My C25k Diary (Will Update as I do each session)

Styggian

@Stephanie100916
Thanks for the 'heads up' re weights, it is in my exercise activity, but should do it more regular (am working on it ). Week four seems so far away

Agree with you regarding the pre-programmed routine, another of my weaknesses, I don't like having 'rest' days, in case I get out of the habit, so I tend to go till I run out of steam.

Following the format of this program, it seems easier to discipline myself to a routine, I find listening to the podcast instructions is very helpful too. My first time exercising in this way.

Sounds like you have a routine all sorted, it's on my to do list, again thanks for the tip

BeckyBeebs

Great job getting started and love your sense of humor! I'm on W3 (of a different version). I've done it once before (then fell off the wagon for a while), and for some reason, the jump from W4 (5 min) to W5 (8 min) was killer for me. Had to repeat W4 3x before I could move on, but suspect it was as much a mental block as physical. Keep at it - you'll love the feeling of accomplishment in just a few more weeks. Plus you'll be looking at your quads and hammies everytime you pass a window - but maybe that's just me

Definitely get good shoes for your foot and gait style!! Spare yourself the pain and fatigue that comes with worn out - that's how I know it's time to replace mine.

Styggian

BeckyBeebs

Thanks Repeating a week to build stamina seems to be a good tactic, will definitely use it if needed.

Week four, seems so far away, can't wait to be able to run for 30 mins, then can add to my fitness routine, then work on 5k, if I can't get that far in the 30 mins.

Looking forward to doing my first organized 5k run

A lot of people have mentioned foot ware, I got new trainers, they felt comfortable in the shop, that all the science I did in selecting them

Looking forward to getting to week 4, feel like a kid at Christmas

Thanks for you input much appreciated.

HaleCry

Amazing job! I loved c25k! I couldn’t run the full 60 seconds to begin with, but now I run 30 minutes non stop 5x a week (used to run 40 3x a week). I’m extremely slow and don’t run 5K but I’ll gradually increase my speed when I’m ready. It’s not a race, right? Congrats on your progress! Trust the plan, you can do it!

Styggian

HaleCry

That sounds great, you are at my goal point. I so want to be able to run for 30 mins

Definitely sticking to the plan, as I want to reach the end.

Thanks for the motivation and congratulations for your success, am so jealous

Styggian

Session 2 Week 2 done.

Rain greeted me as I did the pre exercises weather check, normally rain make me fall back to 'plan B', indoor exercises that includes vigorous pillow lifting and a long distance quilt dragging training.

However today I had a date with Laura and out I went.

Due to the rain, I activated the hood on my shower proof Peter Storm Jacket (circa late 1990's early 2k). Made sure it covered all my head.

Was totally focused, waiting like a cobra ready to strike, on the word 'run'. Laura finally said the magic word and I was off like a Exocet missile.

The first problem manifested itself, as I ran my hood started to bounce and kept covering my eyes, this was easily solved by pushing the hood to the top of my head. Completed the first run, slight out of breath and the front part of my head was rain washed. Pigeons from various rain proof alcoves looked down on me, totally bemused.

Second run, 2nd issue appeared, I got cramp type pain in the back of my right thigh, only one thing to do 'grit my teeth'
and carry on, really did not want to give up at this early stage.

Eventually finished the whole session, got showered applied some 'deep heat' type cream to the effected area, felt pretty good, rewarded my self with some extra mixed nuts for breakfast.

Feel good, next session on Saturday.

TavistockToad

are you stretching after you run?

Styggian

TavistockToad
No, stretching a bit before, something else I should 'routinize', this may take some time to get sorted, like my strength training.

Suspect the main problem I was a bit too fast on my first run.

TavistockToad

Styggian wrote: »

TavistockToad
No, stretching a bit before, something else I should 'routinize', this may take some time to get sorted, like my strength training.

Suspect the main problem I was a bit too fast on my first run.

i wouldn't worry about stretching before, but definitely take the 5-10 minutes to stretch afterwards.

Styggian

TavistockToad

Will have to to start a stretching routine, thanks for your input.

Styggian

Session 3 Week 2 done.

Did a bit of stretching at start to ease the cramp pain in my right leg, but certain moves seemed to irritate it, so I avoided that area.

My left knee started to ache, obviously jealous of the attention the right leg was getting.

Time to get out of the door and listen to Laura.

First two runs, my right leg was reminding me of my injury, on the third run the pain disappeared, but I kept the pace slow.

The slow pace kept everything manageable, I enjoyed the session looking forward to the next one on Monday

_nikkiwolf_

Great work on completing week 2!!

