Starting... Slowly!: Well, I've bought some... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Starting... Slowly!

Blessingway profile image
28 Replies

Well, I've bought some running shoes and some sportswear that I look absolutely ridiculous in so a start has been made! Just waiting for the temperature to get above zero and I'll be away.

I'm hoping to increase my stamina, core strength and general fitness as well as tone up a little so wish me luck!

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Blessingway profile image
Blessingway
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28 Replies
genevan profile image
genevanGraduate

Good luck! Follow the programme, repeat runs as necessary, and you will amaze yourself! As for temperature .... grab an extra layer of clothes and get out there!

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to genevan

Thank you! I took the plunge today - it was fab! (And I rocked the DayGlo!)

nativestar profile image
nativestarGraduate

Why wait? The sooner you get started the sooner you'll see those changes you want. The first step is the hardest, just dress warmly and go for it! Good luck!

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to nativestar

Thank you - I did it!

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55

Welcome and good luck. Just take it easy and you'll be fine. Cold weather is good for running, I prefer it to heat, as you don't overheat so much. Just ensure you are warm when you first set off.

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to AnnieW55

I did it! Thanks for your encouragement!

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

If it's icy, waiting is perhaps sensible, but if just cold, why not just get out and try it!

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to greenlegs

Thank you! I did it!

Norni profile image
NorniGraduate

Good luck, I'm sure you. Will enjoy it and get addicted in a good way.

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate

Everyone is different but you if you're like me, once you set off you'll not feel the cold. I only need a pair of gloves and a hat, plus a couple of t-shirts (layers is the key) and a light jacket and I'm not remotely cold.

Yet if I was heading out dressed like that and not running, I'd be feckin' freezing in that get up.

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to Fingalo

Thank you! I took the plunge today - it was amazing!

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate

WELCOME and GOOD LUCK! :-) Layers rule when it comes to running in the cold. Just make sure its not cotton fabric. If you look ridiculous, then you will be just fine. Anything goes as a runner, usually the brighter and tighter, the better! I never dreamed I would be out and about wearing my colorful tops and skin tight - running tights at the age of 49.5! :-) Go for it!!!! Gayle

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate in reply to gdeann

Oi you!

Leave my cotton tops alone....

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate in reply to Fingalo

Fingalo :-) once you're into the longer runs, you'll love the self wicking fabric. No chafing and fabric clinging to you!!!! :-)

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate in reply to gdeann

Self what????

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate in reply to Fingalo

Here in the States we call it self wicking fabric. It is fabric that wicks away the moisture from your skin preventing chafing, blisters etc. We started out wearing cotton in the summer months and soon switched to something that wicks away the moisture compared to cotton clinging on the skin. The socks are great too!

Fingalo profile image
FingaloGraduate in reply to gdeann

Oh right. I'll check it out. Thanks.

Treborstone profile image
TreborstoneGraduate in reply to Fingalo

Look for man made fibres and they will prabably advertise there wicking ability. They needn't cost a lot but they do seem to make life more comfortable in the cool off period especially.

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to gdeann

Thank you! I took the plunge today - it was fab! (And I rocked the DayGlo!)

Ribena profile image
Ribena

This morning and Tuesday I've been running in a technical long sleeved top, a cycle jacket type thing (thin and reflective) and a hat. No gloves, no neck warmer :(

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to Ribena

Thank you! I did it in the snow!

rolphie2 profile image
rolphie2Graduate

Welcome to the programme you will be fine, when I first started I ran early in the morning so none would see me in my ridiculous clothing, however now I don't care am just happy to be running:-D Good luck with your first run, you can do it:-)

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to rolphie2

I did it! Thanks for your encouragement!

skf28 profile image
skf28Graduate

hello and welcome :-)

Like the others i'd encourage you to get out and give it a whirl as long as it's not icy. Keep a brisk pace on the walking and you'll soon warm up.

I normally wear long gym trousers, a 'technical' long sleeved top over a technical t-shirt with a lightweight jacket on top. Thick gloves which come off half way through even when it's v cold out and a hat or a Buff (tube of material that I wear like a headband to cover my ears and keep them warm). If you think you look ridiculous you haven't seen me :-) but it sounds like we're all part of a fabulous 'riduclous looking runners club' so Hooray for that :-)

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to skf28

Thank you! I took the plunge today - it was fab! (And I rocked the DayGlo!)

caj62 profile image
caj62Graduate

Ridiculous looking runners of the world unite! You will see plenty of us as you run. Good luck with Couch to 5k. Follow the plan, repeat runs if you need to, know that some runs don't feel as good as others and you will be fine. You might even enjoy it! Like the others have said, cold is good, ice is not so don't go if it's icy. GOOD LUCK!

Blessingway profile image
Blessingway in reply to caj62

Thank you! I took the plunge today - it was fab! (And I rocked the DayGlo!)

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

Brilliant that you enjoyed it, despite the snow. I went out today, but didn't do my full run, as most of the route was pretty slippy, but walking in snow was pretty good exercise anyway.

The new you is on the way!

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