Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Loungers on the run: Couch to 5k to marathon and beyond

2456773

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    I started running again just after Christmas on and off but I'm starting the c25k properly tomorrow. Looking forward to it, always feel fantastic after a good run.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,382 ✭✭✭Poor Craythur


    I started running again just after Christmas on and off but I'm starting the c25k properly tomorrow. Looking forward to it, always feel fantastic after a good run.

    I'm starting tomorrow too! :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    They're helpful but generalised. I'd like to hear the experiences of forum members, especially the ones who were really really unfit when they started.

    I started Couch to 5k in July 2008, at age 24. I'd done no exercise for the previous 2 years and I was about 15 stone (far too heavy for my height of 5'6"). I started watching my diet at roughly the same time, and the weight started to come off quite quickly. I started the program in a pair of 6 year old Nike cross training shoes, but found things a lot more comfortable after I got fitted for some more suitable shoes. I ran my first 5k in October 2008 (Rathfarnham 5k, finished in just outside 30 minutes) and my first 10k 2 months after that (finished in just under 66 minutes). By the summer of 2009, I had completed a half-marathon and lost more than four stone. Now? Barcelona marathon (my third) in 2 weeks time.

    Getting the weight down made a massive difference to me - it meant a lot less stress on my knees and shins, and it meant that it was easier to find a suitable sports bra (used to be 40DD, 34DD/E now so it's still not exactly wonderful getting one!). It also meant that I got a lot quicker. When I was doing Couch to 5k, my runs were at about a 12 minute mile pace - within about 6 months of that I was training at about a 10:30/mile pace, and these days most runs are done between 9 and 10 min/mile pace.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    I wonder, actually, would it be worth it to have the more experienced runners just post a list of things to watch out for? Like, tips to prevent injury and what aches and pains are not ok to run on etc?
    We can't give medical advice, however there are a few threads starting on the A/R/T forum which are mainly dealing with injury prevention and have heavy mod input over there. They are worth a read, there is some good information there.

    Shin Splints

    Preventing Heel/Plantar Fasciitis Problems


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    Just did another run, worked on speed this time so I did have to take a few 20-30s walking breaks. Still, I cut off about 2 mins off yesterday's distance so it's all good :D:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 56 ✭✭simply_dee


    Long-time lurker in tLL but this is just the thread I've been waiting for!

    I started C25k last May. I got to week 8 before I went away for the summer and totally lost all my fitness. Since the new year, I decided to get back on track and I started back into running at C25K week 4. Finding it ok so far, but a bit nervous about that 20 minute run (all over again)!

    I also started "improver" swimming lessons a few weeks ago and I'm thinking about aiming for the TriAthy in June (400m swim, 13.6km cycle, 3.6km run) but I'm not sure I'll be ready in time... Has anyone ever done any triathlon training before? I'm not really sure how to go about it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Might be worth having a look at Beginner Triathlete and that will give you an idea of some training plans. There is also a 1st Triathlon in 2011 thread on the A/R/T forum.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,850 ✭✭✭FouxDaFaFa


    Snoopy1 wrote: »
    I can treadmill run no problem, but road running i just cant do.
    That's funny, I'm the complete opposite. I just can't get comfortable on the treadmill because I feel that if I let the pace at all I'll fall off!
    I quite like the NHS one, but haven't checked out ullrey's. They have quite catchy music and the woman's voice is very friendly, giving tips throughout and also motivation by saying things like "you're doing a good job" and "just 60 seconds left, you're doing really well". Small things like that help a lot, I find.
    I know what you mean. I'm using Carli's podcasts from runningintoshape.com and she says really supportive things. I love her!

    Good luck to everyone starting C25K!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    FouxDaFaFa wrote: »
    That's funny, I'm the complete opposite. I just can't get comfortable on the treadmill because I feel that if I let the pace at all I'll fall off!
    Hardest part about treadmill running for me is resisting the urge to just whack the stop button and get off. I'd much rather get out in the fresh air.


  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    Hardest part about treadmill running for me is resisting the urge to just whack the stop button and get off. I'd much rather get out in the fresh air.

