Couch 2 5K! First run!

Well done! Everyone starts somewhere. I haven't done the couch to 5k to but I start by running 5k's. I love the freedom of running. It's free (after buying trainers and sports clothes) you can do it anywhere and at any time. Keep us updated with how you get on.

Well done. Getting started was the hardest part for me when i did it, but i enjoyed it when I got going.

Well done!! I did W6R1 yesterday, and have r2 scheduled for tomorrow.

It's amazing the progress you make and I feel such a sense of accomplishment when I complete a run.

I started last week but with one thing or another I only managed 1 go. So am repeating week 1 this week.

I found it wasn't as bad as I thought, in the end I think we were out for about 45 mins, did the 25 mins then walked the rest of the way home. It certainly hasn't put me off going again. Luckily my H is doing it with me otherwise I think I wouldn't do it

I'm doing this! Have done the first 3 runs. I'm not a natural runner, but I feel like I am getting into it and already feel a difference from the first run to the third. I either go with my OH or FSIL who are both fitter than me so I do slow them down but I feel good for doing it!

Good luck with it!

W6R2 done today - that's the last of the intervals, sold 22 mins and up runs now, which I feel surprisingly okay about!

I followed it a few years ago having not run since I was at school (20 years ago!!) and I think that it is a great plan. I was terrified at the prospect of doing the first 8 minute run and then the first 20 minute run but I managed it. I was surprised at how much I'd progressed as a few weeks earlier I struggled with running for a minute.

My sister started it last week and said that she already feels an improvement.

Good luck!

I wouldn't call walking uphill cheating - uphill is tough! Very tough, I had to change my route so I now avoid hills.

With regards to pace, my dog is pacemaker! We run together and he really does motivate me and helps me keep a steady fast jog pace.

What is this Muppet?

It means Week 6 Run 1 of the program!

You want to run at a pace where you can still hold a conversation. If you are struggling for breath when trying to talk then you are almost certainly going too fast to be able to maintain it for any length of time.

Also, there's no shame in walking up hills if you need to. Hills are tough unless you specifically train for them, I know marathoners who still walk up hills. As long as you keep going then that's all that really matters no matter how slow you think you are.

Well done to everyone doing C25K. I did it a few years ago and as cheesy as it sounds it completely changed my life. I hated sports at school but now I really enjoy getting out for a run 4/5 times a week and I go to parkrun every Saturday morning.

Well I managed a run last night. It's only the second time I've been out but it was ok, I'm actually surprising myself how much I'm not hating it

I started this before Xmas and got up to week two. I then had a break from the gym so started back on week one yesterday and it wasn't too hard. Back again tonight as well.

I am aiming to run the great south run in October (funky and Pompey agreed to run it with me when drunk- will hold them to this) I really want to be able to achieve something and raise some money for charity.

Thank you.

I just completed week 6! I just ran for 22 minutes. I feel fantastic!

I'm going to start week 2 today. Wish me luck!

Good luck mini!

I did run 1 of week 7 today. I ran 25 mins none stop! Keep getting into my head I should enter the london marathon next year haha.

Good luck Mini! I finished Week one yesterday so starting Week 2 on Monday. I tried to do it a few times last year but got to about week 3 and then stopped and went back to the beginning and then did the same again. Stupid really and it meant when I started it again last week I was a bit disappointed to be back at the beginning again and finding it a struggle. I'm really determined to see it through this time.

EF - walking up hills isn't cheating - I often do mine at the gym on a treadmill so I tend to do most of it flat. I know I'll struggle too much otherwise. I use to run a lot in my teens to also struggle with my pace, which again is why I like the treadmill for now as it keeps my pace for me.

Well I've bought myself some decent running trainers today so week 2 starts tomorrow?

I'm pleased to report that my first run of week two went quite easily today. Fingers crossed I won't he in too much pain tomorrow.

This thread inspired me to start running again. I managed it out three times last week and did some exercises in between. I am going to try to go every week night I think and set myself a goal - a 10k race in a couple of months time I think. I loved running in the summer, having never been a runner, my trainer told me to burn lots of cals, I needed to run, so ran I did! I want to feel like that again!! Thanks for the inspiration ladies!

So my brand spanking new 90 quid running trainers have given me blisters! Should I persevere with them or take them back? The shop I bought them from is a proper running shop and they offer a no quibble return even if they've been worn so I've got nothing to lose either way. What do you reckon?

It's worth an ask. I would be miffed.

I am miffed actually. Being the saddo I am I was actually looking forward to trying them out but then this happened.

Do you think they will improve though? I didn't really think you had to wear in trainers but as a novice I don't know!

mine are cheapy Nike ones and they diddnt rub when I first wore them- expensive ones shouldn't.

Worth speaking to them Holey. My trains in the last week have started giving me blisters on the soles of my feet. But they're old and not 'proper' running trainers fitted to me, I nicked them off mum.

Well these ones I had to stand on a plate while they checked how I stood and then I had to run on a treadmill a bit whilst they checked how I ran. So they did seem to know their stuff. Might try them once more this week and see how I go.

The annoying thing is I had the choice between 60 quid ones or 90 quid ones that were reduced from 125 so stupidly I assumed the more expensive ones would be better.

Definitely take them back Holey, they shouldn't have given you blisters!

Out of interest, do you mind saying where you got them from? I went to the running shop in Leicester to get mine as I didn't know that there was anywhere nearer!

First run of week 2. I struggled with it.

It was sweatshop in the snowdome in mk. But there is a little independent very close to where iI live that I should have tried really. It's on st Leonards road in Northampton. I've heard really good things about them if you need anything else teabag

Thank you. I will look out for the place in Northampton next time I need a new pair. I got a pair of Saucony ones in the Next sale half price but I stupidly ordered the wrong size so they had to go back!

Well.... I did not get up for my run this morning. I'm nearing the end of Couch 2 5k ( 8 more runs!) and have plans to start the 5 to 10k training plan after that. I'm not sure I want to run for a hour before work twice a week - an tips on how to be motivated to run after work? - I assume this will be easier in the summer time...