One You are looking for *new* Couch to 5k-ers!

[SaffronGracePHE]

Whilst staying at home, have you decided to take up running by downloading and starting Couch to 5K? If you’ve used it as a way to ease yourself into running and would be open to sharing your story (with a chance for it to be shared in the media) we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email with your story at [e-mail]

[CJSquirrel]

Yes I’m a lockdown Couch to 5ker. I started running later on in life (40s) , and graduated from the programme in 2015 and even did a 10k fun run. Since then, I tore a disc in my back and had to have emergency surgery in 2016, and also had a full hip replacement at the end of 2017 due to arthritis and my hip being displaced. I have also put on several stone in weight. The lockdown had encouraged me to try and lose weight and get fit again so that I can have a transformation when we eventually go back to work. I completed week 5 run 3 yesterday, which was a massive achievement for me as I never thought I would be able to run again after my surgeries. I have also lost half a stone. Nowhere near 5k yet (just about 2.5k in the 20 minutes) so a long way to go - but I assure you, I’ll be doing parkruns again as soon as it is safe to do so. Many people say, if I can do it, anyone can - but I truely believe this. I started late, I’ve had two operations and with 4 stone in weight to lose, I’m still smashing it. If anyone else is in doubt - give it a go, what have you got to lose?

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to CJSquirrel]

Wow, congratulations! If you haven't already, please ping us an email at [e-mail]!

[IanWell in reply to CJSquirrel]

Good for you. I have just started again after injury. Keep going!

[RunningBoy68 Graduate in reply to CJSquirrel]

well done, keep it up and best of luck.... maybe see you at that Park Run.

[June441 Graduate]

I’m a lockdown Couch to 5km. I do a lot of open water swimming which has come to a dramatic stop, so I needed to keep fit some other way and hope that I will transfer some of this fitness into my swimming when I am able to do so.

I was not a particularly keen runner in my youth. I was a sprinter at school, I am an active 63 year old but told everyone who encouraged me to run that I was built for speed not endurance which was a good excuse.

I am on Wk6 run 3 which I know is going to be a longer run. So far I have done ok and feel quite proud of myself for running on when I would have liked to stop. I like the encouragement given using the podcast especially when I am told I have 1 min left. And I love the feeling afterwards when I have finished. I hope I can keep this up and get similar joy that I get from swimming outdoors.

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to June441]

Amazing! Please send us an email at [e-mail]

[CatTheSecond Graduate]

I usually swim three times a week and I’m really missing it. Once lockdown began I started going for a walk every day, but it takes ages and I got bored with this.

I am not a runner, but I’ve heard good things about Couch to 5K so I thought I’d give it a try. I have just done week 3 run 1 - I still can’t believe I am going to be able to run for 20 minutes but I’m going to keep following the program. I’m very inspired by the comments from others who have done it.

Incidentally, I was nervous about running because I have osteo arthritis in my hips and knees, but I had already discovered that I could walk for an hour or more each day without making things worse . So far I have not found any increased problems with (very slow) running.

[Flamingo321 Graduate in reply to CatTheSecond]

Hi! I’m normally a swimmer too and am missing that. I’m in week 5 run 2 which I’m going to repeat as I had to stop and give directions to someone this morning🤦🏻‍♀️

Well done as I’ve tried this programme 3 times and hit week 3 and quit 😉

[Wishidstartedsooner Graduate]

I’m a new lockdown runner too. I’m a working mum with two young children, and between looking after them and the long hours I spent in the office I had been struggling to make time to focus on myself and exercise for far too long. Watching the progress of the virus across the world filled me with dread and regret that I hadn’t taken better care of myself sooner. I started couch to 5k as soon as our offices shut, which was just before lock down. As well as feeling like I was finally doing something to take control of my health, being outside and having a goal helped distract me from everything else that is going on. I’m now part way through week 7 and I’m looking forward to finishing the challenge. I feel like I have now built a great habit that I will continue to prioritise when lockdown is over. I can’t believe how much I’ve enjoyed the programme, and I’ve been telling everyone I know to give it a whirl, they won’t regret it.

