More of a couch potato than I thought - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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More of a couch potato than I thought

hvcf profile image
hvcf
15 Replies

Well, I'm on week 1 and struggling far more than I thought. Having been a computer potato for the last three years I decided I couldn't make excuses anymore and need to get back to a degree of fitness.

The first hurdle was to go somewhere to run where (a) no-one will recognise me and (b) my wobbles won't be noticed.

So far, I have invested in a pair of running shoes and an i-pod (never had one before), but it looks as if I'm going to have to fork out for a better bra as well. My main problems seem to be acute breathlessness (and yes - I am jogging so slowly that it is nearly on-the-spot) and extreme calf-ache.

Your posts have been inspirational though, so I'll now stop whinge-ing and get on with it. Any words of encouragement or advice would be really welcome.

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hvcf profile image
hvcf
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15 Replies
poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Hi hvcf and welcome ! You've come to the right place, the support , advice and encouragement is amazing. You've made a brilliant decision , one that I am sure you wont regret. Just do what youre doing, get out there and take it nice and steady. I couldn't run for 30 seconds before I started this programme and now here I am on Week 6 and loving every minute. Trust in Laura and the programme , take the rest days and do the stretching exercises after your run. It is hard when we haven't done any exercise for a while, but at the moment , just concentrate on getting out there and building up your stamina. A very big well done for taking that first massive step , and good luck for the rest of the programme. Keep posting and ENJOY it ! :-) xxx

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You sound just like me not so long ago. If you stick with the programme, and keep running after graduation, you'll be amazed how much weight you can shift. Take each run as it comes, and do what laura says, and you'll be fine.

The runs are only short early on so you know it won't be long before you get a walk

Most of all try and have fun

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

Well done for starting. Shock Absorber bra will make all the difference and well worth the money!! Good Luck

paul2014 profile image
paul2014Graduate

Welcome :) It's bound to be hard if you haven't exercised for a long time but the journey starts with small steps. :) Just take it slowly and you will be up to speed before you know it. Good luck and keep us informed on how you are getting on.

grannyjudes profile image
grannyjudesGraduate

I run very early in am, and quite often up and down, back and forth the same back lane, or across the road in the allotments b4 the chickens are awake. It wont be long before you suddenly realise its a bit easier, its very addictive, be warned !

hvcf profile image
hvcf

Thanks everyone for your encouragement.

I want to be able to run 5k before my 59th birthday in July, and with your help I will!!

anadelsur profile image
anadelsur

Hi! Welcome! You already did the most dificult part, you started! Very good luck, you will find lots of support and advice here. Hope to see your post soon!

MadameTruffe profile image
MadameTruffeGraduate

Tesco firm control sports bra good if you're not going for skimpy running vests! Good luck!

stevecm3 profile image
stevecm3Graduate

Can’t really help you in the bra front I’m afraid. However I can say that you’ve made the first big step and it does get easier. Don’t worry about people seeing you, wobbles or speed. put one foot in front of the other and you will get there. Calf pain plagued me when I started it may well be your body being used to sitting so long. Make sure you walk before and after your runs and maybe stretch your calves with some gentle stretches afterwards too. Well done for making a start, please keep us updated :)

kickibro profile image
kickibroGraduate

Well done on starting the plan. You definitely won't regret it. The first week is tough. In fact, as you progress through the plan you will find you are stretching yourself and challenging yourself but you're enjoying it too! I remember thinking to myself early on in the plan that I wish I could enjoy running - now I do! I am still amazed that now I actually want to run and feel antsy if general lifestuff gets in the way! And hubby has now accepted I have to run. It took him a while :D

I am running 5k now and I still find it tough, I have to say. Some days I love it and some days I feel it's a bit of a slog but I do still want to do it and have signed up for a 10k race so I am pushing on further still. It's addictive.

As for the all essential sports bras so those fortunately well bussomed ladies don't suffer all manner of injuries ;) I saw some well priced ones in Asda that looked ok. Karimor do well priced sports bra tops that are quite rigid and grippy too but some ladies may still want additional security of a bra beneath.

Keep at it. As I say, you won't regret it xxx

secretjogger profile image
secretjoggerGraduate

Hi hvcf, we are the same age and I hadn't done any real sport for 15 years before starting the plan, but have faith it does work. First 3 weeks I was gasping for the walk breaks, and legs were quite wobbly afterwards, but as you progress it really does get easier and you find yourself strangely feeling and looking like a real runner! It helps to find nice places to run and things to look at, to distract you from clockwatching. Also I find leaping into a hot bath straight afterwards helps recovery no end. Good luck and keep us informed of your progress: good and bad :)

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I forgot to say hvcf, that I am known as Misswobble but of late my wobbly bits have become quite a bit less wobbly, so C25kers and I are thinking up a new name for me more suited to becoming a bit less lardy

If you keep up with running and eat healthily you'll have fewer wobbly bits to be embarassed about. A good pair of running pants holds you in nicely meanwhile. I love my Ni*e ones

spoonierunning profile image
spoonierunningGraduate

Well done on taking the first step. Keep going it does get easier.

A proper sports bra is a must, if like me you are of the busty type I really recommend heading to bravissimo and getting properly fitted for a sports bra.

Good luck.

Well done on getting started and welcome to the forum. If you find things a struggle, just do what you can for the moment and build up from there. It's okay to repeat runs/weeks if you feel you need to. You'll find it's an interesting journey because it changes your life in so many different ways as you progress. Good luck with your next run and best wishes.

Nadiakoo profile image
Nadiakoo

Im on week one too, and the calf pain is excruciating, and my feet hurt, well seem to cramp a bit? Nevertheless it had been fantastic to complete the 1st two runs. 3rd one tomorrow morning! Bring it on!

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