New to C25K and need a miracle: Was inspired to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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New to C25K and need a miracle

briggs10 profile image
32 Replies

Was inspired to join and start writing as you all are amazing!! And thought I have been asking for a Fairy Godmother to work her magic - but perhaps this is what the universe thinks will work best :)

I am currently on slimming world and have a long way to go - and know I need to get fitter & stronger. I started the program yesterday - I was ready, had all the kit & new trainers (they gorgeous) and the play list downloaded - so no stopping me right!!! Well I was shocked - my legs were on fire just in the warm up and then seemed to be filled with lead for the 60 seconds run.It took me entire 90 seconds walking to recover. I was in pieces. AGONY.

Tonight I will go out again but just walking it off for 30 min and then try do Day 1 again tomorrow - hmmm going to take some time !!

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briggs10 profile image
briggs10
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32 Replies
Rignold profile image
Rignold

That's okay. The tough bit is starting. Once you've done that, the only way is up. I was exactly the same the first day I went out. So were many, if not most of us. It's always a shock to the system at first. The thing is you will get fitter and stronger as long as you stick with it.

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Rignold

Cheers thanks Rignold x have to stick with it :) will stay in touch

I was the same when I first started, too. Don't worry about it and don't be so hard on yourself! I would maybe miss out the walk later on as rest days between runs are important, to let your muscles recover. It's a big shock to them when you start running!

I'm doing Slimming World too. Just about done a month up to now :)

Best advice is always to slow right down. You can always go slower than you think you can! Good luck with the rest of the week and keep us all updated :) x

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to

Thanks Spikymoss thats fab advice - will do and will def stay in touch ! :)

in reply to briggs10

Sometimes I feel like a wally when I run really slowly.... but then I remember that no-one really cares! :) xx

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

Me too. Don't forget your stretches after running. After my first run I had to take about 3 days off as I couldn't move!!!

Congratulations on starting...that in itself is a big step. Well done. Don't be hard on yourself, your body will adapt to running and make sure you use the rest days. Don't let your mind tell you you can't do it...your body will surprise you. As others have said, just take it slowly and then slow it down if you need to.

Well done again on getting the shoes on and getting out there.

Ullyrunner profile image
UllyrunnerGraduate

Starting is the hardest bit - and you've already done that! You will surprised how quickly you build up some strength and start to feel fitter. It's hard work but it is so worth it!

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Ullyrunner

Cheers Ullyrunner :)

briggs10 profile image
briggs10

Cheers Performing_Monkey - yup my mind determined - my body needs the adjusting :) sure will take it slow & steady. Thanks for the encouragement !! Appreciate it

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

Welcome Briggs. It's nice to have you join our little community, a little oasis of civility, helpfulness and motivation in the sandy wastelands of t'interweb.

You body will take a few sessions to get used to the shock of what you're putting it through, but I have not doubt at all that by the summer you'll be running 5km's and ParkRun and loving what running is doing for your fitness and lifestyle. It's addictive...

Stretches, rest days, running slowly - these are all you need to care about just now, just don' try and run too fast. And post here often, let us know how you are progressing and don't think we won't notice if you miss a run or two :-)

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to MarkyD

Hi MarkyD super info you do make it sound very exciting LOL - thanks very much.

PrincessStef profile image
PrincessStefGraduate

I was just the same. I couldn't understand how it was so difficult. Then I realised I was going too fast. My "Warm up" walk was too fast so I was knackered before I started the 60 seconds running and thought I must be really unfit. But I slowed down and managed it. In the early days/weeks I felt like I "Run" slower than I walked :) but it doesn't matter. I graduated last week and I still don't run fast. But it still doesn't matter. You have made the biggest leap and started. I also did what you did and invested in some kit as I thought it would make me stick with it and it did. I felt like I was preparing for my runs by putting on my running tights & shoes. Happy Running :)

briggs10 profile image
briggs10

Thanks Princess Stef & well done to you :) great will keep that in mind - thank you

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Take heed of all that advice. Get your stretches here nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... and stick with it. C25k can and will change your life and this forum will supply all the help and advice you could ever need. Congratulations for making a start. Keep us posted, we love to hear from new runners. Good luck.

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you very much - will def take a look there -

Northernspirit profile image
NorthernspiritGraduate

Well done for starting, we all feel the same at the beginning. Everyone has already said it....one thing to add.....do you walk regularly aside from starting this? You might benefit from just walking more it can add to your basic fitness. Mostly though...don't give up now!!

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Northernspirit

Thanks Northernspirit yeah will mix it up with walking to try build up the strength :)

Grubby1985 profile image
Grubby1985Graduate

Just to echo all the other fantastic responses - well done for getting up and making a start!! I'm only just at the end of week 2 so also have a long way to go, and I also had the horrible burning muscles, but both weeks did feel easier towards the end. If you need to keep repeating, then repeat. I repeated one of the week 2 runs this week so i've done four week 2 runs. It will take as long as it takes but stick at it!! You can do it!!! X

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Grubby1985

Cheers Grubby - great to hear from you and will do !! Good luck to you x

goonkeepgoing profile image
goonkeepgoingGraduate

I think virtually all of us thought at some stage we'd need a miracle ......... and these lovely little miracles happened and now we're a community of runners! Well done on starting - it truely was the hardest part for me. It is terrifying, it doesn't feel natural and you wonder how this 'miracle' transformation is going to happen!!! Trust the programme. It works. Take it slow. Repeat weeks if you need to. Keep reminding yourself YOU CAN DO THIS! Post on here for help, guidance and support. Oh, and do your stretches :) Good luck

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to goonkeepgoing

Lovely Goonkeepgoing - really enjoyed your reply - fantastic thank you !

Lyndz7 profile image
Lyndz7Graduate

Well done for starting!! That's a big step. The C25K isn't easy, it's hard work but the important point is it's achievable ! You can and you will do this :)

You sound like you've prepared well, take your time, run slow, listen to Laura and use your rest days and you'll be graduating before you know it, the weeks go very fast :)

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Lyndz7

Thank you Lyndz7 - will remember these words when it feels like I just cant move any further :)

rmnsuk profile image
rmnsukGraduate

w1r1 was the hardest run I have ever done. I completed it through sheer willpower. Other runs were hard but not as bad as that. It is amazing how the body adapts. So if you need to repeat a run or two it will be a little easier next time. I had to repeat two runs, and take a few extra rest days, but I still graduated. In nine weeks or so you WILL be running for 30 minutes and loving it.

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to rmnsuk

Thank you :)

old_git profile image
old_gitGraduate

Welcome and well done on starting. It will get easier and you will feel soooo much better.

Persevering profile image
PerseveringGraduate

Well done on starting! That's a big decision and achievement in itself. You won't give up. But not everything will go according to plan so don't ever feel defeated. Take it one step at a time and if you don't feel ready to move on to the next week, don't. Just re do the week again. It's not a race! You are doing it for you. It's your thing so do it at your own pace. Good luck! :-)

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to Persevering

Thanks Persevering :)

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Welcome ! This programme is truly life changing and it really works !

You've done the hardest step in getting off that couch . Stick with it , the benefits are immense.

Good Luck and enjoy it . Exciting times are ahead for you ! xxx

briggs10 profile image
briggs10 in reply to poppypug

Thank you Poppypug x

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

Well done, it won't be long until you look back and not believe how hard it was at the start xx

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