[IanWell in reply to Wishidstartedsooner]

Nice one. I think the hardest part is probably starting. The second hardest - keeping it going!!

[Wishidstartedsooner Graduate in reply to IanWell]

Thanks Ian! Graduated today, I’m so thrilled - I’m a runner! And you’re right, the hard work of keeping it up starts now. Well, the day after tomorrow. Today, I’m celebrating! 🥳😂🌈

[Rivers1]

Yes I started on Friday I am in a shielding group so only going as far as the back garden when my neighbours are not out! I am very over weight and spent the first 4 weeks of the lock down eating. It had to stop, I turn 40 next week and decided I needed to change my lifestyle or I might not see 50! I have recommended this program to patients so it's time to practice what I preach, I have been doing week 1 and will likely do that for 2 weeks see how I feel my fitness is as bad as my weight.

My motivation is my 2 children, the fact that I am breathless on minimal exercise and my joints ache this is no way to be at 39, I only have myself to blame and only I can change this I am determined to make a change for the better.

[AHomew18 in reply to Rivers1]

How is it all going? I think repeating week one is a great idea, and you have a great motivation.

[EarthRise in reply to AHomew18]

I'm really really impressed. Keep it up! Keep going!

Although I feel I can just about manage so far, I've noticed my blood pressure has gone down from 140/90 to 127/85. So that's something. I have just finished week 2 but my joints really do ache. I have arthritis in knees and hands. I try to do NHS strength and flex on the rest days which seems to work for me. They have some good knee exercises too on their site. Good luck . . .

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to Rivers1]

Hi Rivers1 , could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[Hidden]

Hi.i am on my 3rd run 2nd week and feeling good.I in the mind set now like I carn’t wait for my next run.never been into running.was lacking in confidence and living in Manchester City centre(in the thick of it)I carn’t believe how much fresh air there is.i was going to the gym and now have got myself a good routine workout at home and on a run every other day.my mood which was good is even better.i’m glad I started running.I’ve always wanted to run .thank you

[Woodkin Graduate]

I'm definitely a lockdown C25Ker. I have never been interested in running in a straight line (though I did play a bit of tennis until they closed all the courts). But after a day or two at home I found I needed to go out for a walk and then I thought, why not try to improve my fitness and make the walks a bit more interesting by trying to learn to run. It's turned into my "lockdown project" - so far I have got to the end of week 4!

One of my sons who is living with me goes for runs most days. So far have not let on to him that I am doing it but I plan to do so once I have got to the end of W5!

[Wobblyrunner]

I'm a Lockdown C25K-ers. I'm 62 and I usually do classes at my local gym and walking. I'm not keen on loan walking, as I find it boring, as I'm a social person, So I thought I'd give it a go, having never been a runner. I retired from 40 plus years of nursing two years ago, so my knees and back are a bit dodgy. I'm about to start week 4 today, so I'll see how it goes. I'm not worried about having to repeat weeks, if I have to. Looking forward to the support I'll get on here.

[Bobbbbbbbbbbbb Graduate]

I'm shielding as I have a double transplant. I've always thought about running as another form of exercise but was only ever good at 100m sprints!

My wife and 8 year old are shielding with me as the risks are far too great if they start exploring supermarkets, etc. I have totally enjoyed C25K so far, even with the aches, pains and, at times, being completely worn out! I am starting Week 4 this week and my wife has started to join in!

I run around the garden and the outside of the house. I use Strava and the routes look like a toddler has scribbled a doodle! My neighbours have been helping me on!

Looking forward to reaching that 5k goal.

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to Bobbbbbbbbbbbb]

Hi Bobbbbbbbbbbbb , could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[Loubylou63 Graduate]

I’m now in week four, as my area I live in is very hilly, also as a key worker I am at work a lot, I also work shifts, which entails late shifts, early shifts and nights, and I am a person of zero confidence so don’t feel comfortable out in the open, because of all these reasons I am doing the couch to 5k on my treadmill at home.

