[Other Sport] Couch To 5k

Greg Bobkin said:

I started running way before 'Couch to 5k' was even a thing, but I probably did something similar to you. Just kept going for runs that added a bit more distance each time. Started in July and by the next April I'd run the London Marathon.

With swimming, it was a similar thing. In April this year, I couldn't swim crawl for toffee – breathing was all over the shop and technique non-existent. Since then I got a few tips off some people, got in the pool and in the sea and on Sunday I swam 2.4 miles in 1hr 27mins as part of Ironman Wales.

There are two big factors to achieve your goals: 1) you've got to really WANT to do it and 2) you've got to do the training. I guess a third thing is you've got to believe you can do it, but that's only really when you get into mental endurance stuff that goes on for hours and hours. And hours

Good luck.

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Greg Bobkin said:

I

There are two big factors to achieve your goals: 1) you've got to really WANT to do it and 2) you've got to do the training. I guess a third thing is you've got to believe you can do it, but that's only really when you get into mental endurance stuff that goes on for hours and hours. And hours

.

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dazzer6666 said:

There is nothing more satisfying than running past a fat wheezy bloke in shiny lycra on his £10,000 carbon fibre boy-toy going up a steep hill
[MENTION=7324]Tim Over Whelmed[/MENTION] as regards C25K, it's a brilliant programme for getting into running - I know loads of people that have got into running through it. It's also similar to the programmes used by Run England for the coached beginner programmes used by running clubs. The build-up is deliberately very gradual to avoid injury and making everything seem too hard (which can easily put people off early on). Once you get to running 5k, it's pretty simple then to take that forward with gradual distance increase (aim for no more than 10% cumulatively per week, with some weeks where you plateau or step back a bit) and start to introduce some variety into your programme (hills, intervals etc) . Have regular rest days and cross train too......will all help with injury avoidance and keeping you keen. Also, pop over to the NSC Official Running Thread - loads of advice from others on there from complete beginners and upwards (and without the usual binfests )

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dazzer6666 said:

(and without the usual binfests )

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

A lot of people have said you must have the day's break between each session, which I'm sticking too, some are saying on here you don't need to but I think it's a big part of the muscle strength and conditioning, isn't it?

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dazzer6666 said:

Certainly if you are new to it, or haven't run for years, the non-running days are almost as important as the running days - both for physical repair/recuperation and the mental rest from it (it can become a chore). You could easily cross-train (bike, elliptical trainer or similar) if you wanted to on some of them. As you progress you'll be able to (and want to) run more frequently (again keep a watch on cumulative distance and don't jump by more than 10% in any week) but even if you do step up to running 5-6 days a week at some point, two of those will (should) be short, very easy paced runs.

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

Cool, a swim it is!

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

A lot of people have said you must have the day's break between each session, which I'm sticking too, some are saying on here you don't need to but I think it's a big part of the muscle strength and conditioning, isn't it?

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

Now I'm a fat lad, as some of you know!

At not quite 60 I thought it was time to get back into shape and running, along with cycling and diet is where I need to be. That said I've had a problem with my ankle which isn't helped by me being a "tad" overweight. So I've started the Couch to 5k and I have to say it's working, I'm only a few sessions in but Sarah Millican (my nominated App coach) and I are keeping with it!

Anyone else tried it?

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Triggaaar said:

Good for you if you're getting out and active.

Just an FYI for those who are interested in their weight though:
While exercise will burn a few calories (like a jelly baby's worth), our weight is mostly down to how many calories we eat.

That may be obvious to many, but it's surprising how many people don't realise. You can lose as much fat as you like without doing any cardio at all (although you should do some weights so you don't lose your muscle too).

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Clive Walker said:

my downfall with running in the past has been that a rest day always turned into a rest year! This time around I have run everyday and am now at a point where I don't want to rest. Though the risk of injury is very high.

4 months ago I wouldn't have ran for the bus. Last week I ran the total of two and a half marathons!

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Garry Nelson's teacher said:

Just to add my encouragement, I'll point out that there's a lot of time after 60 to keep on running. As a 63 year old I'm pleased to report that I keep up with many younger guys and acquire just as many injuries as them too!

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pearl said:

and our metabolism shirley?

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

Ah, that sounds great. I'm over Arundel way and there's one in Chichester and another in Bognor. Do you know the age limit, as my lads may like to take part.

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

I do agree, my problem is I do like a beer

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I spend a lot of "social" time at business events, and hotels, conferences, big breakfasts and client dinners don't make it easy.

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I've cut out red meat and processed food but must crack carbs and beer .. along with exercise.

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I do find if you exercise you focus more on what you're putting into your body also.

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

A lot of people have said you must have the day's break between each session, which I'm sticking too, some are saying on here you don't need to but I think it's a big part of the muscle strength and conditioning, isn't it?

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Triggaaar said:

when you see that a few sweets and a snack bar has as many calories as a chicken kebab, it affects what you eat.


.

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Tim Over Whelmed said:

Ah, that sounds great. I'm over Arundel way and there's one in Chichester and another in Bognor. Do you know the age limit, as my lads may like to take part.

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mejonaNO12 aka riskit said:

3pm Cup of tea and Chicken Kebab It is then.

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