From 0K to Half Marathon : I started CT5K in... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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From 0K to Half Marathon

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate
46 Replies

I started CT5K in January this year. I always hated running, even as a child. I really wanted to get back to work outs, however didn't want to spend money to go to a gym. Only one thing left which didn't require money and that was running. So I came across CT5K. I said to my friends if I will be able to run 5K by the end of the year I will be really proud of myself. I was running 5K by April and now I can run 10K. Currently, I am training to run the Cardiff Half Marathon in October. There are days when it's hard to get up and go. But once you made that first step to get up then it will get easier and easier. I would not been able to do this without this app/ program. It is amazing and it works. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who made this program and have helped many, many people to start living a more active and healthier life. 👏🏃‍♀️💜

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AniMagy profile image
AniMagy
Graduate
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46 Replies
Goforitmama profile image
GoforitmamaGraduate

Well done! A great post, thank you

RiaT profile image
RiaT

Wow! Well done you! I start W9 tomorrow and am looking forward to my first Parkrun on Saturday eeek!

Daft question I know but do you still do the 5 minute warm up and cool down walks?? 🤔

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to RiaT

I do a bit of warm up walk but its not 5 minutes. Once I finished running I do walk it off, especially when I run for more than an hour. But I don't time it anymore if I do 5 minutes or not. I use my body clock, if that makes sense.

W9- well done. Enjoy your park run. 🙂

grahamrupertrules profile image
grahamrupertrules in reply to AniMagy

Plan to get new running shoes after wk 9 .any recommended?

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to grahamrupertrules

Now you are doing longer runs, you should be looking at getting properly fitted for running shoes. Do look at this:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

RiaT profile image
RiaT in reply to AniMagy

Thank you! I will ☺️

Outstanding! That's a great achievement ... Can I ask? Which do you prefer now.. Work outs or running?

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to

That's a good question. 🙂🤔. They are both very different. I would say running because I feel I can progress and I love it that it takes me outside. You see things what you haven't seen before. I would find running on a treadmill very boring.

Oddity profile image
Oddity

Great stuff!!

PocketPA profile image
PocketPAGraduate

Love this well done 💕 I also started in January and graduated in March however since then I’ve not kept at it and feel as though I’m back to square one - however today I have my head together and I’m off out on my first run for a while!

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to PocketPA

I know that feeling. I stop running myself sometimes. But feel much better once I am out again. Enjoy your run. X

Gem2844 profile image
Gem2844Graduate

That’s so amazing, I have always hated running until now.. I have 1 run left before graduation and I love getting out there and can do 5k now. How did you find going from 5k to 10k? I’m thinking of doing the Plymouth 10k in October but I’m not sure if I could run that far!

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to Gem2844

Well, at first I started by running a little more then 30 min so I run 5K, because I couldn't do 5K in 30 min. It took me 35 minutes. After that I just kept adding a little more, and now I got to 10K. It takes me about an hour and 5 minutes to run 10K. But I don't really worry about how long does it take. I am just amazed that I can do it. However, running 21K at the moments sounds a bit scary. But I will just keep adding a little extra to my runs and hopefully I will get there by October. 💪🤞😀

Well done for nearly completing your CT5K. Are you enjoying it?

Gem2844 profile image
Gem2844Graduate in reply to AniMagy

I love it, I get such a sense of achievement as I have always struggled to run any distance. Similar to you I run 5k in about 33 mins, average mile is 11.30 mins. I want to give myself a goal after c25k so maybe I will give it a go

grahamrupertrules profile image
grahamrupertrules in reply to AniMagy

Feel good doing it

Bit warm but nice to see gardens n trees around park.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to Gem2844

When you’ve graduated and had a few weeks consolidation, why not pop over to the bridge to 10k forum and check out juju’s magic plan to 10k. It works.

Jazzyrunner profile image
JazzyrunnerGraduate

Inspiring post - well done and thank you!

Well done

I'm nearly 65 so building up steadily

Now wk 6 .1which is easier than wk5 .3

Don't think I will get to 10 k but who knows

My wife is doing a training app too which is a bit less demanding

Week 9 target after stopping wk7 in March due to poor health

Heard sons guy in his 79,s doing 100 Mike runs and double marathons

Amazing !

He didn't start until he was in his sixties after heart issues

Some achievement heh

Regards

George

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to grahamrupertrules

Wow, that is amazing achievement. Inspiring. 👏❤

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

You made one error - running costs a fortune!

