Fun poll:What’s your best advice for first tim... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Fun poll:What’s your best advice for first time runners? Sorry re-edit as gremlins stopped play. 😀

Millsie-J profile imageMillsie-JGraduate420 Voters

Please select one:

77 Replies
chloemummy1970 profile image
chloemummy1970

Don't put any pressure on yourself. If at first you don't succeed.....

Emm8 profile image
Emm8Graduate

I would tell them they CAN do it too!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate

I seem to be with the majority so far, follow a beginners plan.

PinkDragon profile image
PinkDragon

Start on a treadmill! One road run a month ago gave me shin splints that I can’t shift :(

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to PinkDragon

Sorry to hear this PD. I tend to run on trails or grass, road running is harder on the legs so really hard going for new running legs.

CrimsonMama profile image
CrimsonMama in reply to PinkDragon

I find treadmill and road running does seem to use different muscles! Or at least uses them in a different way. I got shin splints in week one of C25K and found walking everyday for 30 mins for a month and doing the toe lift exercise (raise up and down on tiptoes to strengthen shins) as well as getting some over-pronation insoles all helped and I haven't had shin splints since.

PinkDragon profile image
PinkDragon in reply to CrimsonMama

I’ll give that a go, thank you :) Stupidly, having done run one on road and causing a lot of pain, I continued with the rest of week one and started week two, until I fell off the treadmill in tears and haven’t been back to the gym since! Am taking anti inflammatories now, so will start walking again and build up eventually :)

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate in reply to PinkDragon

Definitely get supportive trainers, I had shin splints and this helped so much. Also compression sleeves and lots of stretches after the run seems to have sorted it for me. Good luck!

CrimsonMama profile image
CrimsonMama

Following a plan like C25K covers most of the basics - encouraging slow and steady, rest days etc so I think it's a great way to get started. I also would recommend warm up and cool down stretches and walking to build up stamina before the program or on rest days.

NotRunFor20yrs profile image
NotRunFor20yrs

You can do it!!

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

Got to be slow and steady for me. 😀.

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate

I wanted to tick them all, but you ain't getting nowhere without a plan... even though I still need to keep telling myself all of the above a year and a half after graduating :)

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

Get good shoes, run slow, rest up between the runs, hydrate lots and sleep well, forget about other runners, take your time, take forever if you have to, don’t run through discomfort or pain and always, always ask lots of questions. Always!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to mrrun

You forgot to mention running in the right kit MrR......otherwise all bases covered teehee!

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

Absolutely crucial, you are spot on. Right kit or no kit. :)

Chocomom profile image
ChocomomGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

What is the right Kit?

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply to Chocomom

I know mrrun well enough to say he will answer proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop........ and I couldn't agree more.

Tbae profile image
Tbae

Very useful poll.

From the get go,be aware of the toxic ten and by going slow your half way there.

💥🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️💥👏👏

in reply to Tbae

Sorry what’s toxic ten ?

Tbae profile image
Tbae in reply to

Hi,

It’s the delay between your brain and your body when you initially start running and that your body needs extra oxygen to sustain that movement.

Perhaps called your second wind🤔, for me more like my first wind, but certainly and until you settle into your breathing rhythm.

You can google a more medical description and follow up on inhalation/dissipation/exhalation of our respiratory system.🤔

👊💥🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👏👏.

Read the posts on this site, almost guaranteed you concerns are covered.

Don't worry that you are not superwoman/man, let your body tell you when, how far, what speed ... If you don't make week 3 run 2 who cares, try it tomorrow or the day after - you are doing this for yourself, all the times, speeds distances etc. come with time. Let yourself grow.

jayval70 profile image
jayval70

As well as following C25k I’d say stop worrying about what other people think. This was a real barrier for me at the start. But the further I ran the less I cared.

Skyart profile image
SkyartGraduate

Share the journey with family and friends. I found the most motivational thing was having 2 friends also doing it. We didn’t run together but we discussed it loads and still do. It kept me going through dark days and tough runs

Spitfiremk9 profile image
Spitfiremk9

I found the runs in weeks 5 & 6 quite difficult but sometimes I repeated a run two or three times before moving forward and that seemed to help

Bartontiger profile image
BartontigerGraduate

I can only vote on experience. C25K all the way 😀

michaeleaton profile image
michaeleatonGraduate

I’ve just completed week 1 run 2. I’ve done run 1 6 times over the last 3 weeks and just completed run 2. Keep trying you can repeat the same runs until you are ready to move on to the next run/week!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389Graduate

