Wk4 R1 - Dead Chuffed!: After looking ahead to... - Couch to 5K

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Wk4 R1 - Dead Chuffed!

1stTimeRunr profile image
69 Replies

After looking ahead to Wk 3 and scaring myself, I was not going to make the same mistake with Wk 4......but I knew it was going to be a big step up.

After my 3rd ‘rest day’ I could put it off no longer, and I blooming well did it! Dare I say, I almost enjoyed myself!

I know for those further along in the programme this may seem a minor triumph, but for fat old me - it was ah-mazing 🎉

When Laura told me I had run for 16 mins in total and was now running more than I was walking, I actually had a tear in my eye!

It still ain’t pretty, and I’m never going to run like a gazelle, but today I really felt like I had made significant progress.

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1stTimeRunr
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69 Replies
FreedomToRun profile image
FreedomToRunGraduate

Brilliant news!! And I bet you looked and felt great.

Northlondongirl profile image
NorthlondongirlGraduate

Well done! It's brilliant how much we improve each week by just doing what Laura tells us 😉

Workingathome profile image
WorkingathomeGraduate

Congratulations! You’re doing great! Celebrate your triumph and let it spur you on 🎉

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

That’s absolutely wonderful! 😄👏👏👏 Go you!

I never used to look ahead- it was too off putting. I used to set off and let Laura tell me what I was about to do. - Though there was the embarrassing occasion when I exclaimed “What?!” in response to Laura and made a nearby dog walker jump a mile! 😂

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Elfe5

Ha! Laura is my new best friend!

Emcg51 profile image
Emcg51 in reply to Elfe5

I once shouted out loud ‘already?’ when Jo said it was already time for the next run, my son jumped out of his skin! 🤣

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Emcg51

I must admit I dreaded Laura saying there was going to be a second 5 min run, and sure enough, there was!

I run in a secluded area, the public are not ready for me yet! So I can moan away.

Gettingfitslowly profile image
Gettingfitslowly

You should be proud! I'm the same first time runner. Gives us all hope to read your uplifting post! On Thursday I will attempt wk4 run1. X

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Gettingfitslowly

Thank you, just take it steady on Thursday💙

Jasminflower59 profile image
Jasminflower59

Celebrate each little triumph. Its hard but sooo worth it. Pat yourself on the back 👏

Anniejam profile image
Anniejam

Fantastic achievement, you feel proud and quite rightly so. These personal goals show our character and determination to get healthy and to learn to run. Well done you darling! 👊👊👊👊

Em23P profile image
Em23PGraduate

Yay! Well done you! I have just completed my first run of week 3 and was dreading it (I looked ahead like you). I’ll know now not to repeat that mistake next week. It’s so good to know there are others out there in the boat. I bet you’ll be gazelling gracefully before you know it!

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Em23P

Thank you!

Kathleen73 profile image
Kathleen73

Well done. I am stuck on week 3. And afraid of week 4. Now I have read this I may ........ go for it . Thankyou

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Kathleen73

I promise you, if I can do it, you can. Try and not think about it too much. I listen to music and try and distract myself by really focussing on the lyrics - anything is better than worrying about the run itself!

Scw787 profile image
Scw787Graduate

Go you!!! I’m not a natural or graceful runner. More of a plodder should huffs and puffs .... but hey I did it!!!

Praise yourself xxx

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Scw787

Thanks - I am a fellow plodder for sure!

Hollet profile image
Hollet

Well done! I’m also on week 4, and for the first time I actually enjoyed the run. I don’t know about you, but it amazes me that after barely being able to run the 1st week’s runs I can now run for 16 mins! Keep it up! 💪🏻

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Hollet

I think that’s why I got a little emotional yesterday, I could not believe my progression

Well done... I'm on wk 6 and stopped looking forward.. Rather just get on with it 😁 x

Troutfish profile image
Troutfish

Excellent and I bet you felt like a gazelle which is more important than you look 🌸🌸

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Troutfish

I was very proud!

Healthisfun profile image
HealthisfunGraduate

Brilliant, well done, its great hearing what you have achieved at the end xx

AlysP profile image
AlysPGraduate

Brilliant!!!!!! Well done!!!! I am also on week 4-off for my 3rd one today. Not finding it easy as a big hill is involved and it’s tough for me on the flat, never mind going up hill😂😂 . Let’s keep going and crack this thing!! I have signed up to a virtual 5 k which I can do any time- it’s my motivation not to give up. Weight loss so far is zero so today I am also starting to count calories as I am snacking way too much!! Best of luck with the programme X

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to AlysP

Oh a big hill..... that’s a challenge indeed! Amazing achievement for you.

