Welcome to ‘What is Your Week?’, November week... - Couch to 5K

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Welcome to ‘What is Your Week?’, November week 1. Pull up a chair, let’s talk running🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🍂

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate
54 Replies

Hello all!

What a great time of year to run! But time to think about a few more layers maybe, and most definitely to make sure we can be seen on these darker days.

I picked up some light-up arm bands from Aldi for next to nothing a couple of winters ago, they are still going strong! Put one on your wrist, and one on your ankle to help motorists pick up the movements that indicate there’s a runner around. HiViz are essentials, Neon reflectors of any kind are also great.......why not embrace the neon! Head torches or chest torches (my preference) are great but not everyone will find the need for these.

So, welcome all to November week 1 of “What is your week?” Whats’s the idea of "What is your Week?”.

Well every week I am going to put up a post, so you can add in a little post underneath, to say what week you are planning to do this week.

Sample post (feel free to put as much or as little as you like):

“Hi, I'm Millsie-J and this week, I am doing the milestone Week 6 runs. Feeling a little nervous, any tips folks? “

We are growing so much at the moment and we wanted to have a little fun post ,so we can see who is on what week of the programme, and hopefully it will help everyone to feel more included on the forum.

Please remember it doesn't matter if you stay on the same week for a while, that is fine; it is a journey and it really doesn't matter how long it takes, it will be so worth it when you get to the final run.

If you have just graduated, this will also be a great place to keep you motivated, there is always the Quest on the Bridge to 10k forum as well, for Graduates.

Come on you lurkers, we would love to hear from you too!

Happy running everyone🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏻🌞

Millsie-J 🌸

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Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J
Graduate
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54 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

I'm doing week 4 this week after repeating week 3 twice. I did try week 4 but struggled really bad so on friday after this repeat I done a week 4 run and found it a lot better so doing full of week 4 this week . 😊😊😊

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toBuddy34

Brilliant, well run Buddy. Slow and steady is a great approach.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Yeayayyay ! I saw this and thought.. that's me... Superhero !! Ha Ha!!! :)

I am going to take a peek in Aldi Millsie-J ..thanks for the heads up!

Happy safe, running everyone:)

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Go for the Christmas tree look Floss, teehee.........we are Superhero Runners!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toMillsie-J

You know...You know, think I just might... wasn't it rolysmate who dressed up in Christmas tree lights and ran... :)

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply toOldfloss

the flashing lights will be back out in time for Christmas, we have to spread a little joy.

Flashing runners lights and a string of battery operated fairy lights draped around myself as I take a trot around the local town

I'm starting week 8 today, hope its a good one. I think we're away at the weekend and a couple of days next week so must stick to mon wed fri and nail week 8 if at all possible since I can't see myself running around Bruges at the weekend.

Absolutely agree about making sure motorists can see you coming, I run on the road, there is no pavement and its narrow, windy and hilly, with high hedges and plenty of agricultural vehicles around. I wear a long sleeves hi-vis yellow running top and a hi-vis hat, both have reflectors too. I don't run in the dark but the dull days can be just as bad. Plus, I don't crank the music up too loudly so I'm mostly still aware of vehicles approaching from behind. Be seen and be safe is a good motto for any non-vehicle road users ( Even my dog gets to wear a high-vis coat at this time of year) (Horse riders also take note!!! If you're on a brown horse wearing a brown barbour coat and black hat you are invisible, just my bugbear, nothing to do with running ha ha).

Have a good one everybody.

TheCitizen profile image
TheCitizen

Hi all, signed up a few weeks ago, and been lurking ever since...thought it was time to say something.

Doing this with my wife, and we are doing w4r1 this evening. Seems a big step up, but managed to run for 5 minutes instead of 3 for the last run of week 3, so hopefully that will stand me in good stead. My Mrs is a lot fitter than me, so I need to keep her slow !! My lungs are still recovering from 30 years of cigs I managed to quit 18 moths ago. Really enjoying C25K so far....

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toTheCitizen

You are both doing brilliantly, nice to have you on board!

Liz5K profile image
Liz5KGraduate

Morning All. I’ve just done W6R2 this morning.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toLiz5K

Wow, well over halfway through now Liz👍🏼

This morning I finished my second attempt at W1R1. First attempt was way back in October and then I didn't continue. 😒 Made it all the way through! Looking forward to trying again on Wednesday as I am determined to keep at it this time.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to

Well done on getting back to it.

