I decided Friday that I would start the NHS Couch to 5k Program. It reckons it can take you from sitting on your couch to running 5Km in 90 days. I downloaded the pod casts and away I went. I know how unfit I am and I also know that I have not run a step for about 20 years.
You start off with a brisk 5 minute walk and then you run for 60 seconds, walk for 90 seconds, run for 60 seconds etc. The first day I managed to run for 4 and a half of the 8 sections but I did not stop walking once. I then had a rest day yesterday as instructed and went out again today. This time I managed to run for 6 of the 8 sessions. I am determined that by the end of May I will be easily running the 8 sessions and then move on to week 2. I know it is going to take me longer than the 90 days, I reckon about 6 months should have me comfortably running for 20-25 minutes.
I am shattered when I get home but in my head I feel like I have really achieved something and that is a brilliant feeling. Em, K and I are walking a 6 mile walk in aid of our local hospice on the 16th July at midnight and I am determined I will complete it. My little route that I walk/run/stumble round is just under 2 miles so I figure in 8 weeks I should be able to walk for 6 miles. If you could spare a few pence to sponsor us for this very worthy cause, we would be really grateful.
5 comments:
Good on you, I did Couch to 5 K last year and was comfortably running the 30 mins by the end and kept that up. I was not fast, but I was running. I am not a skinny person by any stretch of the imagination but even I can do this.
Can I recommend, if you are on Facebook, join the Couch to 5K support group, everyone is brilliant at cheering other people on and it really helps to know other people are finding it hard - don't look at week 5 day 3 because trust me, when you have worked up to that day you WILL be able to do it. Just trust the programme.
I stopped over Christmas and then was laid low by a combination of a (slightly) torn ligament, followed by a kidney infection, followed by shingles - I know, what a run of bad luck - but started again last week, I started at week 3, day 1 which I coped with ok so I jumped to week 4 day 1 and then week 4 day 2 today and I am at the right level again, I'll work my way back to week 9 day 3.
You can do it, good on you!
By the way, it's 9 weeks not ninety days - but don't let that put you off, just repeat any day you didn't complete until you do complete it and then move on.
I started out by walking a friends dogs because she was ill. after 2.5 years (yes I said 2.5 years so don't worry if you don't do it in 90 days!!!) I easily run 5k 4 times a week and I try to make at least 2 of those runs 7/8k. I'm now wondering if I can go to 10k but my word it seems like a big step. Hard work but the benefits are fantastic, my mood swings are more controllable, I feel happier in general and on the whole I can eat whatever I like :) Good Luck
Good for you, I've started running and I'm really unfit, last time I ran for over 10 minutes, it was amazing, it's nice to get the fresh air and nosy at the local houses
Ta for all the advice ladies. Jen, I knew a 9 came into it somwhere...lol
I will keep on at it, I am not going to be beaten!
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