Well done though!

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to Tasha99

Hahaha- does it? What do you mean?

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to AniMagy

Shoes (road and trail - replacing regularly) , cost of races, clothes for all weathers, all the accessories - it’s an expensive hobby!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to Tasha99

But isn’t it fun Tasha99?

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to Dexy5

Absolutely! And completely addictive! And life changing 😍

WalkiesToRuns profile image
WalkiesToRuns in reply to Tasha99

Interesting you should say replacing shoes regularly.... how long would you say a pair lasts you? I looked at mine the other day and was surprised how quickly they are showing signs of wear. Also, I’m a horse rider, so running will always be cheap comparatively! And I ride on a shoe string as it is.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to WalkiesToRuns

350-500 miles apparently? I need new ones every 3 months as I’m heavy footed. Some people need them less often. Depends on the wear on the sole.

Well done that’s amazing. I start W9 tomorrow and am also planning a park run for Saturday like RiaT.

Your motivation is great. I wish I felt like that. I’m struggling to go out and still finding it hard and not very enjoyable 😕.

Really good luck. You have come so far you will do the half marathon and who knows by next year you might have signed up for a full marathon!!!

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to

Thank you. I had runs that I didn't enjoy. Felt like hard work.

I love it how you are saying that you don't really enjoy running but planning to do park run. Wish I had your courage to keep doing something I don't really enjoy. 🙂

I just don’t want to give up! I am also motivating myself by treating myself to a nice new pair of hideously expensive leggings with a pocket for my phone so I don’t need a bum belt.

I will definitely need to keep running then to justify the spend!!! 😂.

I also use map my run and added a couple of friends so they can see when I’ve done a run. That way I can’t miss one or lie that I’ve been out!!! They are also great at messaging encouragement after runs. Maybe doing that would help you?

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to

😂😂😂- funny.

I m using a bum belt at the moment. Let me know if that leggings with the pocket is any better (more comfortable) than the belt.

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey5000Graduate in reply to AniMagy

I have some leggings with a pocket in on the bum for my phone which works well (don’t have to spend a fortune...mine came from Superdry) and as it’s warm at the moment I have some shorts with deep pockets and I find the phone stays put. Don’t think I could run with a belt.

in reply to Sparkey5000

Definitely agree you can get cheaper ones. All my sportswear is really cheap which is why after all these years I’m having a treat. Glad it works well with the pockets, thanks.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to AniMagy

Check out a flip belt animagy, you can carry phone , keys, tissues etc and it’s really comfortable as it’s made of Lycra.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate in reply to AniMagy

Try tikiboo leggings

in reply to AniMagy

Leggings were so good. I think they have about 7 pockets of different sizes. The one down each thigh and the one at the back are good for the phone. I used the one down the thigh. No bouncing around at all and it’s really comfortable. I definitely recommend you get some with a pocket.

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to

Thank you. Which one did you get?

in reply to AniMagy

Lululemon Fast and Free 7/8 Tight II *25" Nulux. As I said I’ve only ever worn cheap kit and I’m now 52 so a real treat was in order. They feel amazing.

AniMagy profile image
AniMagyGraduate in reply to

Just had a look. It is beautiful. X

in reply to

There are others out there cheaper Sweaty Betty do some with leg pockets.

I will keep and eye out for your progress. Good luck with that training for the half marathon I think it’s amazing!!!

Icandoit2019 profile image
Icandoit2019Graduate

Great post very inspiring!

Good luck at your half marathon

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Well done AniMagy, why not join the bridge to 10k forum to pick up even more hints and tips about running further. They are a friendly lot.

Coolcookingteacher profile image
CoolcookingteacherGraduate

Inspirational words!

Frontrowunion2 profile image
Frontrowunion2

Amazing, well done you, great inspiration

Tazzy_wazzy profile image
Tazzy_wazzyGraduate

Fantastic. I hated anything to do with exercise as well but this app has got me running. It’s still early days for me and I hope one day I’ll be able to run a half marathon as well.

MuddledGardener profile image
MuddledGardenerGraduate

Wow! That’s really impressive! 🙌🙌🙌

Sweatylady profile image
SweatyladyGraduate

Well done for all you have achieved- like yiu day so much happiness for very little cost( running shoes don’t count!!)

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