My problem I have found starting this program has been excruciating pain in my knees joints, I have had good advice from my friends at work, and will be buying the health supplements they swear by.

I have just joined this forum tonight.

[Els1 Graduate in reply to Loubylou63]

Hi. Would really like to know what supplements they recommend for knee pain, as I have knee probs too?! Thanks

[Loubylou63 Graduate in reply to Els1]

Hi my work friends have recommended Turmeric tabs, which contain cumerine , I’ve ordered some from Holland and Barrett, they won’t be delivered until the middle of May, can’t wait to try them as I’m really suffering with my knees, I’m taking ibuprofen tabs for the pain and discomfort at the moment, this age thing really does creep up on you lol 😂

[Els1 Graduate in reply to Loubylou63]

Ha ha! Tell me about it! That's good to hear, as I have just started taking those myself! too early to tell if they are working yet (although so far no major issues holding me back), but its really good to know others who have taken them recommend them. Thanks! We have just moved temporarily, and are in an area which is really hilly, and it really doesn't help with knee pain!!! If you can, then stick to the treadmill, its much better for you to run on the flat! Good luck - I hope these help both of us!

[Loubylou63 Graduate in reply to Els1]

I have my fingers crossed for these tabs, I don’t want to give up the exercise just yet, need to persevere, last year I ended up with Buriitis in my knee, from following an app for doing planks, and the side planks messed my knee up, sooo painful, so had to abandon them 😢, so will continue as much as I can before the tabs arrive to try, good luck with your exercise

[massagemum in reply to Els1]

Hi MSM and chondroitin is good for joint problems. Maybe consider collagen supplements and omega 3 aswell 😊

[SA77]

I’m a newbie with lockdown too.. I had always thought about doing c25k but never had the motivation..

Before lockdown I did two to three exercise classes a week and have started swimming also this year just achieving 1 mile swims.. with nothing else but walking to do I thought I would give it a go.. I am enjoying it and surprisingly I am not as cardio fit as I thought I would. I am still jogging rather than a run - starting week 6 run 1 tomorrow

[dancemad]

I’ve started tonight. This lockdown was starting to get me down and realised I’m doing too much snacking and watching TV but want to get fitter and so many say that running helps their mental state too so hoping for that. Not to mention having become unfit this last few years after an injury a couple of years ago stopped me from going to the gym and I got out of the habit. Never ran in my life but feeling proud of myself for completing day 1.

[LJAR Graduate]

I also started this during lockdown. I’d actually first tried the programme a few years ago but lost momentum after a few runs.

In the past year or two I’d been regularly going to the gym (mainly strength training), and HIIT and yoga classes once a week, and wanted to make sure my fitness didn’t take a downturn during lockdown. Although I was fairly fit, I‘d always been terrible at running, never managing more than a few minutes, and decided lockdown was a good time to challenge myself and try C25K again.

I’m now just about to start week 7 and amazed at my progress. In the early weeks I was struggling to run for 3 minutes, and on Sunday I managed 25 minutes non-stop, which I am still trying to comprehend!

In these uncertain times I love the routine of my run every other morning before work, and it means the day starts off on a high.

This forum has been great for picking up tips and offering support to fellow c25kers. It’s a great community! 😊

[June441 Graduate in reply to LJAR]

I feel exactly as you described too. When I ran 25 mins first time I wanted to shout it from the hill tops. Good job we are in lockdown because I would have bored everyone silly. I have just done Wk 7 run1. Another 25 min run. I love the routine of it too.

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to LJAR]

Hi LJAR ! Could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[LJAR Graduate in reply to SaffronGracePHE]

Done! 😊

[Quackquackquack Graduate]

Have e mailed to the address you listed

[Flick78 Graduate]

I’m a newbie to running at 63. I am really enjoying the programme and have completed W5R1. I feel very proud and am looking forward to completing 5K and joining my local Parkrun when they restart. It is great to read other people’s stories and concerns!