Poca profile image
Poca

Yay well done to you!! and me!! , I did the same run last night as well. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly my breathing recovered after the first 5 min run but glad I didn't push myself too hard as I could definitely feel it on the last 5 min run but really enjoyed it.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Poca

Congratulations! It’s a great feeling

Peggysu profile image
Peggysu

Well done you ... you must be proud of yourself .

I am at the same stage as you ..

And because of my Fibro and overweight I decided to do something positive over the lock down

Keep going and happy running 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

Keep safe 🌈🌈🌈🌈

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Peggysu

Me too, weirdly lockdown was the inspiration I needed.

Some great to hear !! I'm dreading next week and only on week 2 but doing it - xx

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to

Please believe in yourself, you can do it, no matter how long it takes you.

Bloomsbury22 profile image
Bloomsbury22Graduate

Amazing, and so well done! I've just finished W3, and gearing myself up for W4, either starting tomorrow or Friday. Trying to not overthink it and reminding myself how impossible I thought W3 would be, and then it being my best week so far. Remembering back to W1 and how I struggled, I never would have seen me do what I have done in W3. Also just discovered that my evil iPhone has been tracking my running/walking distances without me realising, but checking back, can see the progress, pretty well run by run where I must be getting more confident, and finding my pace, as I really am starting to cover more ground. I am, likewise, never going to be a pretty runner (three surgeries on a badly broken ankle saw to that), but really feel like am doing something in the right direction, and am definitely making some progress. Anyway, again, well done you! This is massively encouraging for me! x

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Bloomsbury22

I’m so pleased it’s encouraging, I wrote as I felt yesterday. It felt like a breakthrough for me.

I still struggle with motivation, I never actually want to do it, but when I do get going I’m determined to keep to every step of the session

Bloomsbury22 profile image
Bloomsbury22Graduate in reply to 1stTimeRunr

We are definitely in the same frame of mind. I never want to do it, but once I am out I am really focussed on one foot in front of the other. And if struggling, I remind myself that have done it before, or distracting myself looking around, and likewise really focussing on the lyrics of the music I am listening to, and reminding myself of how good I will feel after, and that I can do it. Reminding myself of how hard I found W1 and that never thought I could do W3, let alone be so pleased with how I have done it. Bravo! You have really inspired me. I'm just one run after you so going to keep checking back in for inspiration if that is ok? x

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Bloomsbury22

Of course - whatever gets us through this 💙

Dreambird profile image
DreambirdGraduate

That’s so inspiring- so well done you’re doing amazingly well. I’ve just done W2R1 in the rain yesterday and I was so apprehensive but I just did it - as you say it’s not a pretty sight but I’m no runner - I’m just doing this for me and I’m chuffed to bits that I’ve got this far. So long may we continue! We can do it !!

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Dreambird

I now believe I can, so can you!

Gill2000 profile image
Gill2000Graduate

I did Wk4R1 on Monday and completely relate to what you said. I didn’t think I’d manage it tbh. Wk4R2 later today. What got me thru was when Jo said, in the last 5 min run, that carrying on when we don’t think we can is what builds fitness. I know it’s still a short run - but not to me! Well done us!!!

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Gill2000

Quite! To us it’s a marathon!

Bloomsbury22 profile image
Bloomsbury22Graduate in reply to Gill2000

I'm following Jo too, and she really has encouraged me. All her tips about how much she hated running at first, and the tricks she used to keep her going.

Sausagepot55 profile image
Sausagepot55

Oh wow! That is amazing. Well done. I totally get that feeling. I cant believe I'm actually running either. On my Week 3 run 3 tomorrow so got that jump up to week 4 very soon. I hope I will be as triumphant as you

Keep it up we will nail this.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Sausagepot55

Agree, don’t doubt yourself

Cass746 profile image
Cass746Graduate

Amazing well done! I did w4r1 Monday and did r2 today, pace is slower than w3 but I'm just happy I managed to run (snail pace jog).

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Cass746

For sure I am not even thinking about pace, just getting through each session is a massive personal achievement for me.

Cass746 profile image
Cass746Graduate in reply to 1stTimeRunr

Oh gosh yeah me too! I never thought would be able to run 5 mins consecutively. I had a baby in July and never shifted the pregnancy weight so being able to do this is amazing for me

Sausagepot55 profile image
Sausagepot55 in reply to Cass746

Wow, just read your reply. That's amazing after having your baby. Hope you are still enjoying it.

I've just done week 5 run 2 and loved it. Cant wait for Monday to try the 20 mins all in one go run!

