Couch to 5K support thread.

iammumtoone

Fletchasketch wrote: »

So pleased I found this thread! I'm following C25k to, and have just completed week 6, day 1. I can't tell you how terrible I was when I started out and how exhilarating it was to run for 20 minutes for the first time!

Hello :T week 6 only 3 to go for you, well done. Can I ask if you have through about what you plan to do after the week 9? I have only just started so my goal is to finish C25K but once I get to your stage I need to be thinking of what next, I have that kind of personality I am better if I have something to work towards, but it has to be achievable.

lellyo wrote: »

Thank you all for your warm welcome! Yes i think i will try week 2, & see how i feel. Do,you all run on your own or with a friend?

I run on my own, it just fits in better with my lifestyle I am never sure what time I am running (dependent on when I finish work) so it would be hard for me to arrange to meet someone, I like to be back into the house 40 minutes max after I left. Besides I haven't told anyone I am doing this I will tel them once I complete it I just prefer it that way so I don't get everyone asking me how I am getting on all the time.

iammumtoone

I turned to ebay for my clothes, found a couple of t shirts and a pair of tracksuit bottoms, I set a budget of no more than £5 inc postage for anything. Pleased with my finds they are all brand names (i can be a bit of a snob )

I also got a running jacket, paid a bit more for that £8. It has loads of pockets and converts to a vest so thats that issue sorted.

With what I had already I am nearly all kitted out now, just the bra to go, I will buy one at the shop I get measured at and the other will be ebay again.

i.love.baking

Fletchasketch wrote: »

So pleased I found this thread! I'm following C25k to, and have just completed week 6, day 1. I can't tell you how terrible I was when I started out and how exhilarating it was to run for 20 minutes for the first time!

My best advice would be to not make excuses, have attempted this a few times and gave runs a miss, if it was too hot, too cold, I was on my period, too tired etc. I've actually had some of my best runs when knackered! In terms of sportswear, give TkMaxx a go, got some great leggings with pockets for less than £20.

Good luck, everyone, you can do it!

Welcome! wow well done on getting to week 6!

i.love.baking

lellyo wrote: »

Thank you all for your warm welcome! Yes i think i will try week 2, & see how i feel. Do,you all run on your own or with a friend?

I go with my housemate- it just feels easier to help us actually go without making excuses. She's much better than me so we just do the warm up together as it's almost exactly 5 minutes up to the park. and then meet back at the entrance to the park when we're done. seems to work quite well!

WantToBeSE

Week 1 completed! :j:j I went a bit later this morning, about 10am. There were a few people about on the trail, and surprisingly i wasn't very nervous...i was more scared that i'd bump into the bullock again :rotfl:

Did/Is anyone else finding week 1 hard? Or is it just me? I am embarrassed at being so unfit.

Things i have felt/thought in the 1st week:

-My thighs were aching, even on day 1! My calves ache after todays run. I am thinking that i am going to start doing stretches.
Does anyone have a link to some they use?

-I definitely feel those endorphins...they normally kick in about 2 mins after finishing my run!

-I found out on Wednesday that a very close friend/mother figure of mine recently passed away. I am beyond heartbroken, but it has spurred me on, i want to do the Cancer Research Race for Life in her Memory.

-Don't think about it, because you'll end up making excuses. I just get up, get the kids off to school, and do it.

-When i go back to work (Christmas time) i should be doing regular runs!!

lellyo- Welcome! I run on my own, as i have nobody thats crazy enough to want to run with me I think week 2 is a good plan, but definitely make sure you use a sports bra. I wear Shock Absorbers and my boobs are DD and dont move at all. So definitely worth getting some...even though they cost me £40 :eek:

sweeilemon- 20 mins!! WOW, thats amazing! Well done! Is that week 5? I cannot imagine me being able to do that, but i cant wait to get there!


Fletchasketch- welcome Week 6 is impressive, well done! Thanks for the tips, i agree with the no excuses thing.

iammumtoone- Wow, great bargains you got there! I like the idea of that jacket, i might start looking on Ebay more!

Week 2 next for me. Bring it on

WantToBeSE

a_saver wrote: »

I have just started the couch 2 5k program run by my council through event brite website eventbrite co uk. When I was looking for a group to join, I also used the bbcs get inspired webpage bbc co uk sport get-inspired. Regarding bras, as others have said, go for a bra that is suitable for running. Not all sports bras are suitable for running. The bigger you are, the more support you need. I personally use shock absorber bras as they are good for support, don't make you sweat a lot and last a long time Regarding trainers, it is best to get your running assessed. I know someone who ran for years and ended up going to a physiotherapist due to injuries. This was put down to wearing the wrong trainers. Once he changed his trainers, he suffered less injuries.

Thank you for the tips! Yes i think that a supportive bra and proper trainers are crucial to prevent injury.

Elfbert wrote: »

Hi Lellyo!

I follow the plan in as much as once I've done the podcast the correct number of times properly I move on. So my first 2 goes at week 1 weren't 'proper' because I didn't run every 60 seconds I was supposed to - I just upped my walking pace for 2 of them the first time I did it and 1 of them the second time. (And then I was going to move on but was unexpectedly away and did my first 'road' run and didn't fancy combining a new week and a new route!)

Now I'm on week 2 - the first one I'm not counting as 'properly done' because I had terrible calf cramp and had to stop twice to stretch out! Whereas the second time I did it I ran and walked in all the right places :T so I'll do it another 2 times, then move on...eeep!

I really don't want to move on before I'm ready and get all demoralised, so I don't mind if 9 weeks takes me 15 weeks or whatever :rotfl: I just want to get there!

Best of luck to you, come back and keep us updated with how you get along!

I am the same, i don't care if it takes me more than the set amount of weeks, just as long as i get it done.
9 weeks isn't long, and i am sure that some weeks I'll have to repeat because i find them hard etc.

MallyGirl wrote: »

I have a very small key pocket in my running leggings - any more weight than a key would pull them down and lead to a lot more hitching! I prefer an armband for my phone (which I use for endomondo but could play music too).

My leggings don't have a pocket in, unfortunately. I want to get one of those armbands, Ebay is the best place i think!
What is Edmondo?

mickeymouse303

Congratulations on giving up smoking and drinking! Getting fit is a challenge but it's definitely rewarding and you'll feel so proud of yourself when you've done this! Good luck!

WantToBeSE

mickeymouse303 wrote: »

Congratulations on giving up smoking and drinking! Getting fit is a challenge but it's definitely rewarding and you'll feel so proud of yourself when you've done this! Good luck!

Thanks Mickey
I definitely feel healthier than ever before..i just need to crack the exercise and fitness thing

iammumtoone

wantobese - well done on completing week 1 its a great feeling. what a lovely idea to have a goal of running race for life in someones memory, you will make it and I am sure you will do her proud.

Did your son go with you today? How did they get on?

Endomondo is an app. I love it but will confess to being a bit of a geek and liking facts and statistics
I use the free version, it tells you all sorts like average, fastest and slowest pace for the run, elevation etc. Maps the route so you can see where you have been, mine always look funny as I run very random around the park lots of backtracking.
At this moment that is far too much information all I am taking notice of is the time and total distance ran. Its keeping track of how many miles in total I have ran in the month its nice to see that figure (slowly) going up.
I suggest you download it to try, you can always delete if its not for you.

indesisiv

WantToBeSE wrote: »

What is Edmondo?

Edmondo is a tracking app for your phone.
Similar ones are strava or map my run.