Couch to 5K

[Alibol]

I am new to this site. I started this programme in the New Year - have looked at it several times and kept putting it off. I am a 58 year old woman (gosh that sounds old as I write it - where has the time gone?) and I am now on week 6 having completed run one of that week yesterday. I have enjoyed running/walking in the cold temperature and have finally got to wear running gear that I bought ages ago as an incentive. (Thank you to husband for long sleeved running top to wear under top layer.)

I dreaded the 20 minute run last week but did it mainly by rearranging my route to avoid uphill part at the beginning! I am not looking forward to the longer runs. Telling myself I can do it but feeling apprehensive. (By the way, is there anybody else who finds running bras a challenge to get in and out of?)

My ambition is to do to a park run. It seems that I have a long way to go. Any advice?

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Stick with it and buy a bra that opens and closes (Debenhams, if you have one near)! I think we forget that learning any new skill / activity is challenging but if you keep practicing (ie running) you will get there.

I'm also 58, started a couple of years ago and for loads of reasons I'm not running at the mo, but working on getting back to it.

[Alibol Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thanks for the reply. Hope you get back to your running soon.

[Coolcookingteacher Graduate]

This sounds great, I’m 61, similar story started at Xmas and just on Week 7. I have registered for Park Run and printed my card but not yet taken the plunge mainly due to grey miserable cold days! But I shall.

[Alibol Graduate in reply to Coolcookingteacher]

I am going to try a Park Run bit later in the spring. I must admit though that I don’t mind running in the cold.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome and what a great job you’ve done so far. Never tried to get in to a sports bra (my wife would kill me 😂) so I can’t help there. Parkrun is amazing... you don’t even have to wait to go and experience it, there are walkers and run/walkers out there most weeks, so you could turn up any Saturday and do your C25K walk with them. Just be strong minded and keep your own pace and run length... apart from crossing the line of course, a tiny jog there is almost mandatory!

Enjoy the rest of your journey.

[Alibol Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

My husband does a park run each week. Will go in the not too distant future hopefully. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Amerynthe Graduate]

Hi Alibol, great new year's resolution to do C25K! Don't worry about the longer runs - now you've conquered the 20 minute one, you really won't find them too hard at all. I'm the same age as you, hadn't run since a crushing defeat when I raced my brother round the block, aged 15 - he gave me a 2-side head start and still beat me - but once I'd managed the 20-minuter, the 25 and 30 minute runs seemed like a natural and not too difficult progression.

As for the sports bra - I buy mine on line. They are non-wired, and have 4 hooks and eyes in the back, and they go on like a normal do-up bra. The ones you pull over your head don't give as much support.

I have a very very steep hill on my way to my normal route - I use that as my warm-up 5 minutes (it really stretches out my leg muscles as it's so steep!) and then I start the running part at the top of the hill and run down the other side. It gives me a feeling of being faster than I really am!

As for Park Run - as a recent convert, I'd say go for it, whatever stage of C25K you are on. There are sprinters, runners, joggers, speed-walkers, normal pace walkers, amblers, and those who do a combination of all of these. You will never be last! The atmosphere is so inclusive and friendly that it will help encourage you through your mid-week training runs.

Good luck with your next runs!

[Alibol Graduate in reply to Amerynthe]

Thanks for your response. The park run community seems to be very friendly from what I have heard. My husband enjoys it, but then again he is a bona fide runner, unlike me - just really starting on the road to running fitness.

[misswobble Graduate]

Yeah just go slow and steady, and keep increasing post grad by no more than 10% a week. Read the programme notes as everything is covered in there 😃

I was just a gnat’s off 57 when I started It was winter but I soon got used to it. You soon warm up

Good luck, and have fun 😃👍🏃‍♀️

[Alibol Graduate in reply to misswobble]

The cold suits me - can take stuff off. Hot weather is more of a problem I think. Thanks for the support.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

My advice is to start looking forward to your runs, without any trepidation.......... each one gets you closer to running for thirty minutes, which you presumably knew was the aim of the plan before you started.

This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it is full of tips.

Not much help on bras, I'm afraid.

Relax and enjoy the journey.

[Alibol Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes, mind over matter and all that. Applies to life as a whole doesn’t it? Thanks for the supportive comments.

[futurefit Graduate]

Hi! Loved your inspirational post and the last part made me smile, as yes, I think I resemble someone trying to get out of a straight jacket when it comes to sports bra removal! I let myself cool down a bit first now, after run, that helps! I did Couch to 5K 4 years ago and now starting again as put on weight and want to lose it before I get married next year. (currently on W2). That’s great the way you planned your route for the longer run and good to be reminded that actually once you pass that 20min run - it does kind of inspire you that you can actually do this and will be able to get all the way there. Happy Running! 👍👏🏃‍♀️