Yesterday I was quietly confident I could do this, a big “mind” change for me. Today at first I was doing the delaying things, went an hour later than planned and DID IT!! Even not feeling self conscious when other people are around! It feels REALLY GOOD to have achieved this, 4 weeks have flown by. My legs and ankles feel a bit tired now though, but 2 days to rest and recover before week 5. I am avidly reading posts to get prepared for it! Thank you all who post 👏
Week 4 completed!! Unbelievable: Yesterday I was... - Couch to 5K
Week 4 completed!! Unbelievable
HennieR62Graduate
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HennieR62
Graduate
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RUNDMC1Graduate
Well done to you, I’ve just completed week 5, mighty proud of myself! Good luck, you can do it!!
UnfitNoMoreGraduate
Look at you go... this is wonderful to read, your mentality is good and you’re knocking the runs down. Enjoy those rest days, they’re well earned... and then the amazing week 5.
Thank you so much x
DreambirdGraduate
Well done - you can do this 🏃🏼♀️🥳😅
Joeys86Graduate
Amazing stuff. Well done! I’ve got the final run of week 4 tomorrow, then rest Sunday and start W5 on Monday! Hoping to get tomorrows run done nice and early, however its my day off so might struggle to be out as early as I am on work days. All the best for Monday 😊
How did you get on? Are you running again today? I’ve just done day 1 of w5, challenging as ever but not too bad! Finishing is the best part😂😂
Yes I did 😊. I was up and out for 7:30am. Actually didnt find it too bad at all, especially the final bit of it. Looking forward to the next run, but not R3 😂
Go us!!
Yes definitely. Well done you for earlier! How do you feel about the rest of the week?
I’m working on maintaining that quiet confidence thing! I/we know we can run for 5 minutes now. The first run was hard, I think I need more than the 5 minute walk to warm up so I’ve joined the strength and flex community for ideas. Run2 looks manageable I think. I’m quite excited at the thought of trying run 3, it will be a real challenge, and who knows, it may go pear shaped! Slowing down has been a real learning for me over the past few weeks, so that will be my focus - go slow!! 😊 So quite positive really 👍
Morning! Did you get R2 done today? I actually found it really good ☺️
Yes! Just done it!! I was quite late today due to domestic issues of the-Internet-gone-down variety. But I was more anxious about NEED TO DO MY RUN!!! 😂😂😂 I found it fine too, I think I could have done a few more minutes which is encouraging for Friday. Also I found a comfortable pace a little faster than my usual slow jog. This programme is full of surprises. Go us!! 👏Check in again on Friday??!!
Well done! And great that you picked up the pace a little. I wasn’t brave enough for that. Yes definitely catch up on Friday ☺️
Though a real runner overtook at one point and I felt I was going backwards😂 speed is relative. 😀
And will done you too!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏
Did you do it?
Yes!!! Just finished the warm down and here I am again with a big glass of water to celebrate!! Did you? How was it? Have to say I am SO chuffed!!
Yep!! I’m so happy. I had been checking the weather all day yesterday as really didn’t fancy running in the rain. Was out the door at 7:20 and it was beautiful. I actually loved it and am beyond happy to of done it. Struggled with the 60 sec runs in week 1, can’t believe I enjoyed 20mins today! Well done to you 🥳
Well done YOU too 👏👏👏👏 Your early starts are impressive too! I was also looking at the weather, pleased to have avoided the deluge that’s forecast for later. I really enjoyed it too, the last few minutes were a challenge but just kept going. Week 6 on Monday. Wow!! Have a lovely weekend!
You too 😊
Morning! Starting week 6 today? I saw a few posts on here about people finding it tougher than the 20min run and I have to say I agree! I was desperate for it to end 😂. I was out at 7:30 again and so glad I did! It was boiling already then! How did you do?
Hello !! and yes I did start w6 😁 I’d almost spooked myself reading other posts, but it’s reassuring to know it’s a common thing to find it tough going! Why is that??? Also I got too hot, wrong t shirt as I thought it would be cooler. I’m going to have to get out earlier..... ☀️ But weirdly I’m already looking forward to run 2! Go us!!
