If you accompany a new runner through the c25k programme,

[boptillyoudrop49]

do you run when they run and walk when they walk or just run alongside slowly the whole time?

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

I would ask the newbie what they prefer. It could be a bit off putting if someone's running slowly next to you while you're walking. But others might not mind!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

It is my daughter and she doesn't know!

[davelinks Graduate]

When I coached my wife on c25k I went with exactly what she did, but it doesn't really matter doe's it, maybe ask your daughter what she would prefer, good luck to her!😊

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave. How is slinky? Is she ok to run again?

[davelinks Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Bop, the doctor's hasn't said she shouldn't run, but if she did would probably start coughing as the exertion goes up. So isn't running at the moment, just doe's walking & dancercise which she's OK with.

Not absolutely sure what's causing the cough, we are now tending to think it's running induced asthma. But she will more than likely have an operation to remove an inflamed nodule on her thyroid gland which is pushing over her windpipe (trachea). We see the surgeon tomorrow for further advice and what's to be done. She's gutted she can't run as was doing so well, so we look forward to a bright future, once the thyroid is sorted out..😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Hope all goes well for you and your wife, Dave.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

My very best wishes to slinky, Dave. Operations are always alarming but that nodule must be causing problems, so I am sure longer term she will feel better after it is removed. She wasn't coughing while she was doing the programme though, was she? I think it started after graduation but it is odd if dancercise is no problem. That is aerobic too. Really hope she finds out what is causing it soon.

[misswobble Graduate]

Oh crikey! I hope she gets it sorted pdq! ☺

[poppypug Graduate]

I would do the same run/walks as your daughter , Bop or just see what she prefers as you go through the programme

davelinks - I hope all goes well with Sue tomorrow and it isn't too long before she's back out with you again xxx

[davelinks Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thanks pops, Sue seems very upbeat about it all really, unlike me, maybe the worry is affecting my running, am getting out, but a bit sparodic

[poppypug Graduate in reply to davelinks]

Ah its a weight on your shoulders Dave, lets hope its resolved soon and you can put this behind you xxx

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to davelinks]

I wouldn't be surprised Dave. It must be a big worry and everything seems to affect our running.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Yes, I think I'll do that. It worked well for Dave and slinky and I think it is easiest if I follow along with the podcast then I know what she's supposed to be doing and when. She has downloaded week 1 onto her mp3 this morning but persuaded me (oh how easy that is!) to go shopping instead as all the swimming cossies are drastically reduced. She is up for it though which is good.

[davelinks Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

That's good swimming & running😊

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Good luck with the coaching! davelinks so sorry to hear this and best wishes to Slinky for a speedy recovery!

[davelinks Graduate in reply to Suebguineapig]

Sue, slinkylinky did well on c25k and managed to graduate, but the damn cough appeared more in the later weeks as she had to run for longer, we are now thinking it maybe running induced asthma, which can be worked on more when her thyroid is sorted..

[Titch121]

Hi boptillyoudrop49 (love your user name).

My last two runs have been with some of my children and they have adjusted their pace to stay in line with me. They walked when I walked and ran when I ran. They were there to motivate me and it really did work. No way was I losing face in front of them and whenever I flagged they encouraged me but all the time they took their lead from me and I set the pace.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to Titch121]

That's a lovely image titch. They sound like great kids. Ok then, I'll try to do pretty much what your kids did. I would have quite liked a mentor when I started out, especially when it was cold, dark and damp!

[Titch121 in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

They are and it really did help. Ive just done the 20 min run from week 5 and for an absolute fact I would have given up if I wasnt with them to keep me motivated and remind me how far I had come and how much further I could still go if Im willing to put the effort in. I wish I could post a picture on here to show you but there isnt an insert image button

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to Titch121]

That's the big hurdle that 20 min run but now you've done it, you know you'll manage to complete the programme. You must be on a big high. Icertainly was. I didn't breeze through it either, it was definitely a struggle to keep going for the full 20 min and I think I may have been muttering to myself towards the end. Well done getting this far

[Titch121 in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Thank you boptillyoudrop49 . To say I am on a high is an understatement. Im at work today and whenever anyone comes in I try to find a way to slot "I ran for 20 minutes last night" into the conversation.

I actually found the first 6 or 7 mins awful and I am certain if I was on my own I would have given up there and then. I then settled into it and it got easier as I went. I was being spoilt by my son as he was handing me my drinks bottle with the spout open so I could take a few sips every now and then. I started struggling again at about 15 mins but he reminded me that if I gave up now then the previous 15 min would all have been in vain. He did a countdown on the last minute and I actually managed a bit of a sprint for the final 10 seconds.

Im not going to get too cocky though as I know one good run doesnt make me into a runner but I am determined to keep at it.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate in reply to Titch121]

Oh you're a runner already