You can do this 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

Keep posting so that forum friends can support 😃

Amblerman profile image
AmblermanGraduate

Just back from W8R1. Working from home today so I slipped out for a late lunch. I can't believe I was running in only shorts and t shirt in November. Kept it slow after having run my first ever parkrun for W7R3. Just plodded along without any real dramas for once.

cazz0208 profile image
cazz0208Graduate in reply toAmblerman

I love lunchtime running too, advantage when you work from home as there are no colleagues to bump into!

cazz0208 profile image
cazz0208Graduate

W3R2 done and dusted, got the layers right today so much less glowing than previous days. No Kite surfers to distract me just a few dog walkers enjoying a dry day at the beach. Keeping fingers crossed for continued dry lunchtimes. Best of luck to everyone this week.

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate

Hi MJ. I’ve been here since the start of September and I’ve just started my ninth repeat of week 1. I’m very overweight and couldn’t run at all at first, but today I jogged the whole eight minutes for the first time. Onwards and upwards !

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toButtercupKid

Brilliant achievement Buttercup, Week 2 here you come 👍🏼

Amblerman profile image
AmblermanGraduate in reply toButtercupKid

Wow. I am in awe of your commitment. That is so inspiring. Way to go.

Chickygirl profile image
Chickygirl in reply toButtercupKid

Well done Buttercupkid! It can be hard to start with but your determination is paying off! Keep going! 😉

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKidGraduate in reply toChickygirl

Thanks Chickygirl. I was never a quitter !

Dazeydog profile image
DazeydogGraduate

I'm on to week 6 this week...finished W5R3 today so start my week ( so to speak) on Wednesday. Zumba tomorrow for an alternative to running...

Thegirlwiththerose profile image
ThegirlwiththeroseGraduate

I’m new to c25k. I am starting week 2 this week. Run 1 will be tomorrow while the novelty is creating a buzz, I’m not looking forward to running/walking in the rain. Reading about everyone’s progress is inspiring and I hope I can make it to the end.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toThegirlwiththerose

Hello! Welcome to the forum!

Enjoy that buzz. Fear not the rain, many of us enjoy it. A cap is useful to keep rain off face etc. The important thing is to get out of the wet clothes as soon as you can.

Anna675 profile image
Anna675Graduate in reply toThegirlwiththerose

Well done! And don’t worry about the rain it’s actually quite nice especially when it happens in the middle of a run! However I got caught in hailstones last week ...ouch!! Not fun

Phoenix_flames21 profile image
Phoenix_flames21Graduate

Hello, I'm on week 2, just brought myself some posh new trainers and have taken them out on wk1r2. Still getting shin pain in left leg, but the shoes felt much more bouncy. Run was tough for the last two runs, but I'm stubborn, so made it. Feeling much more positive and less terrified this week. And maybe a tiny weeny bit excited. 🤫

Chickygirl profile image
Chickygirl

Hello everyone! I have done up to W3R1 but now going down with a cold... Should I continue or take a break? What do you guys think? Next run scheduled for tomorrow!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toChickygirl

If its below the neck dont run, rest up, the run will wait👍🏼

Thegirlwiththerose profile image
ThegirlwiththeroseGraduate

Thanks for the running in the rain motivation Anna and Millsie. Luckily it didn’t rain today, but will definitely archive what you’ve said when it does rain. I completed W2 R1 and it was okay. My calves felt a bit tight towards the end but I’m hoping this is just my body getting used to being used more than usual 😅

DNB2512 profile image
DNB2512Graduate

This week is my graduation week. I've just run my 3rd week 9 run. I tried to do it at the weekend, but after 2 aborted attempts, the second of which saw me fall flat on my face (literally) after 26 minutes, I've finally completed the challenge. Now to sustain the habit and find a new challenge. Onwards and upwards!

Charlye2298 profile image
Charlye2298

Hi all, I’ve just completed W1 R3 and I noticed a definite improvement on my first run as I wasn’t looking at the clock to see when my running would be over. I do seem to suffer from a stitch a lot though. Any tips for helping prevent or ease that? I’m a total running novice here! I did get caught in the rain today though and I loved it! It felt fresh! Might invest in a cap though! Good to be here and chat with you all! 😃

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlGraduate in reply toCharlye2298

Hi Charly, things that helped me,

Always do the warm-up. At the very least do the walk, but some extra warm-up exercises may help, the NHS c25k website has a page somewhere.

Run before breakfast (tough one, this!) Or at least, don't run straight after eating.

Run slower! This solves most running problems it seems to me. So, as soon as you feel it, just slow down a little.

But, it will probably get easier as your body gets used to running. And you're one up on me, I haven't run in the rain yet!

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning

I finished Week 1 last night and I'm hoping to do my first run of Week 2 tomorrow! Equal parts excited to do it and nervous as it's a step up. Must keep reminding myself that I've made it further than I thought I would in just a week so this is just a little bit more.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toEmmaDoesRunning

You are doing great!

