C to 5k W5 R1 - Can't believe I can do this!

[pippkins]

Up and out very early this morning, faced with drizzle, cold and the start of a snuffly nose... but I did it!

I hope my first post inspires other folks who are new to this too and not be daunted by what could be achieved!

I started Cto5k "by accident" 5 weeks ago when I installed the podcasts on my new phone and thought "oh, I have an hour before the school run, I think I have time to give it a go" - and I did! As a total non-runner, W1R1 really was an effort and made me puff and splutter, but it was manageable. I nearly cried when it was done - out of happiness that I had made the first step on the plan! I was hooked - and determined to see the plan through!

The next day I went to a "serious" runner shop and got videoed on a treadmill and bought some proper running shoes. With my dodgy knee, I found that putting a support sleeve on helped, I wanted no excuses to stop!

I looked around online at other folks' experiences and decided to download some pumping tunes to keep pace to - Radio 1 have a Wednesday workout mix that they release each week, so I popped a few of those on my phone. I also downloaded a free app that has GPS tracking so draws a little map of your route and records your times, the one I used is called Endomondo. I know it is only useful when you are doing the full 5k, but I find it interesting to look at the stats after each Cto5k session.

Along with my 3 runs per week, I also attend a gym to do strength and HIIT. My PT is very supportive and has given me special exercises for my knee but I am finding that combining the gym, runs and logging my calories on My Fitness Pal has helped me to see changes in my body - I have lost significant inches around my hips and waist as well as a few pounds! At Christmas I struggled with my skinny size 16 jeans... yesterday I tried on a pair of size 12 jeans in Topshop - and they fit :faints:

So, this morning, running 3x 5 minutes, wow. I am so pleased as I considered myself not ever being able to run for a full 2 minutes without keeling over! In fact, for my last 5 minutes, I did not stop and ran a further 5 and delayed my 5-minute walk warm-down until afterwards, and it just proves that my body is getting used this running lark! I ran 10 minutes non-stop? What?!!? What is this witchcraft?!!

Looking forward to the 8 minutes on Wednesday!

Have a happy run, folks!

[JonnyBeGood Graduate]

Well done Pippkins!! What an inspiring post to read, you’ve done fantastic!! Good luck with the rest of the plan!!

[pippkins Graduate in reply to JonnyBeGood]

Thank you!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Wow, you seem to have nailed this! 👏👏👏

Buying shoes after your second run is impressive. I wasn't convinced until after I graduated. We can't give up now!👍

[pippkins Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Absolutely, we can't give up!

[zokki Graduate]

How amazing. Well done.

Huge achievement. 🙌🏻

My next run is w9 r1

It’s all happening!!!! 🤸‍♂️

[pippkins Graduate in reply to zokki]

Wow week 9 - so close to graduating! Have a great run!

[DeterminedSilver Graduate]

Brilliant pippkins ! That positivity will get you to the finishing line and beyond .

Happy running .

[pippkins Graduate in reply to DeterminedSilver]

Thank you - I want to see this plan through - then improve upon my eventual 5k times - and maybe attempt Bridge to 5k later on in the year!

[pippkins Graduate in reply to pippkins]

oops - O meant Bridge to 10k

[Fionamags Graduate]

Fantastic! I think i need to get onto the strength training as well. So far have avoided it 😆😆 You're doing brilliantly!

[pippkins Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you! The strength training part is a lot of fun too - go ahead and try it!