So many of those are at the top of my list, but following C25k is the first (along with BELIEVE IN THE PLAN - it works). Go slow - you shouldn't be gasping - and be sure to take rest days would be next. But where is 'join and participate in the HU C25K forum' ???? That's what kept me going from zero to 12 miles 😀 Thank you HU and all involved xxx

Zaza0309 profile image
Zaza0309Graduate

All of them are pretty sound advice I would say

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduate

Slow and steady...and be kind to yourself, have confidence...you can do it, oh and smile, it really helps 🌻

Biddy55 profile image
Biddy55

It’s not a race! Slow and steady does it. Get your kit and running shoes ready the night before a run - that seems to help my mindset. I’m loving C25K - just completed the 20 minute run for wk 5. I’m in my 50’s and have never been a runner, now I’m hooked!!

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate

Hi Millsie-J and Fishypieface great poll and the first one is to follow a training plan like the C25K, but also get fitted with good running trainers and do a gait analysis for the right trainer. Ah, that's 2 extra things there, haha.

Hope you are both well, I haven't seen most on here for a while, but seeing your lovely names brought back memories so I thought I'd say hello 😘👋😊 xx

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to quirkybee

I’m here most days quirky.........plus there is my Run for Fun Quest on Bridge and my Monthly Chat on C25k this month. I’m still here 😃👍🏼

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to quirkybee

You have been missed quirky xx

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate in reply to quirkybee

Hello! I have out of action for about a year with persistent arsecheekitis that wouldn't bugger off- started again a couple of weeks ago at Week 5. Couldn't follow the plan, didn't take it slow, did compare myself to others thus making it all rather hard for myself - idiot!! Ran 30 mins for the first time today so fingers crossed I am on the way again. I'd also forgotten about the toxic 10 until it came up and slapped me round the chops morning. That got me to slow down! Hope all is good with you? xx

SuzyKK profile image
SuzyKKGraduate

Strangely I couldn't actually see the poll; however, my top tips (mentioned by the others) are:

- get properly fitted for good (not nec expensive) running shoes;

- if you're female, make sure you have a good sports bra

- follow the C25K plan - it is SO good (repeat days if nec & don't worry if you can't do 5K in 30 mins - it is running for 30 mins non-stop that is so amazing!)

- use this forum for the good days, the bad days, information....

- HAVE FUN!!!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to SuzyKK

Hi Suzy. We have posted to say there appears to be an intermittent problem online. Thanks for responding

Runip profile image
RunipGraduate

I can't see the poll either. This probably isn't top of the list, but I'd say don't rule out running in the rain until you've tried it. Rainy runs are one of the most joyously ridiculous things I've ever done and always bring out my inner Cheshire cat.

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate

Although I voted earlier, the poll must be having probs as was said above. All I can see now is to choose either N or A.

Taking it slowly is key though, I always remember Oldfloss saying this and it has stayed with ever since and always will, as it is right. Endurance is achieved no matter how slow we go, we will get to 5, or even 10 miles irrelevant of speed, it all builds up.

nigelhs profile image
nigelhs

Keep with it. Remember, this is not a competition, the only thing that matters is that you progress at your pace and distance. I for one did not run 5k in half an hour after 9 weeks. That took a while longer and it took 'baby steps'.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Play has resumed folks.....if you voted earlier please add your vote again 🙏

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Obviously all good tips Millsie-J...I put follow the c25k plan. Think the post run stretches can be helpful too...and stay hydrated!

Enjoy it too!😁xxx

Pyjamas1 profile image
Pyjamas1Graduate

Don't give up if you can't run every other day. I started C25K at the end of last October and I haven't finished yet, but I'm still going and getting there - in my own time.

emmjsm profile image
emmjsm

Get good quality running shoes and gait analysis. Made it so much better for me

Mij1 profile image
Mij1

3rd run today and loving it

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

I thought my app was on the blink!

Don't look too far ahead ( on the programme, not the road.)

Crossbill profile image
CrossbillGraduate

Follow a beginners plan AND dont run too fast

SuzyKK profile image
SuzyKKGraduate

Yeah! This time managed to vote, lol :-)

Missvera profile image
Missvera

I only started on a Couch25k course because a friend didn’t want to do it alone. OMG 😮 I thought I was going to die 😁 (and I exercise regularly and play tennis )

BUT I persevered. I have even run 10K!!!

The girls who ran(!) the course were fantastic, as were the group doing the course - we are still together as a group 10 months later and all of us joined the local club who ran the course.

I hate it (running) but I continue to punish myself because it has done me so much good and I fret if I don’t run 5k 3 times a week !!!

I’m 73 so if I can , so can you!!!