Cass746 profile image
Cass746Graduate in reply to Sausagepot55

I did the 20 mins on friday, it was so difficult but you feel great afterwards, I just kept telling myself one foot in front of the other. Good luck for Monday xx

JarLo profile image
JarLoGraduate

Isn’t it a revelation? You are actually achieving what seemed near on impossible a few weeks ago. You should definitely feel proud! A bit of advice from me is set a target further down the line, for example W5R3, and treat yourself when you achieve it. A new pair of running shoes, an indulgent food treat, a movie and glass of wine. Whatever it is, deny yourself of it until you have hit your target. Celebrating your success is as important as achieving it so go treat yourself.

Well done in getting this far and good luck for the rest of the programme 🙌🏽

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to JarLo

Thank you for the advice. Proper running shoes are looking more attractive with each run!

JarLo profile image
JarLoGraduate in reply to 1stTimeRunr

I actually set myself a target at W5R3 of new running shoes. Spent more than I would normally do too but the difference they have made is remarkable. I have over pronation so my ankles roll in and this causes all sorts of problems. Got some Asics that are designed with the required support and they have been a revelation. I would definitely advise anyone to go onto a website of a reputable brand like Asics, brooks etc and fill in the questionnaire about running styles which then advises which shoes best suit your needs. Even if you then shop around to find them at a better price it’s very much worth getting the right shoe. Both my Mrs and I have benefitted massively by getting the right shoes for our running gaits.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to JarLo

Oh interesting, thank you. I was wondering how I was going to find the right shoes when the shops are closed! I’ll follow your advice.

Bloomsbury22 profile image
Bloomsbury22Graduate in reply to JarLo

Completely agree with setting up treats. I told myself I could get some new leggings but only if earned them by committing to actually doing this and first three weeks. New leggings arrived and on to W4!

Sausagepot55 profile image
Sausagepot55 in reply to JarLo

Thanks Jarlo, I appreciate your encouragement

Torkyfinlay profile image
Torkyfinlay

That's great, I've not managed that yet

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Torkyfinlay

You absolutely will, do not put too much pressure on yourself, just leaving the house and starting that first walk is a huge achievement

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate

Well done, 1stTimeRunr. Such a great post too. Keep on running! 😎

Solodad profile image
SolodadGraduate

Well done. Being told that feels great. Felt unbelievable to me and I was chuffed too. I'm chuffed to pieces and proud of myself after every run as I've never stuck at anything physical before. Pat yourself on the back and be proud.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Solodad

Thank you, there’s a long way to go yet, but like you after each run, I’m just so surprised at myself!

Mowtown2020 profile image
Mowtown2020

Well done and it is helpful . For every person ahead of you there are probably quite a m out of ya behind you ! I am only at week2 and run will be 2 today! So your post helps me a lot

Thank you 👋👋👋🙏🙏

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Mowtown2020

Thank you, I never thought I would get this far (and it’s only W4!) and I know there is a hell of a mountain still to come.

Do not put pressure on your self, just do the best you can each run

Twinklestarr profile image
Twinklestarr

I love that!🥳🙌 Well done you. I feel happy for you. Im on wk3R2 and dare I say it, I’m looking forward to it! I do have two rest days between & yes I added a third over the weekend before I started wk3 as I was dubious. But I loved it. 🥳🏃🏽‍♀️😂

Hoorah for us, Fat, old, wobbly knees or not. Yay us!🎈🙌

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Twinklestarr

Everything about this is me! 2 wonderful runners, well slow joggers😂

Blueboy100 profile image
Blueboy100

Great job! I could have written this post myself. I’m on W4 as well and finding it tougher. I’ve put off R3 for 3 days, but dammit I am going out shortly.... thanks for the inspiration.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Blueboy100

Every time I dread doing it, I put it off and find excuses, but eventually I get my ass into gear and get out, I then find myself not wanting to ‘fail’ by by not completing the session. Motivation really is the challenge for me

Ecsims86 profile image
Ecsims86

Yay! Well done you 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Runnermagnolia profile image
RunnermagnoliaGraduate

I know. I was dreading 5 mins but actually I find the first short stint of the runs the hardest. It feels like towards the end of the 5 min bits my heart catches up.

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Runnermagnolia

Yes, I keep telling myself to slow down and ‘save myself’ for later in the session

Shellygall profile image
Shellygall

Wow, well done you, that's great. I'm nearly dying doing week 3 and you go and tell me week 4 is 16 mins running, oh dear! 🙈😊

1stTimeRunr profile image
1stTimeRunr in reply to Shellygall

I promise you, it will be ok, I am 53, I have no idea what I weigh and I had never run until I started C25K, but even I managed it. Jog as slowly and as lightly as you need to and focus on anything else apart from the running, if you listen to music while you run, try really listening to the lyrics. You will have your walking to regroup between each run. Good luck and believe in yourself

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