running then I won't. Can substitute one of the days and just walk on the treadmill or do the bike or something I guess!

Managed to do the full 30 minutes running at 7kph and walking 5.5kph without getting slower at the end.

Still not sure how I'll cope doing even 90 seconds of running/jogging though but if thousands of other people have managed to get through this programme I'm going to make sure I get there too.

Think I'll need to buy myself a new pair of trainers before I start any of the longer runs. Only have a pair of Skechers Tone Ups which I don't think are very suitable - want something a bit more lightweight.

Haven't told anyone I've joined the gym or started running or anything. Would be good to be able to finish this and be able to do 30 mins of running (or 5km even as I'm sure that'll be more difficult) then just randomly mention I've being going to the gym.

I'd love to be able to enjoy running and do 5km or even longer runs but at the moment I just see it as a challenge and something that will help me lose weight. It would be great if that changes and I do end up enjoying it. I do enjoy the sense of achievement of being able to do this c25k programme though!

Brighton_belle

lvm wrote: »

Just finished the 3rd run of week 1. I've decided I'm not going to just do the 3 runs a week. I have a lot of weight to lose and am seriously unfit so the more exercise I can get in, the better. I'm not going to overly push myself though so if I get any pain or don't think I should be running then I won't. Can substitute one of the days and just walk on the treadmill or do the bike or something I guess!

I think you are saying you won't do more than the 3 recommended runs a week with a rest day in between this is good news - your body must have time to repair and strengthen. Choosing a different exercise on your rest days is very sensible but please do also remember to have rest days for the same reasons. You don't want to open yourself up to all sorts of injury potential or burn out.

Don't get your hopes up too much on losing weight by running. Many people, myself included, have been surprised, with a little research to find it is not a guaranteed at all and you have to reach much longer faster running fitness before it really affects weight. I would recommend you measure yourself all over and look for inches lost rather than on the scales to avoid disappointment. But otherwise, exercise will be very good for your heart etc and for toning.
Well done for completing week 1:T

Brighton_belle

Gonzo1987 wrote: »

Week 2 Run 1 completed yesterday. Slightly hungover so not a good as I could have been, tomorrow is run 2 and will push myself more.

Great, well done:T:T

Kiwisaver_2

Brighton_belle wrote: »

Don't get your hopes up too much on losing weight by running. Many people, myself included, have been surprised, with a little research to find it is not a guaranteed at all and you have to reach much longer faster running fitness before it really affects weight. I would recommend you measure yourself all over and look for inches lost rather than on the scales to avoid disappointment. But otherwise, exercise will be very good for your heart etc and for toning.

Agree with you BB 100%, as most will know I have been at this for a good while now, going out three times a week and doing 20 to 30 minutes of some combination of walking and running. Although I am sure some bits of me must be a little more toned, I have not lost any weight at all until this past week or so: only because I have now started to watch calories and record everything I eat.

I know for a fact that I have done some little bargain deals with myself and eaten some things more freely thinking I have earned it, or convinced myself that it's okay to have that cake, cos I will run the calories off later. However, the reality is that a full 30 minutes jogging at 5mph only burns off 296 calories.

LVM and other newbies you really do need to treat this as a journey; nine weeks is not a long time in the grand scheme and I think you will find it's hard enough committing to three times a week without needing to try and do anything heroic above and beyond. If you're anything like me, some days your legs will be as stiff as boards, but if you're keen, willing and able to do more then I would recommend perhaps do something different on the off days; like some swimming or some other flexibility or strength work to get a more rounded regime.

Tonight I tried the Stepping Stone C25K+ podcast - I had absolutely no clue what I was letting myself in for. :rotfl: It was quite good and a lot more talk about technique, pace and running stance, which I wished there were more of on the original programme. Anyway the regime is 5 minute intervals at various different speeds for a total of 30 minutes - I quite liked it but only did 20 minutes before wimping out. I'll try and progress that to 25 on Thursday.

krustylouise

I've been out of action this week. Think I've eaten something not very good as I've had an upset stomach Sunday night until now. Can't wait to go back out as I'm starting to go stir crazy and panicky again, which I do if I'm inside for longer than a day!