Post-graduation running questions: Hi All, so I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,675 members158,718 posts

Post-graduation running questions

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate
8 Replies

Hi All, so I love my running and I am slowly building up my running time; I can now do 30-35mins in one go (depends on the day lol), still at a similar pace and should be on track to get to my first goal of running 5km consistently in under 40mins pretty soon. I am learning to run to my own music, the garmin helps but I must admit that I sometimes feel a little bereft about the lack of Laura. I have to main questions:

1) Do you always do the 5mins walk at the beginning and end of the program? My experienced running friends don't walk to warm up and tbh, I find that even with the walk, it takes me up to 2km to settle into a comfortable rhythm. During the programme, I think the walking is essential but could I slowly phase this out?

2) I'm cold oh so darn cold! When I run I'm fine, I wrap up sensibly for the weather and am nice and comfortable but about 1 to 2hrs after running I turn into and ice berg!! Right now, I have so many layers on it's ridiculous and my hands and feet feel like blocks of ice. I have tried everything, hot shower after running, drinking water to hydrate, even eating a bit (even though I never seem to be hungry after running) and it's getting really annoying!!! I can put up with it but was wondering if anyone can explain to me what is actually going on with my body and ideas for how to minimise it?

Cheers :)

Written by
P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
8 Replies
runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate

If you miss Laura, try some of the post C25K podcasts - lots of us have found them very helpful.

1. I do some "dynamic stretches" before leaving the house (sorry, I can't remember where I got them) - I'm sure my mother would make some comment about the ministry of silly walks were she to see me - and then a 2-3 minute walk before I start running. When I finish I walk for about 2-3 minutes - or more if I've done the speed podcast because I do that on a nice flat stretch and it's more like 7 minutes to get back up to my house from there! Once back in the privacy of my house I do some stretches. I don't know if I'd advise following my pattern - but I've managed to stay injury free so far.

2. Someone asked this question not long ago so if you try a search at the top of the page you may find some answers. I'd try a hot drink within about an hour of getting back and make sure you put layers on when you stop running even if you feel warm at that point. I have the same problem with not feeling hungry after a run but I can "force" myself to eat if I plan ahead (I'm not trying to lose any weight). Try soup or a casserole or some other winter comfort food.

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate in reply to runningnearbeirut

Hi RNB, thank you for the tips! I can't seem to find the post when I search but will hopefully spot it in a bit. I did find a really useful article from a researcher at Ottawa University and I'm going to try hot shower, layers and a hot drink. I am now toasty warm btw - only took 2 hours LOL

DH164 profile image
DH164Graduate

Hi P1glet1

I find I am too cold to run easily if I only walk for 5 mins at the start and will often try and do 10mins first. Laura's walking pace is quite brisk but it still takes me a while to warm up!

I do 5 mins walking at the end if I can but have been trying to do stretching exercises when i get in as well. I don't find it easy working out what exercises are good, just by looking at pictures. Perhaps we could ask NHS to add exercises to the end of the podcasts?

I also get v cold when i get back from running. This week I made sure I put warm clothes on as soon as i got home and I had a hot meal. That helped.

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Here's the previous post on the subject p1glet - I was able to find it because I know I replied to it because I have the same issue!

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate in reply to lemondoodle

Lemondoodle to the rescue! Thank you xx

lemondoodle profile image
lemondoodle in reply to P1glet1

I hate to waste an underpants on the outside day :D

P1glet1 profile image
P1glet1Graduate in reply to lemondoodle

For shame! :O

sprynn profile image
sprynnGraduate

Maybe trying a very slow jog instead of a walk would help get you warm quicker. I now jog to warm up rather than walk (having done a bit of yoga/stretches at home first).

You may also like...

1st run post graduation

disaster. After all I had a hangover, and really didn't feel like running. Just shows how wrong you...

First post-graduation run

has been to continue with 3 x 30min runs until I can comfortably manage 5k ( I'm doing my first ever

Second post graduate run

duration is there, the speed is picking up, (I'm now running past houses, pubs and whatnot and my...

First post graduation run

minutes? I found running without Michael Johnson positively liberating(sorry Michael!!!)& even...

First post-graduation run!

What a loverly run it was too! The last two runs of week nine were difficult. I had a tension in my...