Starting Couch to 5k

by Natalie
Mums Off Duty, Couch to 5k

So truthfully, my whole ‘exercise three times a week’ thing has gone off the boil this month. Life has been busy and a bit stressful, and we cancelled our gym membership. While I do miss it (especially the pool), the extra £100 back in the bank balance each month is nice, especially with our house move coming up. And I know we didn’t use the gym enough to justify the expense.

I’m feeling it though, the lack of exercise. I feel tired, more lethargic, I’m not sleeping as well, and my back is starting to get sore again. And I really don’t want to feel like this! SO, I’ve decided enough is enough and I’m putting together a brand new exercise plan…

Couch to 5k

I’m a truly terrible runner – no stamina whatsoever – but I really want to get better. Whenever I try to run for more than a couple of minutes, I end up looking like a tomato and I realise how unfit I actually am.

Back when Ethan was about three, I actually trained for a 5k followed by a 10k for Cancer Research UK, and to my surprise, managed to complete it (slowly!).

In a bid to boost my fitness levels, I’ve decided to start the Couch to 5k program, a free training app from the NHS. It promises to have you running 5k within 9 weeks. I’m only two runs in (hampered by all the rain –  turns out I’m a fairweather runner!) but I’m feeling optimistic now that the sun’s come out.

I’ve realised I have none of the gear though. I need something to hold my ginormous iPhone XS Max in so I can listen to the trainer (I’ve picked Sarah Millican – I feel like she’s suitably motivating!). Sudio has kindly sent me some wireless earbuds for review so I’ll let you know how I get on with those. I also need a smaller running water bottle – my personalised Love Island one may be pretty but is huge and totally impractical for running! If you have any running kit suggestions, please do let me know in the comments!

Home workouts

Mums Off Duty, Couch to 5k

As I need to run three times a week, that’s actually quite a commitment already but I know that I really need to balance out my body and stretch out my back. I’ve dug out a yoga DVD by Tara Lee that I used to do regularly, so I’m going to aim to do two twenty-minute practices each week. I always feel amazing after yoga – mind and body!

So that’s my plan for the next few weeks. I’m hopeful that I’ll start feeling the benefits soon and be back feeling much better and healthier overall. I’ll let you know how I’m getting on!

If you fancy doing the Couch to 5k with me, let me know in the comments.

We do also have a Mums Off Duty workout group over on Facebook where we chat about all things fitness-related and try to support each other in our fitness goals – please feel free to join us!

Natalie xx

Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link which means that, at no extra cost to you, Mums Off Duty may make a very small commission if you make a purchase using that link. This goes towards the costs of running this blog. Thank you for your support xx

Mums Off Duty, Couch to 5k

You may also like

18 comments

Talya Stone June 21, 2019 - 12:56 pm

Go you! I’ve heard amazing things about Couch to 5 k. I’m a total home workouts mama! Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:50 pm

Thank you, I’m really excited to do it! Keep up the home workouts!

Reply
Claire June 21, 2019 - 6:55 pm

Good luck with couch to 5k. I tried and failed miserably. I’m so not a runner.

I’m doing the 30 day shred at home currently.

Although I’m a little odd, the mood exercise I do, the worse I sleep!!

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:51 pm

I’m not a runner either, I think it’s going to be tough. That’s odd about the sleeping, I thought exercise would help!

Reply
Kelly June 21, 2019 - 10:43 pm

I’m actually glad I stumbled across this today as it’s was something that I thought about starting and you have kinda inspired to me do it too.

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:52 pm

Aah I’m so glad! We can do it together!

Reply
Anuma June 22, 2019 - 1:56 pm

Go girl !! I am wondering why I am not able to do this, every time I try to do but fail miserably. It needs so much of determination. All the best to you.

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:52 pm

I am anxious about being able to stick to it, but will give it my best shot. Thank you!

Reply
Alexandra Cook June 22, 2019 - 3:17 pm

Looks like Couch to 5k is such a great app to plan for your running routine. I would love to see for myself how does it work,

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:53 pm

I’ll keep you posted how I’m getting on with it!

Reply
Clare Minall June 22, 2019 - 3:36 pm

I ahve heard so much about this app. My friends started to run fe months ago and using this. And I can see how helpful this was.

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:56 pm

It’s meant to be great – I have a couple of friends who are five weeks in and really enjoying it.

Reply
Sabina Green June 22, 2019 - 5:39 pm

Couch to 5k is such a great idea. I feel very much like you on the stamina front, I feel worn out very quickly!

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:57 pm

My stamina is awful! I really hope this helps to improve it!

Reply
Lyndsey O'Halloran June 22, 2019 - 7:36 pm

Good luck!! I’d love to run but I think I’m too self conscious to run outside

Reply
Natalie June 23, 2019 - 8:58 pm

I totally know what you mean – I run round a fairly empty park!

Reply
Jenni June 23, 2019 - 10:25 pm

Good luck! I’m not a runner. I’ve tried in the past but I have plantar fasciitis and even with the most supportive insoles my feet are in agony if I try to go running. I need to get myself to the pool more often though, as swimming works best for me.

Reply
Frankie June 25, 2019 - 9:17 am

Good luck with your run. The weather has been awful for running and now the rains gone we’ve got silly temperatures !

Reply

Leave a Comment

* By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.