Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

[Alexa]

I have got right out of the habit of running but want to get back into it. Other forms of cardio are good, but there is just something about running that seems right to me - even though I am s-l-o-w!

So I'm starting the relatively painless Couch to 5k programme again (which gets a beginner to 3 miles in 2 months) and would love some companions.

There used to be a thread like this but I think the runners have either got better and don't need it, or moved on.

This isn't a challenge, just a discussion/motivation thread

Here is the programme: Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Bump, you know you wanna

[EmDee]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

hey Alexa ~ yeah, I wanna! I started this program on Sunday!

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Hi EmDee,

Yay! Not just me talking to myself in here

How are you finding it? Have you ever done it before?

[EmDee]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

No, I've hardly even ever run before, LOL. I guess if someone was chasing me...

I am off to a slow start ~ I have had some lower back pain that i think is being caused by the running...I am trying to sort out whether it is that or just that TOM.

how about you?

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Sorry to hear about the back pain. Hope it is not the running! Are you stretching before and after the run? There are some on cool runnings: Cool Running :: Stay Loose: Stretches for Runners

Also it might be your shoes? Make sure yours are supportive and not too old. I get mine fitted at a specialist running shop and they really help you find one that suits you.

I started running about 5 years ago, and was so slow and out of breath I thought I'd die. I did a plan like Couch to 5k then and really loved it. However, since fallen out of love with it and have been doing anything but!

I have run 4 or 5 5k race which were really hard but fun. I am not a natural runner in terms of speed, but when I put in the practice I can keep a steady pace.

This time round I have done Week 1 days 1 and 2. Were hard! I'm pretty unfit right now...boo.

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

EmDee - how's it going? Any answers to why experiencing pain?

-----

I have completed week 1 yay! Also done the first session of Week 2. Found it SO SO hard - I cannot believe how much harder it is than last time I did this! Had major DOMs tho, so maybe was that.

Session 2 planned to tommorrow.

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Week 2 day 2 done. Phew, still finding it hard, but it got done.

[lulu08]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

I will join! Im not doing the actual couch program, but pretty close, Im trying to improve my stamina for my 2nd 5k on the 26th, lets help eachother!

[EmDee]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

hey Alexa ~ you are doing great, gal! WTG!!

I decided to backburner this effort....not off the stove entirely, but the lower back pain was much more than I bargained for. I'm hoping that when I drop another 10 lbs, I might see some improvement. If not, then I will be seeking some professional assessment.

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Lulu08 - welcome! Great to have you with us? How are you training for the 26th?

EmDee - really hope you recover soon and can get back to running. I used ot have really terrible back pain (when at heaviest weight). I found gentle exercise, core exercises form a physio and acupunture really useful. Yogalates was good for gentle core work.

[lulu08]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

ugh , not as well as I need to thats for sure! I run about 3 miles three days a week, but Im not to the point of running without slowing down to walk, and im so annoyed by it, so I just keep at it, hopefully I get better with each time and slowly increase my stamina. I am sure as more weight comes off it will get easier.

[ShannonK]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

I love this thread. I have been wanting to do this program for some time now. I keep starting and then, well, stopping. Ha Ha

No more. I am gonna do it. I have every excuse in the book. Luckily, I commute on a bike every day almost 14 miles round trip. It is very good exercise so my cardio is decent. But, not good enough, you know. I get very leisurely sometimes on that bike!!

I am excited to start this program. Any tips?

[Alexa]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

Lulu - 3 miles 3 times a week is amazing! That is like my goal. That would be enough for me for sure - I don't really want to be a runner as much as I need the cardio benefits it brings for other stuff I need to do! If you are struggling to add miles there are various plans out there for beyond the 5k (which is 3.1miles I think). I'll hunt one out for you.

Shannonk - glad to have you with us. I have started this plan so many times in the last year and I've enver finished it. Tip-wise I would say make sure you have good shoes and a good supportive sports bra. I love enell. Also if you find a week really tough, and really struggle, there is no harm in repeating that week. Also stretch before and after and hold each stretch afterwards for 30 seconds. The cool running site has stretches listed. Also I know what you mean about biking - it's just not the same for me.

Well week 2 is done it was surprisingly tough at first, but the last one not too bad so I'm on to week 3. This has 3 min running segments. This scares me! I can't believe I used to be able to run for 45 minutes - where did she go?? ANyway, I can do it again, starting slowly. So I'm doing week3 day 1 today and I'll let you know how I go!

[EmDee]

Re: Couch to 5k - calling new/lapsed runners!

go Alexa, go!!