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply toMillsie-J

Thank you!

Ravenjax profile image
RavenjaxGraduate

I just started Week 9, did the first run last night in the lashing rain. I really didn’t think I’d get through running for 30 minutes, but I just put my head down, plugged in my audiobook and put on foot in front of the other. And I did it! I’m still not enjoying the running, but now I know I can actually run for half an hour, I’ll keep going and hopefully I’ll start to enjoy it. It’s so hard pushing myself out the door on these dark cold wet evenings, so I hope I can keep it up over the winter

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toRavenjax

That badge is being shined up, the podium awaits!

Harrogategal profile image
Harrogategal

Hey, I'm on wk2r2 and super super excited to be back running. I used to run in Denmark when I lived there and where it is super flat. Here in North Yorkshire, hills everywhere from my front door so difficult to find a flat run to get me going. I've found one route but think it will become boring quickly. Maybe I'm just going to have to tackle the hills. Anyone got tips on hills in early stages of this programme? Ta!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toHarrogategal

Hello and welcome!

Take it slow and steady for those hills. Dont forget if need be you can turn around and run back the way you came rather than stopping. Canal tow paths, recreation grounds with sports fields, river side runs may offer a little more flatness.

Goose76 profile image
Goose76

Hi, I did wk 4 run 2 last night & I'm excited to think maybe I will be able to run hopefully nearly 5k without stopping....but also nervous thinking I will find the coming wks too hard and have to quit!!!! I've wanted to take up running for years but not known how to start but this app has helped me to start slow and follow a plan! I'm so slow though, map my run app says I'm around 11mins per km and that's not changed since wk 1.... :) Is it really possible for tired, unfit, 40 something mums to become runners??!!!! 🤔😂

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toGoose76

Oh yes it most certainy is Goose. Just take it a run at a time, the programme will do the rest!

Is that time in kilometres or miles?

Goose76 profile image
Goose76 in reply toMillsie-J

It's 11minutes per KILOMETRE I'm afraid!!! 😣😭.... so I will have to almost double my speed to manage 5k in 30 or so minutes!! 😁😉

BeatRoute profile image
BeatRouteGraduate in reply toGoose76

Yes, yes, keep on going. This unfit, overweight, 50 something Mum was probably about the same speed at week 4, graduated in late August and was down to 35 mins for 5k (injured, and can’t run at the moment, but that’s another story!).

Goose76 profile image
Goose76 in reply toBeatRoute

Wow that gives me hope! Thanks so much for replying!.....hope your injury gets better soon x x

molly1973 profile image
molly1973Graduate

Just started week 4 today (Saturday) and amazed myself: I had been quite unsure about the step up but it is a beautiful morning here in Yorkshire so I put my positive head on... and did it!! Chuffed with myself 👍

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply tomolly1973

Brilliant, great run!

LostRunner profile image
LostRunnerGraduate

Finished the scary Week 5 this week and am about to start the challenging Week 6 today. Week 5 has given me the confidence boost that I needed to continue.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toLostRunner

Its going to be great, enjoy!

Slowgoing profile image
Slowgoing

Starting week 1 again as I really struggled with my asthma last week and being really overweight it was a real effort to just get moving.

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlGraduate in reply toSlowgoing

Best of luck, well done for not giving up, getting started is the hardest part.

Setters profile image
SettersGraduate in reply toSlowgoing

You probably know this but as a fellow asthmatic I have learnt to keep relaxing my shoulders away from my ears as I find as soon as I start getting breathless I tense up, then realise I am making things worse by tightening my muscles. Totally understandable as asthma is very, very scary. Keep going it will help. I too have just started running, but reminding myself to relax means I can now keep going up mountains walking, before I would reallystruggle.

MrsH1969 profile image
MrsH1969Graduate

I finished W6R3 today and tho I had to go slow to complete the whole 25mins I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself.

Crasher profile image
Crasher

Completed W6R2 today.

I've already done 3 park runs, although have yet to run a whole one - looking forward to the day that happens.

ShadowDee profile image
ShadowDeeGraduate

I'll be starting week 3 tomorrow. And my nerves go up each week lol

I'm 57 and have not jogged since my son was a child. I do rowing on weekends. I've been club member for 3 years. I went down 3 dress sizes since I joined rowing and health unlocked. Please note I'm not out to be skinny, I'm out to feel comfortable and I'll be happy with 1 more stone lost.

I also have a start of arthritis in my left knee from an injury 4 years ago. I fractured my tibia and ended up with a displaced knee cap. It was a tough comeback with a load of weight gain. Once back on my feet I wanted to change. So...here I am :)

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