Couch to 5k Running - Part Four Beginners Running

Sedge123

I'm the same as you. I find the step up really steep in the later stages. I usually only manage to run twice a week and always repeat each step at least once if not twice. I don't care how long it takes me, I just want to get there.
If you'd told me s few months ago when I was struggling to run for 2 minutes that if be running for 25 mins without a break I would have been stunned!

LCDC

Just ordered a new sports bra and starting tomorrow. Wish me luck

kirasia

I'm still at it - I got sick back in feb so had to stop but I picked back up where I left off and completed week 2 yesterday and really looking forward to week 3 already!

vegasvisitor

I'm enjoying reading this thread, I started off doing C25k about 2 1/2 years ago, but I only really started following in vaguely after trying going to a jog group (for 2 weeks), and decided to just go it alone.

I started with 30 secs jog/walk, then 1 min, 2 mins, 3 mins, 5 mins, 7 mins, 10 mins etc. I remember thinking OMG at the 2 min stage, thinking I couldn't do it. But after that it got easier. Either that I learn quickly to jog very slowly as the intervals got longer!! At that time I only made it to 3k, and enjoyed that distance so used to go out and do 3k twice a week, in about 22 minutes or so. Then, tried 5k twice. Was close to 40 minutes at first!

Then, last May someone started up a Parkrun in my town. I had registered at a Glasgow one (Pollock) and heard it had a hill and never went. So when they started one in my town I knew I just had to be doing it. Since last May, I've done 27 Parkruns. I've volunteered quite a few times too, and have been a few holidays so missed some through that. I guess you could call me a regular though! We have a couple of local running clubs so the standard is fairly good at our Parkrun, although it's very friendly and open to all. Yes, even me haha.

My first parkrun I did the 5k in just over 35 mins, I've only had 3 PB's but have got down to 32.43 now. So you can see I'm no athlete, but I'm managing, and enjoying it (the challenge!!).

I've also done a 10k (Great Scottish Run) in 1 hour 14 mins. It's not very good, but I never thought I'd do a 10k a few years back, I'd have laughed at anyone who suggested it!! But I did it, shortly after my 40th birthday.

So, I just wanted to tell you all that and hope that it makes you know that you can do it. I look forward to reading that you all managed it!

Parkrun is fab, great way to get started as you can even jog/walk at it if you have to!

vegasvisitor

elsien wrote: »

My next step was going to be a park run, but having checked the times for my local one it's put me off. They're all a bit quick and I don't want to trail in ages after everyone else.

Please don't be put off by your time! You have done 5.2k in 40 minutes. You will end up doing parkrun in 37 or similar. You'll be surprised how the atmosphere will make you a couple of minutes faster than you expect (or than you run on the road). I did a nice easy run today - I didn't push it but I still ran the whole way. 5k, 38 mins - but my Parkrun PB is 32.43 so when there are lots of folk around and also no roads to cross you'll notice a difference. And if you do take 40 minutes that's ok anyway. You'll still get cheers as you cross the finish. Try to chat to people at the start and finish line, ours is very sociable and we all have a natter rather than warming up/cooling down!!

Sedge123

A park run is my ambition. I'm currently up to the 30 min run stage on c25k and really enjoying it. To think that when i started a few months ago I struggled to run for 2 mins!

The next step is to complete it at 35 minutes but I'm not quite ready to step up to that one yet!

Sedge123

I did it!!! 5K in 32.5 minutes. The week before my 40th as well. I am thrilled ��

browneyedbazzi

Well done Sedge! That's really impressive! I don't think my first 5k will be nearly so quick.

As for me, I had a few weeks off the gym because I had a terrible cough and cold. Today was my first day back - I should have been doing a 20 minute straight jog but got a stitch at minute 11 and gave up after 14 minutes. I also had a pain in my right foot and having previously suffered with plantar fasciitits I'm a bit worried that it might be on the way back

GlasweJen

My OH is doing this c25K thing using the NHS podcast. He did the first run on Wednesday and was fine until he woke up yesterday a bit stiff and sore. Still a bit sore going to bed last night but he did walk 3Km yesterday with the dog. Now today he's complaining of being sore in the groin area and feels like he has a stitch, is that normal?

browneyedbazzi

After the first couple of runs I had some muscle soreness - I don't think that's unusual whenever you start new exercises (or return to something - I hurt today!).

Feeling like you've got a stitch two days later seems a bit less normal - is there a chance that he pulled something? It might be worth icing and see how he gets on. If he doesn't feel better in a few days then a trip to the physio could be in order.