    Nothing beats running at night time in the fresh air!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    :D:D:D W1D1 done! :)

    Woke up at 7 and lay in bed till 10 tossing and turning, I wasn't gonna go for a run, then my conscience was like "SD you bought a bloody app for this" so up I get, throw in my earphones and I do it. Lovely park up the road from me that I ran around about 4 times, some of the dogs off their leash that were with their owners sometimes trotted after me and wagged their tails. :D:D

    I'm sweaty and disgusting, my face is red, my lungs feel like they are about to collapse but I FEEL great. My boyfriend is very impressed because I'm quite lazy. I told him about my run and I got the reply: " Brilliant! I'm impressed! The first time is the hardest. I'm like a dog I only run when I have a ball to chase!" :D

    Cheered up for the day. Sorry about the long post! I'm excited!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    I started doing this last year and got from couch to about 3km before moving house and forgetting about it. Really want to start the program again as it was excellent. Can someone recommend podcasts with pop tunes as I find it difficult to exercise to trance music.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,691 ✭✭✭Lia_lia


    Well done everyone :) I have decided to replace one of my gym days (usually go to the gym 3 days a week and then swim 3/4 days a week) with running. Was supposed to be today but today is going to be sleeping/college projects day :/ And it's a pity because it's so sunny.

    Just a question, what do ye do for water? Carry a water bottle or something? It's just I get dehydrated really fast doing any form of exercise. But would carrying water be awkward? Hmm. Whenever I used to run outdoors before it was with the rowing club and we left water bottles at the boathouse and kinda ran around it!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Lia_lia wrote: »
    Just a question, what do ye do for water? Carry a water bottle or something? It's just I get dehydrated really fast doing any form of exercise. But would carrying water be awkward? Hmm. Whenever I used to run outdoors before it was with the rowing club and we left water bottles at the boathouse and kinda ran around it!

    You could do something similar when you plan your running route and have it loop past your house/car/wherever you have stashed water. I rarely carry water unless I'm going to be out for more than 2 hours (unless it's the summer), but when I have to I'll usually use a water belt with bottles on it if I'm on my own or if I'm running with a group I'll leave bottles of water or Lucozade in someone's car.


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    Lia_lia wrote: »
    Well done everyone :) I have decided to replace one of my gym days (usually go to the gym 3 days a week and then swim 3/4 days a week) with running. Was supposed to be today but today is going to be sleeping/college projects day :/ And it's a pity because it's so sunny.

    Just a question, what do ye do for water? Carry a water bottle or something? It's just I get dehydrated really fast doing any form of exercise. But would carrying water be awkward? Hmm. Whenever I used to run outdoors before it was with the rowing club and we left water bottles at the boathouse and kinda ran around it!

    I drink loads of water all day and this is only half an hour so I don't bring anything.

    You can get one of those little belts with mini water bottles in a sports shop if you need it though


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    panda100 wrote: »
    I started doing this last year and got from couch to about 3km before moving house and forgetting about it. Really want to start the program again as it was excellent. Can someone recommend podcasts with pop tunes as I find it difficult to exercise to trance music.

    I downloaded the C25k app by Bluefin software from the android app store. It's an app that you can have your own music (I find some pop, dance and some quick rock songs keep me going! :) ) in the background but every so often you get a little bell and a man saying "walk" or "run". I feel like one of Pavlov's dogs running around!!!


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,382 ✭✭✭Poor Craythur


    Should one refrain from doing other exercise whilst doing the C25K plan?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Should one refrain from doing other exercise whilst doing the C25K plan?

    Yoga, pilates, swimming, cycling or weight training would all complement it well, no harm in a bit of cross training.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 2,382 ✭✭✭Poor Craythur


    Yoga, pilates, swimming, cycling or weight training would all complement it well, no harm in a bit of cross training.

    Exercise bike? It's low impact so would it be OK?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Yup, that would be fine. The only things I'd be concerned about would be other high-impact sports while your body is still adjusting to running.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,713 ✭✭✭✭Novella


    Anyone have any footwear recommendations? I actually don't own a pair of runners... :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Novella wrote: »
    Anyone have any footwear recommendations? I actually don't own a pair of runners... :o

    You would be best off going to a running-specific store (Runways on Parnell Street or Amphibian King in Bray would be your best choices if you live in Dublin) and asking them for recommendations. Different shoes will suit different people, depending on foot type, weight and other factors.


  • Moderators, Category Moderators, Entertainment Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 18,506 CMod ✭✭✭✭The Black Oil


    Is it advisable to get a gait-analysis?

