Couch to 5k

It took me two attempts but I completed Week 1, Run 1 yesterday.

I know it’s nowt but I had to tell somebody and I’m not telling anyone in real life as they’ll start the whole ‘are you going to do a 5k?’ (Definitely not), ‘do you want to go running tonight/tomorrow/whenever (no because I ‘run’ slower than a snail), ‘you should do X, Y, Z’ (again, no).

I have never ran further than a couple of steps in my adult life, I simply cannot do it. I’ve done dance for years so it’s not a fitness thing, I don’t think. I just can’t breathe during it and I get intense chest pains within about 45 seconds and feel like something is in my throat. I did only find out yesterday that you’re not supposed to breathe only through your nose when running so that might help!

I went too fast on Monday and also got large blisters on both feet so only did halfway and hobbled home. Yesterday, I put plasters on and gave it another go. It absolutely pissed it down for the whole time, proper torrential stuff but that just made it funny and surreal. Me, outside, in the rain, ‘running’.

I have no goal in mind, I may or may not keep going but I’m just pleased and surprised that I actually managed to go for a ‘run’ and completed something, even if it is only day one.

 

Well done JD. I tried it a few years ago, was going great and then a back problem I had surgery for reappeared and my back went 2.5 miles in had to pretty much crawl home. Never attempted again, recently started cycling again so going to stick with that

 

Good for you. You keep at it.

 

Cycling sounds much more fun to be fair. I used to love it as a teen but it’s another thing I’ve not done as an adult.

 

Brill!

 

Always cycled but again gave it up after the surgery, decided to start running(up at 5am so nobody could see me) and just started going round the school field then once I got braver which was week 3 hit the streets and then that's when the back went again.

Cyclings great apart from getting over taken by people on ebikes lol.

 

Well done you! I've done C25K a couple of times. Like you, no desire to go and do any 'organised' 5k runs, but I can absolutely recommend doing some parkruns. They're great people, there's no running-snobbery or judgement on your abilities or gear. Some folk walk round, others push prams or 'run' with their dogs. Honestly, they're really great fun.

 

BBS is not real life ……………………………

 

Good for you.

No shame in not running and I would suggest just walking with purpose or at pace is just as good initially. Once that becomes easier then add weight and you'll still get the same 'workout'. Ultimately, just move and don't worry about others opinions or advice - it's your body and do what you think is best for you.

 

You know what I mean!

 

Congrats. That pain in your chest will 100% go away, it's habit & body adapting to it. You'll be fine.

 

My wife did the couch to 5k about 4 years ago and two years ago this October did a sub 4 hour London Marathon.
Stick at it, the sky is the limit!

 

That would be the dream. It’s my entire motivation as it’s quite scary when it happens so I appreciate that comment a lot!

 

I had a go but failed at the first requirement. I don't own a couch.

 

I was the exact same as you. Huge psychological barrier to it, but I stuck at it and ultimately started enjoying it. It always hurts, you just get quicker & then the 'pain' is balanced with the endorphins & the feeling of achievement. Build your confidence & then I would 1000000000% recommend joining a running club - you would be amazed how supportive & lovely people are in helping and that drives some accountability.

 

I can’t recommend swimming highly enough for starting out and then continuing any level of fitness regime or just leisurely sessions. No strain on muscles and joints. It’s the one thing I’ve kept going post- Covid.

 

About 20 years ago now I went through the whole "god I'm unfit" thing and decided to start jogging. First time out I was collapsed at the side of the road about 300m away from home trying not to throw up. Made the mistake of going too fast

Second time I did 1km. By 2007 or so, I was running every lunchtime from work and could do 12 miles through the hilly parts of Sheffield in just over 90 minutes (Friday was a long lunch )

Unfortunately, cumulative injuries stopped me about 10 years ago and despite a couple of attempts to restart I've never really got back to it. Although I do generally walk a minimum of 4-5 miles every day.

And another recommendation for ParkRun. I've only heard good things. From the 2-3 10Ks I did, they were also really supportive and good fun - but the Huddersfield 10k was really hard too

 

Did a week of it and enjoyed it but my back wouldn't put up with it

 

Well done!!
Easy to say you won't get hooked, as anything sporty it is easy to suddenly get the bug.
I got into cycling with the intention of cycling to Silsden and back (15 miles) a couple of times a week, and before I knew it I had hundreds of £££s of bikes and lycra and was doing crazy 100 mile sportives every weekend.

Good luck, whatever you decide.


(Assuming you still work at the place we once spoke of, there are two great Saturday parkruns a mile or so in either direction. As Micky says, no snobbery, great social and timescales of 20 minutes to 1 hr 20 mins. Nobody judges).

 

I thought you were talking about the controversial phone connection.?
Then it got REALLY scary..