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Flick78]

I'm also a newbie at 63 !

How's it going ?

I will do run 3 of week 1 tomorrow 🙂

[Flick78 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Hi, I’ve only got 2 runs left! I have enjoyed the journey but am still very slow, so nowhere near the 5K. It will probably take a while to achieve that but I’m hoping to carry on running. How are you getting on?

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Flick78]

Great , you HAVE done well 😁👍

I'm doing ok, but I'm very early in the program.

I will finish week 1 tomorrow and looking forward to week 2

It's nice to have this forum for support ,😁

[EarthRise]

I'm a lady of 62. I've just finished week2 C25K. A session in the park every other day alternating with NHS Strength and Flex. I had High Blood Pressure controlled by medication 140/90, have found BP down to 129/85 ish, .after 2 weeks so am really pleased. Lost 3 stone after becoming vegan (for animals, not particularly health) 3 years ago. Still 2 stone overweight, at 12st 5lbs, I can feel the pressure on my joints and arthritis creeping in. I am under a crazy impression that by running and paying attention to eating well, I'll totally heal all aches and pains. At the moment, this, of course doesn't seem likely, as I'm all achey and paining everywhere. I'm in this cocoon. A fat maggot working away quietly, shielded from the eyes of friends and family, to eventually emerge as a beautiful MOTH. Hmmm?

[5kMama]

I'm a new C25Ker! I had my 2nd baby just before this all started, he is 12 weeks old now. I started C25K 5 weeks ago and have found it amazing. I'm not a runner! I struggle really bad with breathing techniques so every time I've tried to run I've quit quite quickly. This is the most of ever ran consecutively and the most I've ever enjoyed running! Maybe it's the 40 minute break from the kids (I've got a 2.5 year old also) that I enjoy most haha but either way, it's made my physical and mental health so much better and I feel great!! Perfect way to start exercising again after having a baby as well.

[Jak66 Graduate]

I am a lockdown C25Kr - I normally go for long walks to unwind but myself and my son decided to take this challenge as we are both working from home.

We found we struggled a little at week 4 and had to repeat a couple of runs but now we have just completed week 6 run 2 so all long runs to go now. 😨

Today when we finished we looked back to how we felt in week 1 and couldn’t believe how far we had come - the programme definitely works and having Jo telling us what to do is really helpful - we will miss her when we have to run on our own.

Looking forward to completing a Parkrun when we are able to.

[Mr_CouchPotato Graduate]

Hi yes! I’m a lockdown couch to 5ker; been inspired to get fit and do this programme, just finished week 3 run 3. Will send an email with my story

[Vjohn21]

Yep I'm a lockdown C25k!! Am a horse rider mainly, definitely not a natural runner in any shape or form, but have been inspired by two friends who are also self confessed non runners, and are absolutely smashing their C25k! I did wk 2 run 2 today, and it was tough..picked a route with an uphill gradient and I struggled, physically and mentally, but I did it so I'm hoping my third run will be easier!!🤞🏻🤞🏻

[SJBrown88]

I’m a lockdown C25Ker! I regularly complete high intensity exercise classes, however, have never ever been able to run. 10 years ago my asthma became brittle, to the point I was on life support. So to be able to do this now is incredible! I haven’t got the breathing technique down and sometimes have to pause to take my inhaler. Tomorrow is W2R2 and I’m so excited to get up in the morning and do it; there’s something about getting up early in the morning before the world has fully woken up that is so calming.

I can’t wait to finish the programme and run a full 5k!

[OWSER]

I'm a c25k lockdowner too.. I honestly think that this past few weeks has saved my life (well added 10 years to it). I commuted to London (from Stsffordhsire) daily getting up at 5 am and getting home at 8pm no time for anything than numbing the pain with red wine and food. I started c25k at the start on lockdown and could not make 90 seconds... yesterday I completed week 5 run 3..and although I am never going to win speed records I found it OK and could have carried on. With eating better, only drinking wine on a Saturday, sleeping till 8am I have liat 1stone 4lbs, my blood pressure has returned to normal and I feel 20 years younger. The world will never be the same, but I don't want to be the same as I was before

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to OWSER]

Hello OWSER !