    Was sent this. http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/top-10-tips-on-buying-running-shoes/


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Starting W4D1 when it gets dark. I'm quite scared.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,412 ✭✭✭toadfly


    Downloaded this app at the weekend from iTunes so starting it tomorrow. I have decided to do the mini marathon in June so need to get my ass is gear.

    I have bad joints though so dont know if I'll be able to do it but gonna try :D


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    Ok, I discovered the distance I usually cover is about 4 km in total including the warm up and warm downs. If I can manage to run that whole thing, I'll be set!
    Not today though, today is w6d1 :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,303 ✭✭✭Ramette


    Rainbow Kirby - I did the 5K OT Run on Sat and yesterday i was like a weasel!! is that normal!! or am i just a grumpy old woman???!!! :eek:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,928 ✭✭✭✭rainbow kirby


    Could be any number of reasons for it really - if you enjoyed the day on Saturday I wouldn't necessarily put it down to that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,850 ✭✭✭FouxDaFaFa


    Wasn't feeling well earlier but decided to go for my run anyway and see how far I got. Managed it fairly easily and I feel SO much better now!:D


  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    ohhh god my poor calves :eek::eek: i cant walk lol
    I'm going to do those calf step-exercises :rolleyes:


    Well, I pushed it this evening. I ran at a much more respectable speed!
    I did have to take a few 10-20second pauses :o But I'm pleased at how I did, it nearly KILLED me but I did it :D:D:D
    I covered a good bit more distance than even my 20 min runs, and this was a total of 18 mins running tonight so it's a big improvement.

    I think the fact I did 20 min runs on saturday AND sunday without a rest didn't help.

    I finished off with an all-out sprint for a minute at the end as usual, it feels so good to really stretch out my legs :D

    Oh man, that's awesome :D


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,086 ✭✭✭✭Busi_Girl08


    Right. So I was *meant* to go to yoga tonight. But as I was walking home all I could see was bright blue, clear skies. And I thought to myself "Fcuk it. I'm not going to spend an evening like this in a stuffy, incensey room lying down and falling over."

    So a good 40 minutes, and 3/4 successful runs, I feel like I made the right choice.

    After 3 weeks of running training I am up to a comfortable 5 minutes. :D (Which says a lot because when I first started out 2 minutes nearly killed me :o)

    But, yeah...I'm going to be feeling it in the morning :pac:

    EDIT - Sod "in the morning", I'm feeling it NOW!! :O


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,850 ✭✭✭FouxDaFaFa


    "Fcuk it. I'm not going to spend an evening like this in a stuffy, incensey room lying down and falling over.
    That made me laugh so much.:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 600 ✭✭✭Mollikins


    Yayy! tLL has a running thread now!

    I’m starting C25K tomorrow! :D
    All the talk about it in the emotions thread has gotten to me. (I'm looking at you bluewolf! :pac:)

    I downloaded the podcasts onto my I-pod one day last week. I was still dithering about it but I mentioned the programme to my Mam and she said she would try it with me so we are gonna do it together! Having company means I'm much more likely to stick with it.

    I’m really looking forward to it but at the same time I’m not because I’m not sure my legs even know how to run and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna be a panting mess after it. :o

    I'll let ye know how it goes anyway. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    My legs are aching today!! Worse still i have stairs to walk up and down all day...its a killer!! I dunno how ill feel after my run tomorrow...it will be my first night run!! Im excited!!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,286 ✭✭✭WesternNight


    W2D1 complete this evening. It was tough, but I did the full length of all the runs. Even the recovery walks are getting slightly more brisk-like.

    After the third run I was thinking "god, I'm getting tired now" and she goes "you might be getting tired now". She's a mind-reader now as well, apparently :D


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    W4D1 done. It was actually a lot easier than I had thought - I'm certainly gaining back my fitness and stamina, that I lost! It feels good. Now to do some more exercising.


  • Registered Users Posts: 82 ✭✭Kaffy


    Hey not trying to plug elverys or anything but this might be helpful to people starting off :)
    http://www.elverys.ie/aspx/Content.aspx?id=489


  • Registered Users Posts: 892 ✭✭✭mariebeth


    I've started going to the gym in the last couple weeks & thinking of trying the c25k on the treadmill. Would love to be able to run! What kind of pace do you start off at, as in will jogging do?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,286 ✭✭✭WesternNight


    mariebeth wrote: »
    I've started going to the gym in the last couple weeks & thinking of trying the c25k on the treadmill. Would love to be able to run! What kind of pace do you start off at, as in will jogging do?

