First timer!

[NicNac1303]

Hi there, I've downloaded the app and ready to go! I'm looking for any helpful tips on getting started, things to avoid or any vague words of encouragement! Many thanks

[AndyD Graduate]

I would also try to download the podcasts and "Laura" will tell you when to start /stop running and provide you with lots of tips. Laura will become very familiar to you.

Other advice... Take it easy, run slow, take a rest day between runs and read what others are saying on this site and never be afraid to ask a question... You will get loads of positive support.

Have fun as well!

[NicNac1303 in reply to AndyD]

Thanks AndyD, great advice!

[MarkyD Graduate]

Welcome. You can do this.

3 helpful tips:

1) Imagine how toned, trim and proud you are going to be in 9 weeks time. Family and friends will be commenting on your appearance.

2) Don't forget that you are jogging, not running. You should be able to hold a conversation whilst you are doing the brisk walk, and make short sentences whilst running. If you think that you might be going too fast, you are.

3) Take your rest days. 3 runs a week, 7 days in a week, so you get 1 or 2 days off after each run.

4) [OK, I lied]. Post here often. We'll cheer you along your way and generally offer encouragement and motivation.

Remember: You can do this. Good luck!

[NicNac1303 in reply to MarkyD]

Thank you so much!

[Eastofthegate Graduate]

Good luck! Take it really slow and steady and remember to breathe - I forgot to breathe quite a lot of the time in week 1 which made it much, much harder!

[NicNac1303 in reply to Eastofthegate]

Thanks Eastofthegate, I'll be grateful of the "take it slowly" advice, I'm sure!

[gary_bart]

Just follow the programme, and you'll reach a point where you start doing the impossible. Feels great. Sometimes it feels terrible on the way there, but sometimes it actually feels great (but sometimes in a somewhat twisted way).

Just make a start. Don't worry too much about the rest of the the details yet.

[NicNac1303 in reply to gary_bart]

Thanks gary_bart, am expecting terrible moments but ultimately great moments!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

If you use the podcasts, Laura will tell you everything you need... except that she'll recommend hitting the ground with heel first and you can safely ignore that bit (and if the breathing she suggests doesn't work for you, it doesn't matter)

[NicNac1303 in reply to GoogleMe]

Thanks GoogleMe, great advice!

[Dunnja Graduate]

Welcome NicNac.

This programme is totally amazing and you will never believe you can achieve what you do.

Just follow it step by step and you will succeed.

This forum is lovely too. Provides loads of support

Jules xx

[NicNac1303 in reply to Dunnja]

Thanks Jules!

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome to the board NicNac

Yes, just follow the podcasts, and please take the rest days - very important !

Post on here anytime , it will help in keep you focused and motivated. This is a safe, supportive place with lots of lovely people who are always willing to help .

Good Luck ! When are you thinking of starting ? xxx

[NicNac1303 in reply to poppypug]

Thank you poppypug! I'm going to start on Monday 7th September. The reason for the delay is I'm on holiday the week before so it'll all start after that! Thanks so much for your great advice.

Nicola xx

[jamsammich Graduate]

I definitely second the rest days!

Yes, do keep coming back!

It's hard but it works. Good luck!

[NicNac1303 in reply to jamsammich]

Thank you!

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Run slowly, keep your legs relaxed and breathe deeply and slowly and follow Laura's advice on the podcast, we are all beginners just a few weeks ahead of you. Trust the progressions in the programme, you may not believe it but u will do it. Oh, make sure you take rest days!

[LouShooz Graduate]

Hita Nicnac and welcome to the club!!! Just enjoy yourself and trust this wonderful programme. Laura is amazing and I missed her alot when I graduated 😄 the only thing i struggled with was the breathing pattern she recommended so I just try and relax and breathe as I feel suits me. It seems to work as Im still out there doing (and LOVING) my running. Ooo the peace quiet and theill I get from my runs is so uplifting -i never thought Id do it but I did and you will too. Good luck on your journey and keep us all posted -ENJOY!!! 😄👟😃xx

[NicNac1303 in reply to LouShooz]

Thank you LouShooz! xx

[shaver142 Graduate]

Hi and welcome, I second everything all the others have said but also (in my humble opinion) don't be tempted to skip the warm up or cool down your muscles won't thank you and if you need more than one day's rest in between runs then take it, I took 18 weeks to graduate as I can only usually run twice a week and I repeated some of the early weeks, I have never regretted doing things at my own pace, so go girl and enjoy, you will be amazed!!

[NicNac1303 in reply to shaver142]

Thank you so much, will take all that on board!