Thats why I like to go early, to try and avoid the heat, usually works! Definitely looking forward to run 2 ☺️ catch up Wednesday?
Have you done r2? How did you get on? I found it quite tough but did it. 😅 Maybe getting over confident! Over the rest days I was thinking ahead to maybe I’ll be able to do park runs when they start again, never felt fit enough over the last few years. I downloaded mapmyrun to see how far I’m actually going and it’s over 4k, and 7 min 42 per km so I’m hoping when the magic 5k is achieved it will be in under 3 hours😀😀
Wow thats brilliant. Well done you! I’m much slower 😂. Yes I did the run this morning. It definitely was tough. I think its the interval that makes it tougher, but thats the last of those now! I was also thinking about Parkrun, I’ve always felt envious of others doing it. Good luck for Friday!
Well done you too! I agree re the interval, it’s quite hard to start again after a walk. Also I may have set off too fast .... in fact, definitely did!
Good luck forFriday too! 🤞I can’t believe that’s w6 nearly done!!!
Good luck for this morning! I’ve had to give it a miss 😢 jumped out of bed ready to get running, looked out the window, it was absolutely tipping it down! A little light rain I could manage, but this was something else - I’d of drowned 😂. Taking an extra rest day and going tomorrow instead! Let me know how you get on ☺️
Oh no! 😒 but a sensible decision I imagine. Thank you, I’ll be out soon as it’s dry here and will report back . It was massive rain yesterday and I did think it would be disappointing if it was a run day. 🌧
Typical, it’s stopped raining as soon as I started work 🙄. Enjoy your run 😊
Doh! That is bad luck. Do I say have a good day at work?? I did it! Sanjeev now says I’m a runner! It truly wasn’t that bad, it takes me 7-8 minutes at least to get into a comfortable rhythm (pace is perhaps ambitious!) so running continuously felt oddly better than the intervals. I knew when I’d reached 20 minutes, it’s that extra bit that’s the harder work. I look forward to your report tomorrow !! 😊🤞☀️😊
Brilliant stuff, well done! I’ll let you know how I do tomorrow ☺️ have a good day!
Run done! Feeling super chuffed and looking forward to next week already. I agree about it taking a while to get into a comfortable rhythm. Pleased to say I actually over took a few walkers today 😂 which is unusual for me! I’m going to get my gait analysis done next weekend so hopefully some proper running shoes will help me feel more comfortable. Onwards now to week 7, the end is in sight! Have a great weekend ☺️
Fantastic! Well done and the overtaking! It’s good to know we’re both continuing to week 7. Will you start on Monday or have the 2 days rest? I’ve also been looking at arranging a gait analysis, I think splashing out on proper running shoes is allowed now that we are officially RUNNERS. Just amazing - I was smiling all day. Have a great weekend too 😊
Yes going to go on Monday! I must say when Laura said I was a runner, I could of cried. Speak Monday 😊
Week 7 run 1 done! I actually found that one quite challenging. I realised after I didnt even have a drink before I left the house 😳 so no wonder it was difficult! But that feeling at the end is like nothing else 😊 how did you get on?
Hello! Yes, w7r1 all done and yes challenging, especially the last 5 minutes. (Think I said that on Friday too!!) At the half way mark, I thought, come on, the app must have stopped at some point 😅. Finishing the run is fantastic, the sense of achievement and overcoming the “can’t do it” voice is amazing. It’s quite hot out there already, I “hydrated “ the wrong way, 2 cups of coffee before going out - bad bad bad. Making up for it with water now 😂 All go for Wednesday!!
Haha same. I had my phone in my hand today which was a mistake, usually have it on an arm band. I think that made it feel a lot harder as I kept looking at it to see how long I had to go! Can’t believe its week 7. Catch up Wednesday 😊
W7R2 done! Wow its a hot one already today 😅. Tried to get out a little earlier than usual but it was still absolutely boiling. The heat made it harder I think. I was pleased to have a little wind to run into on my way back. Good luck for yours 💪🏼☺️
Thank you and well done us! W7r2 and now 3x 25 minute runs completed!! I was really looking forward to this one, new shoes to try out! I went out at 7am (a lot earlier than usual!) to avoid the heat, but still hot! The last 5 minutes still challenging, but possibly more do-able than Monday. I tell myself I’m getting stronger..... I think I enjoyed it - will test that one out on Friday🤣
Great stuff. How did you find being out earlier? How were the new shoes? I’m hoping to get some on Saturday. 3x25 mins run, unbelievable really considering how difficult the start was!