    Will jogging do? If not then I've been doing it all wrong!

    I've never jogged/run before in my life before starting this. So my "run" is the slowest jog that ever existed in the history of the world (might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much!). But it's faster than my walking speed, and it's challenging, so it counts.


  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Kenna Large Cucumber


    Yeah my jogging is stumbling along slightly faster than walking. Hence my post earlier about trying to work on speed, something less embarrassing :pac:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,850 ✭✭✭FouxDaFaFa


    Oh God, my hamstrings are KILLING me! I obviously didn't warm them up enough, had to stop during one or two of the walking intervals to stretch them out. On the bright side, my stamina is improving and I finished my last run on a hill.

    Saw a lady out running with her dog and was like "I wonder if she's one of us?".


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    :O I don't stretch..... :O I thought the warm up walk would be ok?! :rolleyes: :o
    Maybe that's why I've been in so much pain the past two days, just back from W1D2 and I didn't have as much of an attack of the "burny lungs" as I did the last time, I was running at a good pace but I slowed down towards the end. Maybe I should be running slower.

    The park seemed to be closed but when I got to another entrance there was a gate that was open :D:D:D Half the park was dark and the other half was flood lit. It was great running in the dark until I met another person and scared the bejasus out of my self! :D I'm so proud of myself!


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,303 ✭✭✭Ramette


    W5D3 Complete :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D whoop whoop!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 195 ✭✭bigtuna


    Was in such a bad mood today after a terrible day in work. Was going to get a bottle of wine but decided to go for a run/jog instead. Managed to do most of the prom. Not a fast run or an attractive vision but feel much better.
    Somebody told me when I was starting my get fit program running was addictive and i laughed, It really is :D


  • Registered Users Posts: 61 ✭✭LollieB


    This thread is great!

    i started doing the c25k a little while back but lost motivation....soo I've just signed myself up to do a 5km race in April over here in Canada

    Highly ambitious of me but reckon I can walk it if I run out of steam! Going to walk the route at the weekend to see what I'm in for!


  • Advertisement
  • Closed Accounts Posts: 7,213 ✭✭✭daenerysstormborn3


    For me when I'm doing the walking intervals I do knee ups while walking if you know what I mean? I basically look like a really dedicated soldier marching around with my knees up to my chest but it really stretches out my muscles in between and is also good for toning.

    It wasn't recommended by anyone I just started doing it one day as I'm a big fan of lunges and the like and it hasn't had any adverse effect on me. Keeps me sweating throughout as well.


  • Registered Users Posts: 892 ✭✭✭mariebeth


    Will jogging do? If not then I've been doing it all wrong!

    I've never jogged/run before in my life before starting this. So my "run" is the slowest jog that ever existed in the history of the world (might be a slight exaggeration, but not by much!). But it's faster than my walking speed, and it's challenging, so it counts.

    :o thanks, that's good to hear :) going to try day 1 tomorrow on the threadmill at the gym. It's not cheating to do it on the threadmill right? After 4 weeks of going to the gym I've finally gotten to the point where my legs aren't killing me when I'm walking fast-ish so I'm feeling ready to go for it now tomorrow! Yesterday managed to do 3minute walking intervals & 1 minute jogging over 15 minutes, was pretty pleased with myself :)


  • Registered Users Posts: 263 ✭✭SL10


    I started C25K on Sat (started on week 3 cos i have done a bit of running before) but havent been able to build up the motivation this week to head out again. i feel so guilty (also cos i have let my diet go to crap) I'm gonna try and get up and do it before work tomorrow. Need to get back into the swing of my healthy living...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    My legs aren't too bad today! :) I'll have to look up some pre run stretches. :D Slept like an absolute baby last night! :D:D:D


  • Registered Users Posts: 892 ✭✭✭mariebeth


    managed to jog for 3 and a half minutes on the threadmill over 15 minutes this morning. Great considering I only managed 2 minutes last week :)

    decided to make a goal for myself, I'm going to jog/run the Cork womens mini marathon in September, which gives me loads of time to work up to it.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement