W5R3 DONE!!! If I can, anyone can! : You know... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W5R3 DONE!!! If I can, anyone can!

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate
23 Replies

You know what, I’m 36 am morbidly obese and have always watched on as so many friend and family have running successes.

I decided to do C25K to improve my health, my anxiety and see if I could prove myself and others wrong.

During Week 1 I just about managed to keep up with the runs and had to convince myself to go out but only after dark to avoid being seen!

Fast forward to week 5 and even with the storm raging, I couldn’t miss my weekend run! I’ve just got back from my W5R3 and have run for a continuous 20mins. How did that happen?

I might not be breaking any land speed records and I’m sure I can walk quicker than I run but I couldn’t be more proud of myself!

Well done to everyone pushing them self’s with this program and to anyone thinking of starting out, if I can, anyone can! Go for it.

As I reward I’m going to buy myself a waterproof jacket. I may have run for 20mins but I’m soaked.

Any recommendations?

I’m looking forward to W6!

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Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29
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23 Replies
Paul4life profile image
Paul4life

That’s awesome, keep going. I’m well out of shape and will be starting this program on Monday, fingers crossed I can get to week 9 lol

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toPaul4life

All the best Paul. This program is amazing at building up your ability but also your belief and confidence.

Enjoy the journey but remember one step at a time. x

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply toEmlist29

Hi Emlist29, how’s it going? Did you get your jacket? Keep running....you can absolutely do this. Every run is doing something so kind for yourself 👏👍🏆

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toJerichomile

Hi.

After my 20mins run of week 5, I really enjoyed W6R1. Now I know I can do it it feels like my mindset has changed.

I’m a little bit on the fence about a jacket. I didn’t find one I liked but there is something soothing running in the rain.

How’re you getting on?

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply toEmlist29

Hi I’m starting to find the running really comforting, even if I get a bit tired half way. Just finished week 8 run 3. It’s helping me feel a bit of space from some anxiety. Thanks for asking, I really appreciate it 😊

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toJerichomile

I’m understanding why people run for their mental health, it’s helps my anxiety too.

Well done on week 8.

Happy running

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply toEmlist29

Really glad it’s helping you. It actually encourages me to know you’re out there running too 😁.....as you now know, you’re a hero 🏆

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply toPaul4life

Paul4life, good luck on Monday, we’re all cheering you on! I bet you’ll be amazed after the first week how much you’re liking it, post how you get on 👍

sTrongFuse profile image
sTrongFuseGraduate

Well done. That one is a biggie and is a massive achievement.

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate

Emlist29 you are a total hero 👏💐 you’ve shown guts, stamina and really gone for it. You’re inspiring! Go and enjoy choosing that jacket. Sorry I don’t know enough to recommend good kit as I’m just a newbie runner too. Loving C25K tho and right with you in spirit. Let’s get out there and keep running 😁!

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toJerichomile

What a lovely thing to say. I’ve never been a hero just the person everyone else is props up.

All the best for you C25K journey. Keep running 🏃🏽‍♀️ Xx

Jerichomile profile image
JerichomileGraduate in reply toEmlist29

Thanks for the good wishes. I like you idea you realised you’re a hero - now you know .....😉 keep us all posted and if you need to share joys and struggles we’re all in it together. You will encourage me too.

Amerynthe profile image
AmeryntheGraduate

A huge well done on getting that milestone 20 minute run under your belt! I hope you are very proud of what you've achieved! Like you, I am carrying more weight than is good for me, but completing the C25K programme has made me fitter and healthier than I have been for years - possibly decades - and I feel happier about myself in general.

As for running jackets, I'd say something that has a hood and zips up completely, so that you can quickly unzip it and tie it round your waist when you get too warm or when it stops raining. I get too hot very quickly, so I quite like the rain to keep me cool and usually don't bother with a jacket!

Best of luck with the coming weeks - looking forward to your graduation post! :-)

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

Congratulations to you Emlist29 on completing run 3 of week 5 in a storm (Hanna) that is a milestone run with C25K. Onwards and upwards to week 6 run 1 but be careful about that run as it catches out some people with the interval walks and runs. Go to a good sports shop regarding what to wear in wet weather.

Hoopy67 profile image
Hoopy67

I'm due to do w5 run 3 tomorrow

Well done you on completing week 5

molly1973 profile image
molly1973Graduate

Congratulations Em! Such a milestone run: it was my favourite. When you find a rain jacket, please will you post here what you found? I don’t generally mind getting wet but would like a jacket: I don’t know your size but I am very overweight and struggle to get any sportswear to fit, but particularly rain jackets. I am almost certainly a larger size than you but any pointers gratefully received! I hope this is ok: I just read how you described yourself x

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply tomolly1973

I can see why it was your favourite run.

Don’t worry, you’re right to ask, I’m a 20 at the mo. I’ve been told to look at walking jackets but to be honest I find thin waterproofs too hot as they’re not breathable. Woman’s are often too small/ short so might look at men’s.

If I do find one I’ll post.

molly1973 profile image
molly1973Graduate in reply toEmlist29

Thank you. I think walking jackets will be too heavy and long? Not sure. I bought a beautiful Adidas rain jacket online in the January sale: I am an 18 so I bought 20-22 which is their biggest size and I knew their sizing would come up small. I’m about 3” away from the zip meeting at the waist and more at the bust 🙁

I suspect there are outlets which cater for bigger sizes but will be at a price. However USA Pro leggings have been good 👍

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply tomolly1973

I just need something not too long, breathable and light.

I think there is a real gap in the market.

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

Well done you! 🎉 About jackets: I found a good, breathable one in a cycle shop - zips all the way down and has various aeration flaps. No hood, however, as they assume a helmet. (I wear a cap with a brim.) There’s also a website called rerun that has “preloved” running gear. They might have something from someone who has lost some weight (maybe you of the future!).

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toGranspeed

Thank you for the great advice, what a great website rerun is. x

PeterBrash profile image
PeterBrash

Congratulations on completing w5r3, I remember it well as it was my first post on here. My eyes popped out on stalks after weeks of gentle progression and then suddenly doubling the time.

As for waterproofs I’ve invested in decent stuff in the past and they’re usually great until you have to wash them for the first time. I don’t believe anything is waterproof and breathable though, there’s a big name in the game and as far as I can tell they sell snake oil to the gullible (including me!).

Emlist29 profile image
Emlist29Graduate in reply toPeterBrash

Thank you. I feel like W5R3 has changed my mind set. I’m enjoying week 6 I think because I know I can do it now.

I’m still undecided on the waterproof.

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