Getting ready to run

[Celtprof]

Well, it's my first foray into running tomorrow. Have spent Jan losing a stone through various forms of exercise and have one and a half stones to go to get to my optimum weight. Came across C25K and thought I might give it a shot! Any advice welcome before I embark on Week 1 tomorrow! Eek.

[Hidden]

Hi and welcome, well done on your weight loss too that takes some doing

Advise ? Yup do it !! You won't regret it .. the mantra here is slow and steady and then slower still if needs be.

You don't say if you have been doing any form of exercise , so may be worth starting with just walking initially to get your body used to moving .

There is no pressure to complete the program in 9 weeks and you can repeat the runs if you need too .

Trust in the program it works and believe in yourself and you will amaze yourself at what you can acheive

Good luck and keep posting with your progress and any questions etc everyone here is friendly supportive and encouraging

[yamiskoi Graduate]

Hiya, welcome on board! Just make sure that you take it slow and steady. I often have a snack of some fruit before I go out on a run, and a drink of water. Make sure you do some basic stretches before the run. This is an incredible program, you will be surprised by how much you achieve in such a short space of time! Make sure you look back here regularly, everyone is really nice and supportive. Really well done on your weight loss so far and good luck on your first run tomorrow!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Good for you for taking on the c25k program. Wear some good supportive trainers/running shoes. Take a bottle of water with you to have at the end ( you will need this). Hopefully you have somewhere flat in mind to run, maybe a park (running on a proper path will be easier than muddy grass). Listen to the coaching given by Laura (the voice on the c25k podcast or app) and off you go.

She will tell you to go slowly, just a light jog is required. This is important as you are learning to run and this will help you stick with the program and build stamina.

It is a fun program and really works, you will continually amaze yourself by your achievements and become fitter, healthier and slimmer. Good luck and we will be happy to hear how you get on and give you encouragement and support.

[Shivani05 Graduate]

As everyone says, slow and steady! Also, week 1 is hard because your body is not used to running. But that feeling when you complete the run makes it all worth it. Good luck!

[pot58 Graduate]

Ok...first of all ditto for above...Secondly...you will feel not only fitter but also a great sense of achievement. I found coming into the forum reading how others were doing a great help. I got( still do) bright red, dripping, gasping and convinced I needed a paramedic in the earlier stages. BUT it got sooo much better as the runs were ticked off. The programme works! Good luck and post back how you get on...and for help and encouragement...

[stephhxo]

I am not far ahead of you at all. I am doing my 3rd run of week 2 today (i was going to go 1st thing but the weather was dreadful!) and i can honestly say that my 1st run of week 1 was absolutely awful. I only completed half, there were tears, vomit, sore legs, the lot. In desperation I vowed to go out again 2 days later and sure enough i completed it and felt on top of the world for it. A lot of people say week 1 is the toughest but with some grit & determination you'll nail it. I actually look forward to going out now. I've been suffering with depression for the past year and I can hand on heart say that getting out there and doing this for myself has been more effective than any drug!! I can't wait to face the challenges of the weeks ahead (sad i know!).

Good Luck!

Steph

[OldWheezer]

All of the above. You'll be surprised how quickly you move from enjoying it when it stops to enjoying it while you're running. Take it easy, only 27 (ish) small outings and you'll be there.

[Purple_faced_woman Graduate]

Other suggestion - if you are female you should invest in a good running bra!

Good luck - you'll be brilliant.