A lot of people swear on foam rollers for any kind of tightness. I can't stand the things, but it seems every other runner I talk to adores them, maybe they would help with your leg aches.

I think today the agreed-upon exercise wisdom is to avoid staticstretches before the muscles are warmed up, and to save them for after the workout.
Stretching after a run is much easier for me if I follow a pre-set routine. Otherwise I'm likely to cut it short. Currently I do this youtube video most of the time:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mwfgIvXTMo

_nikkiwolf_

e.t.a: here's a warmup alternative to stretching before a run. Looking for this video just reminded me I don't do it as often as I should...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJo7_MiRLkU

Styggian

_nikkiwolf_

Thanks, am pleased to have made it through to week 2

The foam rollers, look like my paint rollers, they don't strike me as useful. If you see any photos of me with white painted legs, you know I got curious and tested the foam rollers

In one way am lucky when walking or cycling, the injury gives no pain.

The pain occurs when I run on extending my stride, so will continue applying heat balm and using short strides to run.

The first stretching video, is eye watering for me to watch, the second one, is more do-able but at the moment am refraining from stretching that particular muscle, so I don't irritate it.

Again thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Styggian

Session 1, Week 3. done

Wow this session went really fast, actually thought that somehow the podcast had skipped onto fast-forward mode.

Though my injury did not hurt, it just reminded me not to stretch my stride, so I paced myself to finish the session in one piece.

The session consisted of:
- 5min warm up
- 90sec Jog, 90sec Walk
- 3min Jog, 3min Walk
- 90sec Jog, 90sec Walk
- 3min Jog
- 5min warm down

Pacing seems to be the key, the injury is having a positive effect of making me go careful

Next session on Wednesday.

TavistockToad

You're definitely a proper runner, ignoring an injury :laugh:

Styggian

TavistockToad
Thanks, not sure if three minutes of jogging makes me a runner

So far am pleased with my progress, could have done without the injury, but I can still hobble along

Thanks for your input.

TavistockToad

Styggian wrote: »

TavistockToad
Thanks, not sure if three minutes of jogging makes me a runner

So far am pleased with my progress, could have done without the injury, but I can still hobble along

Thanks for your input.

Until you can't! That's all I'm saying!

I've run though plenty of injuries and learnt the hard way, like we all do :laugh:

Runaroundafieldx2

Book marking the thread.

I loved couch to 5k. It literally changed my life.

Enjoy Wednesdays run.

LAM2011

Well done, I just completed week 1 session 2 this morning so this post has inspired me. Thank you

Styggian

Runaroundafieldx2

Thanks for the motivational message, will give it my best effort

Styggian

TavistockToad

Thanks, bought another tube of 'deep heat' type massaging oitment, should keep me mobile for a few more weeks

Styggian

LAM2011

Great news and congratulations.

All the above tips are good, my personal tip is is keep a very steady pace, even if you get a surge of energy and you know you can beat The Flash on his best day, resist the temptation to 'fire' on all 19 cylinders.

'Slow and steady till the end' is my new motto

Thank you, for your input

TavistockToad

Styggian wrote: »

TavistockToad

Thanks, bought another tube of 'deep heat' type massaging oitment, should keep me mobile for a few more weeks

then you have completely missed the point of my post, but ok.

Styggian

TavistockToad

Oooops sorry, my 'speed reading' needs an update

Styggian

Session 2, Week 3 done.

Again I thought the session was too short compared to the others. Kept my pace very slow, the cramp type ache is nearly gone.

Overall, I would say it was a good session, the only negatives were:
-I dropped my tablet at the start.
-When I switched from walking to jogging I got a pain in my left knee, for a few steps.

Next session Friday

Runaroundafieldx2

You carry a tablet whilst you're running?

I struggle to carry a gel if I'm doing over 1,5hrs.

I often get a niggle for a minute or so at the start. As long as it doesn't persist I don't let it bother me.

Well done, enjoy Friday!

Styggian

Runaroundafieldx2

Yes, I carry a tablet, I don't belong to the mobile phone owners club yet However it's quite small, Lenovo TAB3 7 Essential Blue, with a newly gained 'drop blemish'.

Am at an age where I have lots of 'niggles' and every time I get a new one my first question is "Wonder if this is permanent?" Am really glad when the pain goes

Surprisingly, I think I will enjoy Friday. Thanks for your feedback.

bigbandjohn

Awesome plan. Keep letting us know how it goes.

AmyC2288

Bookmarked this to follow your progress. Have been wanting to start this program for a long time- but feel like I need to get closer to my goal weight before doing so. Currently down 32 lbs with 15 left so not too far! Thanks for sharing your journey!