Earlier is better, I do enjoy mornings just need to get my act together a bit better. Maybe going earlier will be my next goal - stop faffing about! 😃 Along with: varying the route - I’m still on the same track as w1 as I thought I’d notice progress better. It is amazing to me that the runs are now continuous, no walking, such an achievement already! A couple of runners went by and I’m learning the protocol, raise a hand slightly to wave! 🤚Shoes are great, Brooks Ghost. I’d bought Nike trainers in a sale to start, and the new shoes are better cushioned. Also went up a full size. So can’t stop running now after buying them! I was lucky to find an independent shop not too far away that has reopened. Hope you find some! 2 more days and we’ll have finished w7!!👍
Week 7 done! Wow, that was a real mental battle this morning. I got back in bed twice before talking myself into going. It was a tough one, suuuuuper slow but glad I did it. I read a post on here where someone said if they havent got the motivation to run they put on their running gear and go for a walk, then pretty much always start the run. I did that - once I was out the door I was feeling good! Can’t believe its been 4 lots of 25 mins now. Onwards to week 8... the end is almost in sight! Let me know how you get on 😊
Hi. Glass of water time again! I’m actually emotional today, week 7 done!! Totally amazing. Well done you getting out there, that's a really good tip thatI’ll keep in mind. I felt tired, I think from the heat this week. Up to now the last 5 minutes have been hard, today it was the first 20😊 But have to say I felt stronger at the end of the (slow) run. There’s been no rain here so it’s still quite hot out, don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much😂 Roll on next week. Week 8! Have a lovely weekend 👍
It was definitely a hot one! Have today off but got out there early again to avoid the heat ... then it clouded over and been cool ever since I got back 🤦🏻♀️ so my timing was off. You have a great weekend too ☺️
Thank you. Hope you find some good running shoes 👟🤞Still no rain here …
Morning! Hope you had a nice weekend. W8R1 done. Wow, another tough one. Mainly because of the wind - I run at the beach at it was so strong this morning on the first half of my run, I could barely hear my music 😂. But feeling good to now be up to 28mins! Let me know how you do ☺️
Morning! I feel so good too , 28 minutes! Wow! The last 5 minutes challenging again - but my thighs are just complaining now rather than screaming to stop 😀 I run along a river estuary, there was definitely more of a headwind on the first half but not as strong as you have had. Appreciated it on the way home 😀 I had this mad goal to run to the bakery in the next village by the half way bell, and today went right past it. Distance is definitely improving. I’ve read posts that say distance and speed improve as you do more. Seems to be true!!
Amazing stuff. This program is mad really when you think about it, genuinely struggled the first couple of weeks! Now we only have 5 runs left 😱. Have a good day ☺️
Me too. I didn’t tell anyone I was trying this until week 4 as I didn’t think I’d be able to do it! I can hardly believe the end is in sight - but then it’s the beginning of the consolidation runs, isn’t it?? Have a good day too, catch up Wednesday 😁👏👏
Morning! Did you do w8r2? I went out as soon as I possibly could today, my legs were like lead yesterday and I kept thinking, should I have an extra rest day? So just went out before succumbing to the excuses, as you said, can always walk, did it, and actually feel better! It was great being out in the fresh air. I’m hoping the leg aches are a sign of muscle developing rather than anything to worry about 😊🤣
Morning! Yes I did it this morning. It was a bit of a shambles 😂. Decided to do a different route and go back to the roads I started on with week 1. Of course I can go much further now so got a little confused - thought I’d found a path leading down to the seafront. Nope, it was LOADS of steps. This was at about 13 minutes. So I went down them but I’m not great with heights so couldnt jog down them. Then it did take me out to the seafront but it was, again, so windy! And I was running into the wind, which was hard. Up until those steps I was on my best pace yet. But like always, I feel great now its done! Looking forward to finishing w8 on Friday. I must say also I love being able to come back to this thread and check in with you each time. Definitely gives extra motivation to go! ☺️
Thank you. Me too. It’s hugely motivating checking in, certainly helped get me out today. I’m starting to think of finishing the programme ( it is really possible!!!!!), when to vary the route etc so well done you giving it a go. Lovely smells from the bakery this morning, and I didn’t stop to buy anything😊 I’ve run past it twice now!