CABrit profile image
CABritGraduate

Gait analysis and proper running shoes - they may seem intimidating but they make all the difference!

JT489 profile image
JT489Graduate

I voted for slow and steady, so even if you don’t use C25K (but why wouldn’t you??) this is good advice and keeps you going. It’s not a race at the start!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Having started on my own without a plan (I thought I was fit enough 🤣) it has to be follow a plan, pref C25k.

On my own I very quickly had issues with tight muscles, I wasn't even going that far but you need a proper plan to ease you in, and to keep your momentum going.

I cannot recommend C25k highly enough and the HU forums. Having just broken the HM barrier just under a year since graduating C25k I cannot imagine being where I am without it 👍😁

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate

Without c25k I certainly wouldn't be where I am today - 9 months later I am running 3 times a week, comfortably achieving 10k, 3 stone lighter and on the way to beating type 2 diabetes 😀

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate in reply to JonathanP

Well done JP! 👏👏👏

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate in reply to TailChaser

Thanks TC!

PJRunner profile image
PJRunnerGraduate in reply to JonathanP

Well done. What an inspiration. You give us newbies hope (W7r1).

JonathanP profile image
JonathanPGraduate in reply to PJRunner

Thanks PJRunner. All the best for your graduation in 2 weeks time!

Katnap profile image
KatnapGraduate

Stick to the plan. Don't try to catch up if you miss any runs.

sigasiga profile image
sigasigaGraduate

Don't let the occasional bad day put you off - we all have them!

Fitgirltobe profile image
Fitgirltobe

I read that if you think your going too slow, go slower 🤣 I found that helpful actually x

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserGraduate

Persevere. A word my teacher at primary school used to use far too much, but you can’t finish the plan unless you do. Keep going - it is so, so worth it!

RubyTiger profile image
RubyTigerGraduate

I wanted 4 or 5 votes, went for persevere but wanted to vote as well for follow a plan, don't go too fast, have a rest day and don't compare, plus others, in fact all of them! It worked for me, ran 7 k today having graduated November. Can't believe it, the plan really worked for me

Dolphin27 profile image
Dolphin27

do the c25k with a friend! great for motivation!

CaffeineBomb profile image
CaffeineBombGraduate

Remove any barriers to going for a run! This means having set run days (if possible) and making sure run kit is prepped in advance and ready to go (including waterproofs, music, etc!). Also have your route planned in advance; get enough sleep and eat and hydrate well so you're not too tired; ask loved ones to (gently!) encourage you to do your run if your willpower is wobbly and you're thinking of missing a run. Also: get statistics with a fitbit/garmin or app. I found it motivating (and still do!) to maintain or see more improvement (however small) in speed, distance, heart rate, pace, cadence, and weight.

parkrun

Pudding5 profile image
Pudding5Graduate

I'm with the majority too, re follow a beginners training plan, but I would also have liked to add, 'Embrase your inner snail'

Rainbowsmurf profile image
RainbowsmurfGraduate

Hard to vote as they are all good advice.

If you have supportive friends and family - tell them what you’re doing. If you don’t then don’t say a word - there’s lots of snarky folk around and the last thing you need is someone being sarcastic about your efforts. Oh and use this forum - the difference between success and sustained success...

m1dgey profile image
m1dgeyGraduate

It's important to believe that you can achieve it 😁

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to m1dgey

Great point m!

e-beanz profile image
e-beanzGraduate

Following a C25K plan is a given so I voted for always taking a rest day but basically all of the points make sense when you're new to running

Lezlie profile image
LezlieGraduate

Start running alone! Because everyone runs on it's own pace. And don't try a running/meetup group. They're always doing to much for really beginners. Two times I tried to start with a group and both times it ended up with knee injuries. :( Then I found (after some other beginner plans) C25K and now I'm a proper runner with no (almost no) knee problems!

Kimyeo profile image
KimyeoGraduate

at least 4 of these are equally applicable

follow a program..

slow does it..

take your rest days...

don't compare..

Watch your knees.

snagsboson profile image
snagsbosonGraduate

Listen to your body.

Runningone profile image
RunningoneGraduate

Also try doing the Park run. I started when I received a brochure advertising the Park Walk @ Park Run in my local park and now I'm on Week 9 Run 2 of C25K. Never thought I would be a runner and enjoy it at 54. Now my daughter comes too and she has already completed her C25K

Pancakes86 profile image
Pancakes86

Having a programme to follow made everything seem so much more achievable. And it’s working!

Rainbow2019 profile image
Rainbow2019Graduate

could have voted for all the answers but the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is slow and steady! If I’d kept on trying to go fast I would have given up by now