Couch to 5k - can I do this?

[Nightfall1983]

DH has just floated the idea that we attempt the C25k together starting this week. I'm nervous but interested.

I've always tended towards overweight but have been generally fit and active until I had my son two years ago. Since then with the sleepless fog of new motherhood I've graduated to very overweight (at only 5'4" I'm now a size 18 for the first time in my life) and have a very low fitness level, I do nothing more than walk into town less than a mile away. I'm worried that I'll fail :( and also worried that I'll injure myself. I don't have rubbing shoes or trainers and couldn't really justify buying any until I really proved I was going to run long term - I have v. comfy, reasonably light hiking shoes though - would they do? Any tips or advice?

[EdithDickie]

You can do it!!!

It starts you off gradually and builds up slowly. You can repeat weeks if you're not feeling ready to move on. You could even do a week of "walking fast" and "walking comfortably" instead of jogging / walking to begin.

Honestly you'll be amazed at the difference it makes and how you will build up.

YOU CAN DO IT!

[bigbadbarry]

I think it is a great programme (speaking as somebody who has been through it a couple of times!) If you find a week tricky, just repeat it - there is no "fail".
I think you can try it in your hiking shoes but would be better in some trainers - I would worry about injuries. They don't have to be expensive (try sports direct). Although the first couple of weeks you will be fine in anything, maybe do a couple of weeks and see if it is for you?
Good luck!

[Nightfall1983]

Thanks both. Trying to find the motivation to attempt the first one tomorrow night. Eep.

[lentilpot]

I did this last year in the run up to my wedding. I had never run in my life but miss it now! (I'm 38 weeks pg). I did it at my own speed, repeated bits if I found it hard etc. I rewarded myself with equipment every couple of weeks, so started off the first few "runs" in non-trainers (you only run about 30 secs a go in the beginning), then bought myself some trainers, then the same with naice work out gear, sports bra etc. you can do it!! I think there's a thread about it in fitness somewhere.

[Kasterborous]

You can do it. I was in a very similar position to you in February. I finished the couch to 5K programme a couple of months ago and now run for 30 mins three times a week. I even ran for 50 mins tonight and did four miles. It really works.

Why not come and join us all on the 'couch to 5k thread, it's not about how fast you go'. There are loads of us on there all at different stages of it. And lots of support and tips.

[Kasterborous]

The thread is called 'couch to 5k..it's not about speed (thread no 2)

[spookyskeleton]

Agree with Kasterborous. It is completely doable - where I live, there is a Couch to 5k group which runs the programme for 10 weeks. I completed the last programme and there were 300 of us, all different shapes and sizes, levels of fitness etc and absolutely every single runner ran 5k at the end of 10 weeks A new programme started 3 weeks ago and there are 500 people doing it and every one of those will complete it. Trust the programme and it works

Do come and join our thread. Whatever your question, worry, concerns are, someone on the thread will have felt the same.

See you over there

[Ardliath]

Go for it! You'll be surprised how quickly you improve if you train regularly. But please invest in a running bra. When I see women running 'unfettered' it looks so painful. I know that I run much better with one from the few times I've tried without.