Hi there,
I want to start the Couch25K programme again, (I started in the summer of this year and gave up on pod 3), but now the park is all water logged and slippery, I don't know where to start my journey as the roads where I live are all uneven. Shin splints etc, are also my concern as the roads are soooo uneven, I don't want to cause myself more harm than good.
Any suggestions on what to do would be greatly appreciated.
Hmmmm sounds like you are talking yourself out of it there. You gave it up in the summer, you're umming and aahing now. You don't sound as if you've convinced yourself you want to bother.
You can't hand that one over to us I'm afraid. It's in your hands. You have to want to do it or you won't.
You say the roads are all uneven. Life is all ups and downs, sadly
I understand what you are saying, and part of you is correct, but I have osteoperosis, and the chance of me falling over is not something I wish to consider over the Christmas period.
Maybe I start after Christmas??!!
Are you able to drive to another location to run?? Worth a few minutes drive to get that run ticked off. Before we know it, spring will be with us and you will have completed C25K. I think that there are lots of challenges to running this time of the year (rain, wind, cold, dark etc) but its well worth keeping going.
I live where there are no lights/houses and I go to work in the dark and come home in the dark!I I was determined to continue(long story) and had to get over the problem.So bought a head torch use a flash light on my phone and go VERY slowly. But I am doing it! You just have to go for it!!!
no easy answers , Andy option of maybe driving somewhere sounds a good one 
Also what Miss W said, you will only do it if you want to do it . It would be easy for afew of us to say NAH cant be arsed, for whatever reason, to go back to being the real couch potatoes we were. We dont because this program works and everyone has done it from week1 run1 and found out alot about them selves along the way .
We are all addicted and love running now we are healthier fitter and happier people now 
get out there ,take those 1st steps again the rewards are there waiting for you
What about a treadmill?
Lots of people use them and have completed c25k using them. Worth a try if you're struggling to run outdoors
Is there a rugby field or park you could do a few laps of by driving there? I'm a self employed dog walker and have some fears too.if I fall or injure myself I can't work and earn no money. But I'm still doing it. Life is all about risks. Stop worrying, get some proper shoes, take it slow and you'll be fine
Oh that's a fab idea Barbara , I am worried about running on icy pavements, but I will definitely give that a go.
There is a field not far from me, so that's that sorted ! xxx
There is a football/cricket pitch near me and I do a lap on the way back from my unavoidable downhill/uphill run just to enjoy a bit of flat and have a breather. It's bliss. Sometimes am tempted to just run around it until time/distance is up cos flat but better than indoors on the treadmill.
Is running something you have been told you 'should' do because of your osteoporosis or something you want to do? You really sound very nervous and not at all keen... would you be happier starting with walking?
I do get in the car to run where suits me as I prefer not to run on roads (smooth ones) - my body doesn't like hard surfaces all that much. My *favourite* places to run are woodland paths, yes with all the tree roots, and I don't have good balance. Trail running shoes might give you more confidence.
I have been told to excersize to increase bone density. I don't like running as I've heard varying disaster stories, and I also hear it's not good for your back. I am 42, and apparently I have a spine like an 80 year old.
I do walk regularly with the dog, 3 times a day, but I am stopping and starting all the time to throw his ball, so not getting any real benefit.
I'm just sooo confused with what's the right thing to do!!??
Regards
Kirsty
I have been told to excersize to increase bone density. I don't like running as I've heard varying disaster stories, and I also hear it's not good for your back. I am 42, and apparently I have a spine like an 80 year old.
I do walk regularly with the dog, 3 times a day, but I am stopping and starting all the time to throw his ball, so not getting any real benefit.
I'm just sooo confused with what's the right thing to do!!??
Regards
Kirsty
You will be getting lots of benefits from getting out with the dog and throwing a ball - maybe not the same benefits you'd get from higher intensity or higher impact but something, so it is important to congratulate yourself for that.
You may need to have a discussion with your GP about depression/side effects of any drugs you are on. Sometimes that can be an undiagnosed barrier. You've clearly got it in you to do this if you completed even Week 1. You don't say that you don't like running yourself more that it is what you have been hearing. Maybe you have the misfortune to be surrounded by really unsupportive people - presumably people who don't have any better ideas either.
It depends who you want to listen to... and indeed how you set about running. This is the forum for the *NHS* Couch to 5K plan, not the gung-ho crazy show-off not for normal or crocked people plan. It only has the modest aim of getting you running (running motion, speed irrelevant) for 30 minutes continuously and done in a careful proven way with an insistence on rest days and a walk at the beginning and end too all of which help prevent injury. There are lots of people on this forum who are ill in some way, overweight (at least when they started) and they complete the programme and carry on. There will be lots of us cheering you on
I started when I was 49, I have to spend most of my life in bed (the couch is an aspiration) and I have an injury to my bony spine. I think I'd say that doing yoga (I found little clips from Ekhart Yoga on YouTube that got me going as I couldn't (and can't) cope with a full length class) has made more difference to my back but running certainly hasn't made it worse.
I am sure there are people who really don't get on with even this form of gentle running - but if you do the programme, graduate and never run again it will still give you a great psychological boost and you'll know, rather than second guessing yourself.
Hi Kirsty72, firstly, it's great that you started and got to week 3 Secondly, it's great that you want to restart There have been some good suggestions here: a treadmill (either in a gym, or perhaps you could borrow or buy one) or driving to somewhere else. I also occasionally get the bus to a different location to run. The early podcasts aren't too strenuous so this might be an option as well. A different park or football/rugby pitch might be an option, perhaps?
All the best with it - keep checking in and let us know how you get on.
Hi Kirsty! I can't help thinking from all you've said that walking would be the better option for you. I have something of the same problem in that I have found out that my bone density is not that great for my age, although not full-blown osteoporosis like poor you 
From what I understand walking is still a significant weight-bearing exercise, but best done briskly - perhaps you could manage to get out without the dog two or three times a week? After increasing your fitness with faster walks you might feel happier about trying running, but it is usually most beneficial to exercise in the way one enjoys - otherwise it's difficult to make it a habit. That said, if you do find yourself really wanting to try running, I must say that C25K is a great programme, and is finding me, a previous hater, actually enjoying the process. Anyway, good luck, stay well, and enjoy your Christmas!
Run on hard or soft ground? 
'Scuse me while I kiss the ground...Falling over is so embarrassing! 
:) :) :) :) *plants virtual flag in virtual ground, triumphantly* GRADUATED today !!!!!
Face Vs ground 
W1R2 completed without face-planting the ground
