W8R1: Hi Everyone, I've been doing my runs on a... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W8R1

Banksy23 profile image
Banksy23Graduate
23 Replies

Hi Everyone,

I've been doing my runs on a treadmill as I don't feel confident to do on the road yet. I'm not a runner at all, but I'm really proud of myself by completing W8R1 although for some reason I found it a struggle tonight. I'm not sure if it was the extra 3 minutes but these extra minutes seem to go on for ever..... Is anyone else struggling or is it just me?? I haven't lost any weight, I cant even seen a change in my body shape. The only thing that has changed is my calf's, I haven't seen them for.... oh at least 25 years or so ...ha! ha! can anyone relate to this. Please tell me it gets easier????

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Banksy23 profile image
Banksy23
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23 Replies
Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

Well done! You ran for 28 minutes! I did the same run outside tonight. I've not lost any weight but am changing shape slowly. Slowly like my running speed!

I've been running outside since the first week and don't worry now about being seen. I can run for 28 mins!! I'd never have believed I could run for even a minute! People we meet on runs are friendly and too focussed on their own running to notice how sweaty and put of shape we are!! Maybe find somewhere quiet and give it a go outside! No two runs are the same.

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to Ang33333

Well done, I never run in my immediate neighbourhood, the nearest is a quarter of a mile away down a wooded lane parallel to a road separated by bushes and trees, I agree with the last sentence that no two runs are the same, I start week 6 run 1 tomorrow.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Well done you...not easier...BUT you get stronger... now maybe, get outside and give it a try?

Week 8? You’re doing great!! 😎 not long to go now till you graduate 👩‍🎓🍻

Here’s a question... does it get easier, or do you get better/stronger/fitter? 🤔 personally I’d say the latter. It’s always going to be difficult, but look at what you are asking of your body now compared to week 1... and as for loosing weight, you’ve kind of answered that one too, muscle... you will have lost some body fat, but you will certainly have gained some muscle. Muscle is denser than fat, so you can loose one and gain the other but see no change on the scales as a small amount of muscle weight the same as a larger amount of fat. Best way to keep track is to take measurements.

YoureDoingGreatPet profile image
YoureDoingGreatPet in reply to YoureDoingGreatPet

Oh dear lord. I just read that first bit back. It honestly wasn’t supposed to rhyme ☺️

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to YoureDoingGreatPet

Well done poet!

Mumsygill profile image
MumsygillGraduate in reply to YoureDoingGreatPet

You’re a poet and didn’t even know it!😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

I found those extra 3 minutes lasted forever too, but the 2nd run did feel better so don’t worry. If you’ve got to W8 you are definitely a runner so go for it Banksy 🏃‍♂️👏

I preferred the treadmill while I did the programme but have ventured outside for some post graduate runs and found that time passes more quickly. Rather than clock watching you can set goals to keep you going...run to the next bus stop, corner, whatever. You’re doing brilliantly so have confidence in what you’ve achieved and what you can achieve.

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71

I did all my runs outside. Each time a week jumped in minutes the first run was always ‘harder’. It doesn’t get easier but it’s all doable. It’s more challenging but this makes us stronger and mind over matter always wins the day.

The longer the completed runs the bigger the pat on the back! As for weight loss don’t think that happens till you start doing the longer runs. You’re in that phase now. Just eat well and you’ll get there. You’re doing really well!!

Mumsygill profile image
MumsygillGraduate

Brilliant well done .

I have just done the same run- hard hard hard. Like ripcurlrana said, I find the first run of a new week partic hard too. It’s in the mind with me- now I’m a sweaty blob- trying to compose myself before work! This IS worth it!😂🤪💪

LizzieF22 profile image
LizzieF22

Hi I was never a runner either. I braved it and to be honest no one pays any attention to you when running so I’d say if you have got to week8 already get out there and you will find it makes a difference

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate

I have stuck with the treadmill too. I want to go outside as it would probably not feel so repetitive maybe? Just did W8R1 last night and while it is still a struggle I can say I am coping better, my breathing is good. It feels more like a mental struggle sometimes. I feel like I have 2 little guys on either shoulder.....one saying stop and walk, this is too painful and the other one telling me to keep going....pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever, lol.

Well done on what you have achieved. I bet you have lost cms or inchs in places but I didn't measure at the start either so all I know is my jeans are too big for me!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty

One of the problems I had on the treadmill was that the swimming pool was below me with the big sign ‘no running’!!

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Haha

Pinchie01 profile image
Pinchie01Graduate

I did all my c25k on a treadmill as seemed to have a mental block about running outside. However, since graduating I’ve now pushed on to 10K all done outside and I absolutely love it - would struggle to go back on the treadmill now as it’s soooo boring in comparison. Bite the bullet as they say, you will be amazed! Good luck x

jma78b profile image
jma78bGraduate

Oh my gosh you are running for 28 minutes and you say you're not a runner. Hmm I don't think so lol! You have done amazing so don't give up now and don't be disheartened. You're body shape will change but you will also have to have a change of diet to see faster weight loss. I noticed that my clothes fitted better and trousers are not cutting me in half! Go outside. The first run is the hardest but once you get in the zone nothing else matters. Keep up the good work runner 😊

Jonno34 profile image
Jonno34Graduate

I am treadmill based too. It's 30 to 40 outside so too hot. I gave no worries. It is a controlled environment and easy to monitor pace. I will continue till winter.

Pmaash profile image
PmaashGraduate

Well done, I dont know how you manage to run that long on a treadmill. I have just completed week 8 run 2 and think I have just reached that lighbulb moment. I am 4 stone overweight but no longer give a jot what people think. My advice is take the bull by the horns and go outside, you may be surprised how nice people can be

Tkaye profile image
TkayeGraduate

I stayed on the treadmill until week 9, ventured out yesterday for the first run of week 9 and yes it’s different. I was surprised how quickly the embarrassment went and I found it was replaced with pride, I felt like a runner! Ok I purposely went fairly early in the morning so avoiding the crowds. Couldn’t agree more with vangus, goal setting replaced clock watching so it seemed more doable. Well done for achieving 28 mins, you are fabulous!

MarciePower profile image
MarciePowerGraduate

I don’t know why some people don’t want to run outdoors! You don’t know what you’re missing! It’s much more fun than slogging along on the treadmill like a sweaty hamster. Outdoors=fresh air, birds singing, summertime in bloom (now anyway) and the fellowship of the other runners and dog walkers you pass on your journey. A cheery hello from another runner gives you a bit of encouragement to carry on! Get out there!

Jonno34 profile image
Jonno34Graduate in reply to MarciePower

Outside 30 to 40 degree heat, hot sun, need to wear hat, need to carry water, traffic, polution trip hazards and could be 2.5 k away from help if injury. Inside music, AC, water, changing facilities, showers, other gym equipment and easy to control running/walking speed. I will get outside but when it cools off.

IDixT profile image
IDixT

I empathize...I am an overweight middle aged woman who initially hated going out in public...but ...once you get out there you realise that nobody really cares ...You are running, you are getting fitter, be proud of what you have achieved, hold your head up and take the plunge. Good luck!

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