Couch to 5k

[Meluia]

Thanks Helen, I will try mixing it up a bit.
I usually run in my local park in the evenings and it is quite dark and with the weather being so bad I just hate going out in it.
I will try a few different routes and see do I enjoy it an more.

I do need to stick with it as I need to get fit

[Loco]

Just wondering if any body can help possibly Tina as you know the most about running , I had been running for about half hour 3 times week (after completing the C25k) up until Oct , when a mixture of chest infections, bad asthma and ultimately snow put a stop to me. Laziness is my only excuse since. I wanted to try and start back again next week. Would I need to start back again at week 1 do you think ??
I have been walking and doing some zumba classes and pilates so not a complete couch potato.

[goldilocks]

Loco I had gotten up to week 6 by the time the snow came then like you was hit with larangitis and then laziness set in and I stopped completely but I recently started back on week 3 and I found it grand, I'm up to week 7 now and delighted I started again!

I have a separate question though...I've found that once I'm about 18-20 minutes into a run my feet get pins and needles. It happened today, lasted for about a minute and then just went away. Is this normal or I am I doing something wrong?

[Meluia]

Goldilocks,
I get that too someone said it is poor fitting runners, I haven't got a new pair of runners yet to prove the theory.

[Loco]

Thanks Goldilocks I'll try starting on week 3 hoping the bright evenings will motivate me get going again.
Well done getting to week 7, you do feel brilliant once you get going.

[tina]

Hi Loco

So sorry I haven't been around much. If I were you, I would start from week 1 again. You'd only been running for such a short period of time so that would be the best thing to do as unfortunately you lose your fitness quite fast.... ANd not only for fitness reasons but it's always better to start easy just for motivational reasons too.

Goldilocks - there can be many reasons for that. It could be bad runners, could be that you've tied your laces too tight, trapped nerve, tightness in calves/ankles, if it just happened that once then it could be that you just stepped funny, could be bad alignment, poor circulation, dehydration can also cause all sorts of things. If it happens regularly, it's always best to go to your GP or physio to have it checked out as there could be so many different reasons behind it.

[Lou]

I'm planning on starting this in the next few days. Do you guys do stretches before you go out and when you finish and if you do, do you need to do this from week one?

Also, will this help me lose any weight?? I really want to get fit, but would also like to lose my post-pg weight from my tummy. Not sure if this will kill both birds though..

[Loco]

Thanks Tina, another chest infection stopped me starting again . I'm hoping if it's mild this week I'll get going I'll take your advise and start week 1 and see how I go . The auld asthmatic lungs will dictate anyway what I'm able for.

Lou when I did the c25k previously I started by walk for 5/10 mins to warm up and then do some gentle stretches before I started but I really did good stretching once I finished, it's worth spending a couple of minutes to make sure you don't get any injuries and recover better. I did /still do pilates as well and found that it was great for stretching and strengthening your core which helps your posture when you run.

Running is good for losing weight when it's used in conjunction with a balanced healthy diet, oh make sure to drink plenty of water when you are running. Sometimes when you start to do a lot of exercise your weight can stall but give it week or two and it'll start to move again.

[tina]

Lou - don't stretch before running, there is no benefit to that and you shouldn't stretch cold muscles anyway. However, make sure you stretch well after running, go through all the main muscles of your legs and buttocks really well. I can't stress the importance of stretching enough. Most injuries that happen could be prevented by putting some time an effort into working on flexibility and stretching. Eg I know two people who have torn a calf muscle in the last six months - this happens so much easier when muscles are tight. Calves are a particular weak point for women and runners. Never run if you have any injuries/aches.
Running is the best exercise for burning calories, so you should lose weight provided that you don't over eat. Weight loss really starts with your diet but running can certainly help. Do some core exercises as well.

[Lou]

Thanks guys! Haven't gotten 'round to it yet - work and baby seem to be getting in the way