First week walking/ running mix done ( in memoriam of dog) - pic of me walking with him (apologies for the sartorial inelegance).. but I have a question, wife found it hard and hated it all.. at what point ( roughly) does the ' love of running' I hear so often about and the ' I hate it when i miss my run' kick in in the 9 weeks of c25K ? I can continue to 'cajole' her into it for a bit.. but was curious about when people start ' enjoying it' ( in their experience?)
Week 1: First week walking/ running mix done... - Couch to 5K
Week 1
AnaveragemanGraduate
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Anaverageman
Graduate
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I am loving it, and only start run 1 of week 4 today. I would say it's personal taste, but for me it was end of week 2.
I never thought I'd be a runner, and was out in the rain today loving it. 
I hope your wife catches the running run as it is more enjoyable with 2.
well the original aim was to do it with/for her, as she was distraught at the death of family dog... so you see why I was asking... interesting replies thanks
I'm sorry for the loss of your dog, I haven't crossed that bridge yet with mine but our four-legged friends hold such a special place in our heart. I hope you guys gain some peace, and I hope running helps you. I find it great for clearing the mind when I'm angry or sad.
oh everyone keeps saying this stuff to me.. re dog ( of 14 years) I'm not worried.. ( i'm a hard hearted sob obviously) it was more her dog.. hence the run with her , to help her was MY idea...
but not good if she hates it.. hence the question... one run at a time I guess
So sorry, in true Vicki style I missed the part of the passing of your loved family dog, so sorry. ♡
No worries
Usain_BaltiGraduate
I think it's impossible to give a time frame I'm afraid.
In my case, I initially found it easy but then I disliked it, next I hated it, then I learned to tolerate it, after that, I began to like it. Then the addiction sneaked up me and now I hate the rest days and can't wait for my next run.
Next week, who knows? The dreaded Gremlins might get the better of me and make me wonder why I'm bothering to do it.
One thing's for certain though, thousands of ordinary people who didn't think they were capable of it have graduated, as hopefully will I and Mr & Mrs Anaverageman too eventually.
Stay with it, it works.
I really don't think you should tell this to your wife: I started enjoying it fully about a month ago, when I started doing longer runs training for a half marathon. I simply hate the first 10 minutes - 10 to 40 are ok, but the real enjoyment starts around the 40 min mark up to 1 h 30 - it's when I feel I could do a Forrest Gump and run forever :0)
but that feeling starts to vanish after about 1 hr and a half...
My dog gets really tired though after about 50 minutes (she's nearly 10)
By the way, I graduated last June.... (I told you, don't tell your wife!)
PS well done for getting week 1 done!
thanks though, nice to have honest info.. and mums the word...
can I just start running at minute 11 then do you think? 
UllyrunnerGraduate
It was quite a while before I enjoyed the actual running but I did get the most fantastic sense of achievement each time I completed a run. Even now, more than 18 months on, I still have the odd day when I tell myself ' you don't have to run the full 5 k, you can always stop earlier...' Of course I never do!
Keep going - it is so worth it!
well that's where I am worried, ill just give up if I entertain that thought
GoogleMeGraduate
I presume you are not running that horrible muddy route? I like a mucky run more than averagely but that doesn't look fun.
lol no, so far country roads or through housing estates so paved roads all the way
Oh well if that was the choice I think I might go for that path! I really don't enjoy running on tarmac. So I don't. Seriously, it might be about the surface not suiting her.
And dare I say it, she might enjoy running more by herself (or with the next dog in due course...) Some of us find company invaluable and some of us are mostly solitary. (I've only had human company twice and it is perhaps significant that when I did enjoy it, it was someone (from here) joining me at the end of a long run when I'd got my own rhythm going)
However, I think Week 1 is a law unto itself and, apart from the inevitable occasional Bad Run, it gets easier though many of us find each run can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster with many people describing the first 10 minutes of every run as foul (see Pigivi above), no matter how euphoric they are later.
well the choice of surface/ direction of run was hers... ( but I confess I thought running on grass not a good idea at the start ..surface slipping , a bit too variable, possibility of injury too high) although COULD vary that ..thanks. its not the surface that's the problem its the running... but she's sticking with it for now.. I guess I just have to encourage her as much as is possible,.. have to be ' nice' ...jeez.. the things I do...
