I am very new to this and struggle immensely. Completed week1 then didn’t manage to get out again due to childcare for a week. I’ve started again on week1 however the problem of childcare and getting out has risen again!!
Trying to ensure I have a rest day between and complete 3 runs a week seems really tricky.
How essential is it to stick to these guidelines? Also is it even an option to follow the program on days I’m not able to get out, on the spot in the garden!?
Hope that all makes sense!
I've heard of people running round their living room in the initial weeks, but it might be difficult to sustain due to boredom and also difficult to transfer to running outdoors eventually. Not aware of any people talking about doing it by running on the spot.
However, a week off should not affect whatever training effect you gained. I had just over a week off due to the heat recently and was able to pick it up again and move straight into Week 4 after stopping on W3R3. So if I was you, I would just move to the next session. If that is doable, I would move on again. I think though it's probably wise to follow the recommendation not to run for two days in a row when you are just starting.
Thank you 😊 the heat is really something else aye! I think I’m conscious that not even being in Week 2 yet, I haven’t gained anything 🤷🏼♀️
Definitely keep the rest days. No point increasing injury risk - not only will you then run even less, I imagine looking after kids with an injury is a literal pain.
People have run round living rooms and gardens for different reasons - though I don't know how big those areas are of course!
Not sure how infrequent your runs can get before you just can't progress but hopefully you can get out maybe a couple of times a week... good luck.
If you have babies, could you look into running buggies? Or I don't suppose you can borrow/buy a treadmill? Sorry if these don't fit your situation, just hoping some idea might help!
Last thought - if you can't get out for a run can you keep up some other exercise? Lots of things are complementary to running and will stand you in good stead when you do run 
Thank you so much for your reply 😊 Definitely some things for me to think on.
Which exercises would you recommend to complement running?
Anything especially stuff that strengthens core! The NHS has a set of Strength and Flex podcasts. They talk about using benches and railings outside to do some of the exercises but I did a few indoors using door frames and chairs etc.
Rignold of this forum advocates squats; if you go to the Strength and Flex forum on here it's easy to find his posts on the "squat challenge" where he starts by introducing you to the correct form for a squat.
Then there's yoga etc; ideally one should have a teacher to check your form but I've been told by a teacher that as long as you don't try anything silly you should be able to use apps, youtube etc. She has a view that more people could benefit from yoga than can afford or access a teacher and so advocates that people use the resources out there and be sensible. There are many recommendations.
Also literally just this morning I've seen a man jogging with his (not a baby) child strapped to his back ... I'm not good with infant ages so I don't know how old but the kid looked happy!
It’s really hard, isn’t it.
Some time ago I mentioned in passing how lucky many of us are to have the freedom to put on our running gear and go out. This is the kind of situation I meant.
Clearly your personal circumstances are private to you but I would try to find a way to enlist the support of people around you who can help for an hour at a time to let you get kitted up, do the run, stretch and shower after.
If you were lucky enough to have three people who could each do this once a week, you are sorted. If not, one or two people helping a little more often.
If you explain to them what you are doing and the health benefits, you may be surprised how willing people might be to help. But you have to ask.
Many people don’t manage 3 runs every week. If you can only run twice then it will just take longer - once you’ve reached the end of the programme and look back, it doesn’t matter how long it took.
Good luck with it all. Let us know how you get on.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
I’m going to focus now on being kind to myself and not feeling I can’t ask for support just so I can go to work but to do something for me.
Here goes ... 💪🏼
Excellent. Remember to sell the mental health benefits and how it will help you cope so much better with work and life.
Another thought (and not great for this weather), can you sometimes arrange to “start work early” or “finish work late” and actually take your running gear and get a run in before or after work (possibly treadmill at the gym?) or in the autumn run at lunchtime?
Let us know how it all goes.
Ok so I just finished w1 r2 last night and at the moment I am using the grass out the back of my house and jogging on the spot! Partly because of childcare and work so can’t go far and also because at the moment I don’t want to go out into the public just yet and embarrass myself lol. Once I can build up to go longer I will venture into the local park and run properly. My concern was either exhausting myself or injuring myself part way round and having to get back home again (last year on a walk with the dog I fractured my ankle and struggled home 🙈) So for now yes I am using the garden and jogging on the spot. Doing it that way in my opinion is still better than doing none at all 😁 good luck
☺️ this is just what I needed to hear... Thank you so much for your honesty! Would love to hear what difference you notice once you venture out to the park.
I understand the feeling embarrassed part but everybody is in their own wee world and when I see somebody out trying to better their situation( either size or fitness) I just think good on you as I'm sure many other people do. I'm no light weight myself but nobody else is going to get me fit. Good luck.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Welcome and very, very well done...
Check out the post linked above...loads of tried and tested advice there
Key points are...
You do this your way and how best it fits in... you are an awesome Mama and you are important!
Slow and steady...however you do it...
At least one rest day between runs.. and more if you need them for whatever reason.
You have had some helpful replies .... yes... you can do it in the garden...one of our most awesome runners did virtually the whole thing in her garden! She had to extend her running area round her shed towards the end but she did it!
Running buggies are great..but can be expensive.... maybe a thought... secondhand?
If you can do a swap session with any other Mamas... they help you out and you do a session for them?
Not sure how old your small ones are..but I know one of our other awesome Mamas, had her, obviously slightly older ones, in the park playground and she ran around and around the play area
Strength and Flex can be done on any rest days..
nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...
There are great ideas for exercise with little ones too..
E.g.
thebump.com/a/9-ways-to-wor...
Just be kind to yourself.... do what you can, when you can, even.. though you may not feel like it ... a session when the small ones sleep
Keep posting too... the folk on here will keep supporting you and there will be more advice I am sure
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