Under the duvet

[MarybellM]

I’ve woken to a wild windy February morning in the Outer Hebrides. Snuggling under quilt and wondering about my plans to embark on Couch to 5k. I figured if I started a post, I can’t now pull out... I’m 50 something, about 12 stone and do a fair amount of walking. My downfall is comfort-eating but I know from past experience that running can make me feel good. My plan is to do a week of warm up walking - 10,000 steps a day with a few very short jogs along the way to check I still know how to run. Then next week I’ll download the app. I’ve been looking at it and reading about it for weeks now. Hope I can do it. Time to get up!

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

You can certainly do it! 66 when I started. I did a few of my early runs on the Isles of Scilly....early morning island views are a wonderful back drop to a run. Maybe a bit warmer down there mind; but it is easier to keep warm than keep cool when running. Just go for it!

[MarybellM in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you for replying and for the encouragement- I’m up and about now. Bring it on!

[FMS50 Graduate]

Jump right in

I found that the advice about how to run comes with the app as you go through it step by step

You can do this

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Welcome & enjoy!😀 I have a very light waterproof & breathable jacket for those wet days. If my torso stays dry- ish & warm I love running in the rain.

[Islesrunner Graduate]

Did you do it?

I’m on Lewis hello!

[MarybellM in reply to Islesrunner]

Hi!! Sorry for delay in replying. We sadly had a family bereavement - my husband’s aunt (strong, healthy 74 year old) took ill suddenly with an aggressive cancer and she died within weeks. I’m just getting some normality back and starting to think about life and health and all that...

So, today I did Day One!!! Feel really good - it was harder than I had expected. I didn’t think I’d be doing 7 runs of 60 seconds, but it was manageable, so I’m hooked (I think). Weather today was dry, breezy so let’s hope for a good spell ahead.

Thanks for contacting me - how are YOU getting on?

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Hello!

I’m so sorry that you’ve had a bereavement. I hope that running gives you time and space to process everything ❤️

I finish week 8 tomorrow...

I am finding the wind hard to run in! And the longer runs give me hills to negotiate so that has been tough too but the payoff is getting in to dresses I haven’t worn in years!

I’ve treated myself to proper running shoes and I’ve signed up for the Pentland Rd 5k in a fortnight.

I will be at 30 minutes running by Tuesday but I can’t do 5k in that time yet.

I’ll keep going!

Lovely to hear from you and well done on your first run!

Just keep going, something seemed to switch around week 4 where breathing and technique fell into place and I really started loving it.

Xx

[MarybellM in reply to Islesrunner]

Thanks for your support. Yes - wind is an issue here in the islands, though sometimes of course it can be behind us! Today it boosted me a bit on the home run. You’re doing great - I’m very impressed. One thing about small communities is that people notice things and comment... I ran up a side road today to avoid the approach of a dog-walking neighbour!

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

🤣🏃‍♀️

The crofter who keeps sheep in the field behind stopped me on my warm up walk the other day and said ‘you’re going jogging, are you?’ And then wanted to talk about my dog who died recently 🙈.

I felt a bit self conscious, chatting in my Lycra but thankfully the app lets you skip back and start the warm up walk again!

May the wind always be behind you! X

[MarybellM in reply to Islesrunner]

Did Run 3 yesterday and was battered by the gales...However, I think the worse the running conditions, the greater the sense of achievement! So, a question for anyone in the know - is that week one over and can I just start week 2 tomorrow? I’ve left one day between runs as advised so I’ve done Saturday, Monday, Wednesday. I think I’m ready to try the next step up, but wondering if I’m supposed to wait till Saturday so that it will actually be a full week from my start day? 🙄

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Hi I’ve been starting on the next week when it suits me - sometimes that is after one day off, sometimes two or three days off before going on to the next run.

As long as you take at least one rest day between runs and listen to your body, you should be fine to just keep going. Some weeks, you might need more rest breaks.

Well done!!

My next run is my graduation run but I’ll stay around to help me through the consolidation runs.

Xx

[MarybellM in reply to Islesrunner]

Wow - sounds impressive! At this point I don’t even know what a graduation run is... but I’m sure I can guess! All the best with it and thanks for the advice about spacing the days. If it’s a good day tomorrow I think I’ll go for it and start Week 2! Xx

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

Hi, a graduation run is just the last run to complete the programme 😁

Congratulations on completing week one! Isn’t there a Gaelic saying about the hardest part is making a start? You did that on day one. Now you are about to start week two!

Brilliant! 😘

[MarybellM in reply to Islesrunner]

‘S e obair là tòiseachadh (the Gaelic saying!) I didn’t start my week 2 today - decided to leave it till tomorrow as I was very tired after loads of heavy housework (clearing out shed etc) We actually drove to Lewis yesterday to collect stuff for my brother - a round trip so that tired me too. I was looking out for couch to 5k runners on the road!!

Congratulations on your graduation! Thanks for the messages. Not having a very healthy day today - going to have a glass of wine with dinner in a minute. X

[Islesrunner Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

That’s the beauty of it - take days off when it suits you ❤️

Thanks for congratulations!

It feels fab

Consolidation runs next week💪X

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Don’t be nervous, don’t put it off. You can do this ! Always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! Happy running 😀

[MarybellM in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you! Day 2 is scheduled for Monday. Hope I can keep it up. Support like yours really does motivate.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to MarybellM]

You’ll do it. Just take it slow and steady. We’re always here for you x