No way! Your risk of acute/accidental injury might be worse on grass (tripping up and skinning a knee, or nettle stings), but serious, chronic, trap-you-on-the-physio's-sofa injuries are way easier to get running on pavement. It doesn't give, and you put exactly the same stress on your body with each step. Run for the hills and rinse your socks in the garden before clogging the washing machine, I say!
I guess you do get more 'give' or bounce on earth than on tarmac... Wouldn't have thought it made THAT much difference when you consider the forces on your feet though.. But i understand running on road surface does lead to more injuries.. Hills ill avoid for now
NOT run with me... probably a VERY good idea though..
runswithdogsGraduate
For me I was pretty thrilled in the first couple of weeks when I noticed my recovery time was getting better. The increased running didn't impress me nearly as much.
I think for many people the end of Week 5 is a real highlight when all the hard work seems to come together. It's quite the emotional high, particularly if you've never been the sporty type.
I found it really useful to have the goal of a 5 k race that I had agreed to before even starting the program. It worked out that I graduated about a month prior, and it was a really fun experience and was a great celebration of 9+ weeks of hard work. Many folks on here enjoy the Parkrun experience if it's in your country (not in Canada yet).
I hope you can cajole her along until it clicks. Encourage her to post her successes and frustrations here - the forum is a great motivator for many of us.
Lovely picture as well.
well was thinking park run at the end of it.. would be a sort of ' goal' but I hope ' complete the 9 week course then see' would also work..
Dunder2004Graduate
I have enjoyed the 'challenge' aspect since day 1 (a 2 week injury enforced break aside) but the actual running became pleasurable during W7R1 for me. That was really the first time that I was able to forget/ignore that I was doing something really quite strenuous.
ahhhh but I shirk challenges... I cower in the face of danger.. I run away from all responsibility ( ok maybe walk away) but good tip.. by the sounds of it, it seems to vary for many... although this ' first 10 minutes of any run bad' thing useful to know) maybe ill skip minutes 1-10 and start at minute 11 ??/
The first five minutes have been the toughest for me too but the last couple of runs have been better when I have done a proper thorough warm up to get those leg muscles nice and loose before the 'warm-up' walk.
Skipping the first 10 minutes sounds like a plan, certainly worth a try. 
mfamiliasGraduate
Honestly? When my body finally got used to the idea, which was at the beginning of week five if I remember rightly. But there were some runs that were better than others, it depended very much from one day to the next. By week 7, I was scratching at the door with my trainers. You have to keep at it until the addiction kicks in 
That was WHY I asked so thanks
I found the whole experience very positive from the 1st week it just gets to you when you see what you can do
Ah see I cant do anything yet
IannodaTruffeMentor
In my opinion C25k is best carried out by oneself. If you are running with the other half, then one of you (I make no presumption) is probably running at more than a natural pace, while the other may well not be pushing to the degree which will maximize their potential. To be forced to run too fast is not pleasant, especially when you are just getting used to the idea of running. Nobody, bar a masochist (I make no presumption), is going to fall in love with this kind of pressure. C25k works best when the individual runs at the pace that suits them.
My wife told me in my early weeks of the programme that I would never get her running, she had never enjoyed running. Before I completed, with absolutely no persuasion from me, she started and became as hooked as I was in no time at all. We now run together occasionally, but mainly run on our own simply because of the pacing issue. Neither of us would give up our running now.
I can understand what you mean, however I'm quit happy for now not to 'maximise' my potential if I'm the faster runner and she hasn't got away from me yet. I guess it depends on each person really, funny with gym work I prefer to work myself but since an 'ideal running' pace for beginners is supposed to allow for conversation, running CAN be a 'group ' rather than an 'individual' activity then surely?
Of course running can be a group activity, but I would not underestimate the pressure that you may be putting on your wife simply by running together. Neither of you may be conscious of it, so try running separately and see how that feels.
The love for running, in my opinion, comes from the personal achievement, striven for by individual motivation. So many people here say how they hated running at school, but then they were being coerced to do it. By being in control of your progress it becomes very personal and life affirming.
Good luck.
well I will suggest it certainly..
I guess , like many things, it is always a danger to generalise from one's own experiences.... and say it ' ALWAYS' has to be like this..
I'm usually wary when people say it..
