Beginner to Couch to 5K. My experience so far...

[Lydia24]

So i decided to start the NHS couch to 5k, after watching the London Marathon last weekend. I have never felt such shame in my life. I am a 24 year old female, who cannot run for a bus, watching pensioners complete the 26 mile run. Never have i before have i felt so dissapointed with myself. I am 24, weigh 12 stone 2 and am also a smoker, and drink quite regularly and to be honest do not exercise regularly at all. So i went online when i came home, and decided i needed to sort my life out, so downloaded the app.

I started week 1, two days ago. My first day was, well tiring. I honestly though that i would not be able to finish the 20 minutes of running/walking. Towards the last two runs, i was begging it to end, and thinking about giving up, but i persevered and felt such satisfaction afterwards when i was walking home. I gave it a day of rest, then today decided to complete week 1, run 2. And to be honest i am absolutely astonished at how much easier it was compared to two days ago. Whilst i was still sweating like mad, my breathing was better, i was not so out of breath, and i finished the run a lot more positive than the last one. Although my shins and feet are kind of hurting, i am now thinking that i may be able to complete this for the whole 9 weeks. I will try and reply to my posts, to keep other people updated and will also try to record my weight loss if there is any as this was something i would have liked to have read more on before i started!!! Keep it up everyone!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You have made a brilliant discovery and a wise decision. C25k WILL change your life. I wish I had discovered it at 24. You will discover that running is way more than a means of keeping fit, but also a mood enhancing,addictive and empowering activity that will make you feel more alive than ever before and teach you about your body in all sorts of ways. The jewel in the crown is this forum, which offers, advice, support and shameless enthusiasm for this incredible training plan. Taking part in the London marathon was at least one recent C25k graduate, so it could be you next year. It may sound impossible, but it is not.

PS. The ladies do say record your vital statistics at the start and compare them in a few weeks. Running alone will not contribute much to weight loss, but you will lose inches.

Good luck. Keep running, keep posting, keep smiling.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great to see you posting again. Cheers.

[Rockette]

I echo what iannodatruffle as just put & congratulations on your successfull runs . Keep up the good work & keep posting . & iannodatruffle I often think I wish I had found running in my twenties , but at least we have found it , & can enjoy the benefits , better late than never !

[danzargo Graduate]

Lydia - THE GURU HAS SPOKEN! Ionnada Truffe has given me so much great advice on this forum so take heed of his wise words. The true fact is that you have ALREADY taken the hardest step - to decided to do this program. I am 51 and started a year ago. Overweight, sedentary lifestyle and a complete sloth. As soon as I'd got Week 1 R1 over with and hobbled in to work with the stiffest legs I'd ever had, I felt pleased I'd started. I am now running 10K and feel absolutely fantastic!

Stick with it, even when you think "Ahgghh, I can't do this!". I promise in 9 weeks or so you will be running non stop for around half an hour. If you want one other little tip, one that worked for me - regarding weight loss, I used My Fitness Pal's free app and logged what I ate for a few months and lost one and a half stone. Using this in conjunction with your running will give you a very satisfied feeling mentally that you're making a big change for the good in your life.

Keep us updated otherwise we'll send the boys round!!

[runningmummy71 Graduate]

Well done for starting, that's definitely the biggest step! I'm 42 and not run since being forced to at school! I'm just starting wk6 on Monday and if you told me 5 weeks ago I would be able to run for 20 mins without stopping I wouldn't have believed it but I can! Haven't lost much weight yet but legs are starting to look more toned! Trust in the programme, it definitely works. Good Luck and enjoy!

[Nilzed]

Good on you!

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

I heartily echo the sentiments uttered above me. You have, my dear Lydia24, made a fantastic decision in taking up C25K. I start week four on Monday but I still remember that first week; the first run in week one and my wondering if I could get through that is something I won't forget in a hurry! But get through it one does and the progress you'll make will be extraordinary. You and Laura have started your journey together; enjoy it and keep us informed of your progress!

[Hidden]

Good for you for starting!

You might find your next step will be to stop smoking, because in the end it does get in the way of running.

As for weight, I started C25K in the New Year when I weighed 13 stone 7. I had been trying to eat more sensibly, but at the beginning of February started being even more mindful about watching my diet. I record everything I eat and drink on MyFitnessPal, which lets me have 1200 calories per day plus any extra calories I "earn" through exercise (marvellous incentive to be active!!!). I recorded my latest weight this afternoon and it is 12 stone 1.

Do keep an eye on the shin pain, though. Also, have you invested in good running shoes of the type that is right for you? You find this out by having a gait analysis in a running shop. It's really important to have the right shoes in order to avoid injury, particularly for us weightier ones!

[Hidden]

Well done on getting started, it really is the hardest part. I admire your guts in saying that you need to turn your life around - and believe me, you WILL succeed. If you want a low impact activity for your non-running days (and the rest days are really important - although you can do other types of exercise on those days) then I wholeheartedly recommend Pilates. It works a treat for toning the body. I also agree that it is a good idea to have gait analysis done and get the correct running shoes for your gait as this can really reduce the risk of running related injury. In the meantime, good luck with the third run of this week and my very best wishes to you.

[JenniRae]

Hi Lydia, I'm a similar age and weight to you! I started in January, though it took me a couple of attempts to even complete week1 run1. I've just had to go back to week 5 after having a few weeks off (various illnesses etc.) so haven't completed the programme in the 9weeks but that doesn't really matter - I know I will complete it and that is what matters.

Be proud of yourself going out there and doing it is such a massive achievement. Keep going, even when it seems hard. There have been times I've wanted to give up, but other than for illnesses I've not let myself go more than 2 rest days between runs - this keeps me motivated and keeps me going. The forum and Facebook group are great for support and advice from people at all stages of the programme, so keep updating us all with your progress and ask any questions (no matter how silly they seem). Repeat runs if you need to.

Happy running

[tomlertoos Graduate]

Hi Lydia! Wow, you have made a brilliant change already by starting the programme! As with many others , I regularly read the posts here and they really help. I can't even remember how I 'stumbled' on healthunlocked, but it's become part of my fitness regime. It's great to know we're all on the same journey...

[Theziggy Graduate]

Just two words

WELL DONE