Good morning. R3 done. Wow, I really enjoyed that. My watch told me it was my best run to date too ☺️. Another windy run along the seafront. Can you believe that all being well, this time next week we will be doing our graduation runs!
Morning! Yes w8 all done! I enjoyed it too, felt more comfortable than r1. Amazing!! I say that every week though 😄 Well done us!! It was a bit breezier here too. I’ve been using MapMyRun and she gives split times, they are improving too, without me even thinking about it. I am SOO looking forward to next week, it seemed an impossible journey 8 weeks so. Nearly there!! 👍🤞
Totally agree. When I started I thought I might get to week 4 and then give up. I’m so happy to be this far AND enjoying it! Have a lovely weekend 😊
You too. I’m enjoying it too and will be smiling all day today! 😊
Morning! Cannot believe we are on week 9. I found this mornings run quite hard. I think I sped off a bit too much at the start so got tired much quicker than usual. But I did it - 30 minutes in the bag. Only 2 to go!
Well done! And extra “well done” as you got through the challenge of finding it hard. 👏 I think it’s the 2 rest days - I was so happy to be out running again, off I went like a runner out of the blocks! For about 10metres then remembered to slow down to the usual jog😊 It was into a headwind for the last 10 minutes - not fun. My legs are back to normal after last week, that was a lesson in not pushing it too much. It was back to feeling challenged, but do-able. I so enjoyed it. Yes- 2 more runs. SO CLOSE!!!! 🤞🤞🤞🤞
I just saw your other post about your legs. Glad thats eased up for you. I’ve got to remember on Wednesday - slooooow down. Pace increase will come in time. Have a lovely day 😊
Thank you. You're right - it's so important to slow down!! Be a tortoise!! The distance is improving as if by magic: I started using Mapmyrun a couple of weeks ago, two weeks ago I was covering 4.1k including the walking, today I recorded only the run and it was 4.6k. I'm rather surprised - and happy - with that!!
Wow, thats absolutely fantastic. You’ll be smashing the 5K in absolutely no time ☺️
Morning. Run 2 done this morning. I was out at 6:45 to try and avoid the rain. A good run done, only one more to go! Enjoy your run ☺️
Hello! I went earlier, had to dive straight into some work when I got home. I enjoyed the run, didn’t go quite so far today as I was more tired than on Monday so deliberately slower. That’s my big learning, to go slower. It works! Also I was mentally relaxed before going out, the anxiety and doubts of the first 6 weeks has gone - for good, I hope. We can do this!! I was thinking I should try and run at the same time as you on Friday for our last run ... but 6:45 may be pushing it for me 😂😂 though it looks like being hot here and earlier will definitely be better. Have a good day. Friday. Last one!!! Can’t believe it! 😊😊
Well done in the run. Slow and steady is definitely best. Great to hear you felt more relaxed. I always struggle with sleeping before a run - it was because I was nervous, now I feel keen to get it done! Haha yeah 6:45 was definitely early! Usually I go at 7:30 but I woke up at 6:15 and checked the weather, it said rain was due at 7:20 so thought I’d just get up and go! That would be good for Friday - I’ll probably go at 7:30 😊
I’ll set the alarm to extra-loud!!
Cant wait to hear how you got on ☺️ I thought my graduation warranted its own post 😂
HennieR62Graduate
Thank you! Enjoy your run tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing you’ve done it, maybe even enjoyed it 😊 Week 5 on Monday 🤞
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