Equally one should always listen to other's experiences and attempt to learn from them (and not simply repeat mistakes that can be avoided) which is, of course m why these forums are useful..
but ultimately , you are right, it is down to each individual to decide what works best for them!
thanks anyway.. I will take it on board
You are absolutely right and I am only relating my experience, not making a generalisation. Judging by the fact that people have recommended my replies, my thoughts are shared by others too.
useitorloseitGraduate
Why not think about getting another dog? Obviously the beloved mutt can never be replaced, but there's nothing like a new furry friend to give you a new focus? (I'm a cat person, and have had to cope with losing 4 moglets over the years, so I know how they can leave a hole in your life).
It wouldn't help much with the running though ...
Nahh both out working full time so unfair on new dog being left alone ( was ok for old dog precisely cos he was elderly but had a dog walker) but thanks
Ps I'm a 'cat' person too
agedsnailspaceGraduate
I started running as a bet with a colleague at work. To be honest, I used to do most of my runs teeth gritted muttering dark threats about the so-and-so that got me roped into this lark, but even though I hated the runs, the sense of achievement that built up as you started ticking them off was pretty amazing. I think the fact that I was SO unfit at the start helped (sounds bizarre, I know!) as the change as I became fitter was just that much more dramatic. Week 1 was definitely the worst week (my recovery times were horrendous). I can't say when I started to enjoy running - certainly for the whole of the program the first 5 mins running were always hard. It was a lot easier once you were through that. Parkrun made a bid difference and I would recommend getting along there and starting way before graduation. You don't have to run all the way - we have lots of people doing c25k around our local run (and all shapes, sizes ages!). It's a great atmosphere and in itself becomes quite addictive (and it's a great way to start the weekend). I can't remember at what point running became a release for me, but I do find I am biting heads off if I don't get out for a run now, especially if work has been a bit stressful (which is most days!). Persevere - the joy will come!
AnaveragemanGraduate
Haven't found week 1 bad at all .. My aerobic fitness is crap for sure ( knew that) and been slightly stiff a bit for an hour or so after... But someone mentioned earlier its about getting the Breathing right and until I do I guess it will feel crap...
ViaMGraduate
She might just need to sign up to this forum! Instead of you asking these questions, why not your wife? The encouragement from this group and being part of this fantastic running community does wonders but possibly better without the middle man, who, in this case, is you
I honestly cant think of anything she would enjoy LESS to be honest, the idea of ' sharing your thoughts/ life with people who are ( in the final analysis) a bunch of total strangers would , quite frankly, fill her with horror. One must recognise such forums are definitely not for everyone..
I think when you have been married for 30 years you DO tend to get to know someone.. and trust me, that one is a non starter.. ( although i DID consider it), but thanks anyway
Indeed you might "tend" to know someone after 30 years of marriage and indeed such forums are not for everyone but still sometimes you might be surprised! I almost feel like we need to demand your wife to come on board, try us (the bunch of total strangers) and then make her own mind up if she wants to stay or leave.
millwalki8Graduate
At what point does the love of running kick in?
1 second after Graduation for me
well at least it HAS kicked in... so good for you
( as of course FOR graduation)
ju-ju-Graduate
Lovely pic...huge well done to you and your wife for starting. From personal experience I have to say that from that first run of week one it really was love because I loved the feeling of running and being outdoors, I was desperate to get better so I could do it for longer... Sorry that's no help is it?!! However for your wife, I am sure she is already aware of all the benefits, and the other thing is that as the weeks progress she will undoubtedly feel the benefits from the endorphins, they give will give her a feelgood buzz all day! However, I attempted to 'take up' running about 22 years ago with my husband ( he already ran but agreed to train me). I lasted one run that was 2 minutes long and I vowed never again, so there is also something about finding the right time in life...alternatively bribes and treats generally work for most of us women!! Sorry for long reply!!!
AnaveragemanGraduate
'desperate to get better so I could do it for longer' actually a GOOD help thanks.. many people have spoken of the ' desire to improve' the ' mental battle' but , in this case, I guess that is something that can be USED if one wants to encourage someone else// First 'run' she said she enjoyed being outside .. second one weather too cold.. ( really biting wind) so she didn't enjoy.. third she kind of felt she 'failed' as she struggled.. Will try week 2 run 1 tonight ( weather permitting.. I'd run in anything, she , i think, needs conditions to be right until the ' desire' kicks in..) which was why i asked the original question..
mmm 'bribes and treats' I never thought of that! ( but then again i AM a man) hows your own running going? you still winding down post Paris?
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