Could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[21Polly Graduate]

Hi. Yes - I am a lockdown Couch to 5ker. I started a week into lockdown. I have never ever run further than my house to my car in the rain. I worried about my knees (nothing wrong with them but I still worried)! My kids are all grown but at home and are keep fit mad. They go running most days so I thought I would try it and surprise them when I had done it. However into week 2 and they caught me sneaking out! They have been very supportive. I have 'run' every other day. Not fast but steady. It's a long time since I did any exercise so its all a bit new. I had lost 2 stone before Christmas and hoping this will help keep it off. At 58 I need some new good habits. Started week 6 yesterday so am over the hump but not expecting this to be a downhill victory. Having MJ in my ear is certainly very encouraging. I would hate to disappoint t him so will keep going! Thank you for a great program.

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to 21Polly]

Hi 21Polly !

Could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[sailing89]

Hello, I started c25k this week, just done R2,1 am 66 man with mild hypertension, taking pills, thought this would be a good opportunity to get a bit fitter and help with the blood pressure. Especially as our daughter who is living with us is about to return to work in the local hospital as a health care assistant having returned from working in northern Italy in march.

I am not a natural runner and am going to find c25k hard.

[Diamondshoes Graduate]

I too am a lockdown C25Ker. I have been doing 6 classes each week at the gym but was getting bored and always fancied running but never had the courage and also kept telling myself I am too old (approaching 70). When the gym closed I started to do some yoga and weights at home but really missed the structure of the gym. So C25K was an absolute gift. The first 60 sec run was a nightmare! I couldn't wait for it to be over. Now I'm about to do W5 R3 tomorrow and looking forward to it. I'm very slow (I read about Japanese jogging and it means I can keep going without a stitch or becoming breathless) but I figure if I can get to the end speed will come with experience. I think my inner Mo Farah has been let out!!

[bradders0807 Graduate]

Also just committed to C25K.

I’m 45, a little bit (around a stone) above my fighting weight, and have led a fairly sedentary lifestyle for too long, other than a weekly walk around the golf course.

Diet needs a revamp, also need to cut down on the vino.

I’m doing this to drop the unwanted stone, but mainly to feel better in myself, I see this as a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

I hope this will turn into a long term project beyond 9 weeks and 5k, to go some way to ensuring that I am fitter and healthier in my old age.

I’ll be doing my 2nd run tonight ( just waiting for the surprise monsoon to finish outside), there’s a window between 7 and 8 tonight that I’ll be taking advantage of.

And the way I see it, with an Olympic champion training me, I can’t fail, right?

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to bradders0807]

Hi bradders0807 !

Could you send me a personal message with your email address so we can get in touch and discuss your story further?

Thanks so much,

Saffron

[Firsttimemumrun Graduate]

Hello! I am a new lockdown c25k and I’m just about to head out on run 1 of week 2; so far I’m loving it!

As a mama to a very active 2 year old I decided I needed to find just an hour to myself every other day for my sanity and it’s really helping. I have never been into any sort of fitness really, always over doing it and putting myself off but I’m really (and surprisingly) enjoying this.

It is early days, but I’m hopeful the enjoyment will last and my motivation to become a healthier, fitter mama to my boy will last a lifetime 😊

[SaffronGracePHE Couchto5k Researcher in reply to Firsttimemumrun]

Hi Firsttimemumrun !

Could you send me a personal message with your email address/contact number ASAP? We'd love to chat with you about your story!

Thanks,

Saffron

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

I’m a lockdown C25K er too! I used to do 2-3 classes a week at the gym but as things developed I saw that it probably wasn’t a wise move to be in a class with 50 other people, so I ordered some running shoes just before lockdown. I’ve never run in my life and it was a challenge. I remembered that Carol Kirkwood who is about the same age as me saying that had done it and how it worked. So I downloaded the app and off I went. I thought I was relatively fit but this was a challenge! I completed the infamous week 5 run 3 last week and I did it!! So proud of myself as never thought I would 😊 I’m determined to graduate and keep going after lockdown. It has made me think actually about whether it’s worth paying a gym membership when I can do this and online classes in between. It’s taken me until this week to find a decent pair of wireless headphones that stay on but now I just put my playlist on and away I go. Couldn’t do it without some banging tunes!

[Kharina Graduate]

I'm a lockdown C25K runner, now just done week 6 run 1. I had never liked running before and never thought I would, but with the virus thought I should try and get a bit fitter than I normally would be. My previous attempts at running had just involved going out and trying to run for 15-20 minutes with no gradual building of fitness: I now realise that was a very silly idea! Have found the gradual building up of the C25K programme has meant I'm actually enjoying running as I'm not absolutely exhausted for most of the run. I love being outside and walk a lot already so it feels like doing that but at a slightly faster pace: I'm able to look around me and enjoy being in nature while running. The forum is a great source of support as well.

[davelinks Graduate]

Yes, me and my wife both 65 have recently redone c25k, started just before lockdown started and feel running has helped us through mentally, giving a purpose, especially after my wife had major health problems, with thyroidectomy surgery and tumour removal in 2016 and then a large brain tumour (meningioma) removed in 2017, thankfully, both benign, but very big, then she had recurring problems with knee pain with OA & knee misalignment.. (for her, if it rained it poured!) but now all is well... and we enjoyed C25K..

currently we are consolidating on 30min runs.....

[-Jelly-Tot- Graduate]

Yes I’m a lockdown C25K runner

I’m now working from home and with not doing any exercise I was starting to get sluggish, I teach ballroom dancing around 7 hrs a week normally, I was getting worried I’d loose all my stamina with not doing anything so I tried cycling but I really didn’t enjoy it, so started to look for something else to do.

I’ve never run, well not since school anyway and I’m 50 this year, it’s something I’ve always admired in others, so decided to take up the challenge.

Week 1, I found this tough as having never run and feeling unfit as not done anything for a few weeks, but I did it and felt so proud of my self, I looked forward to week 2 and now the weeks have passed, I’m now on week 8!

At the start I would only run around my village going first thing in the morning so nobody would see me, this week on my Wk8 run I decided to run along the seafront, bracing the fact that people would see me running, and yes I did it and I felt great 👍

I’m now looking forward to completing the challenge and have found a new love for running!

I’d say to anybody thinking about running to give it a go, it’s such a sense of achievement and it makes you feel amazing 😉

[Zeenasteven2017]

I am looking to start this couch to 5k

[FishOutOfWater57 Graduate]

I'm not taking anything for granted until I've actually completed the nine weeks but so far, so good... I'm now in to week 7 so another 8 runs to go

I bought myself a pair of running shoes last year intending to do this but as most of my day then was taken up by work and also swimming 3-4 times a week in the evenings, I had little spare time to take up running as well

As soon as the lockdown hit and I was forced to stop swimming, I knew I needed some other activity in my life to prevent me becoming a couch potato

I started walking at first and while that was enjoyable, it wasn't a test of stamina so those shoes I bought which were just gathering dust came to mind

It must be getting on for 30 years ago that I last did any running ( when I used to play six a side football ) but I decided to give it a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained

The first week and those single minute runs seemed so tough but now I'm still going strong after 25 minutes so fingers crossed in the next couple of weeks it'll be the full 30 minutes

My pace isn't that quick but I guess that's not too much of an issue because the more I run, the quicker I seem to be able to cover the ground. Little by little I'm making progress

I never really believed in my ability to do this... but it seems once lockdown is over and done with I'll be looking to do a park run. Might not be this year but if not hopfully.... when I'm 64!