Started

[vere]

Did my first day of couch to 5k today. Found it really hard.

[JmasterP16]

Keep going, it will get easier

[Shivani05 Graduate]

Day 1 is exceptionally hard. It never gets *easy*, but it does get better as you get fitter. Good luck!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

The 2nd run will probably be better. Every week is a challenge, so in a way it doesn't get any "easier". But you've done the most difficult bit! You got off the couch and did the first run on C25K! And you did it! Well done! Keep up the good work and in a few weeks you will be astounded how far you've come!

[Big-Andy Graduate]

Keep going!! I graduated yesterday and remember feeling the same thing as you after week 1 run 1. The weeks have flown by though and before you know it you will be running for 30 minutes and enjoying it. You have taken the first and most difficult step by getting off the couch!

[diamondgirl902 Graduate]

Well done vere, you have taken a huge step in the right direction, onwards and upwards until you reach graduation.

Many of us have been in your shoes, some have never exercised for years, and many have found it tough but with a positive mental attitude you will succeed.

Remember that slow and steady wins the race, forget about speed and distance for now, it's all about stamina and enjoying your running and your new level of fitness.

I am now just finishing week 8, and at the beginning I was struggling to run for 60 seconds, I am truly amazed that I can now run for 28 minutes. This programme is fantastic, stick with it and you will reap the rewards of all your hard work.

Please continue to post about your progress, the people on this forum are a friendly bunch who are willing to share their experiences, as well as given out advice, support and plenty of encouragement.

Be proud of yourself, you can do it xx

[Tallulahmoo Graduate in reply to diamondgirl902]

I completed week 8 day 1 yesterday. Bit overwhelmed I can run for 28 minutes when I remember how hard it was when I started.

[vere in reply to diamondgirl902]

Thanks. I am still getting to grips with the website as well.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You did it........that is all that is asked of you. Well done. Don't rush and keep posting. In a few weeks you will look back and laugh.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

In my opinion the first run was the hardest and you've done that now. Running IS hard which is why so many people don't even try it. But like everything else the more you do it the easier it will get and the sense of achievement you'll feel will be huge. Please keep going, run very slowly and post here for encouragement and support. Well done btw.

[vere in reply to Irishprincess]

Cheers.

[Sarah-A Graduate]

I think most people find it hard. I know I did!

Don't give up though! My tips would be to slow right down. Run much slower than you think you should. The aim in the first stages is to get your body used to the cardio activity.

On the very first run, my friend and I thought we were going to keel over, but next time we learnt our lesson and slowed up and we survived! We both graduated and went from non-runners to finishing a raceforlife running the whole way.

Good luck!

[vere in reply to Sarah-A]

Thank you.

[Tallulahmoo Graduate]

Keep at it! You can do it. It is hard, and although it doesn't get (much) easier, you do get better! I'm on week 8 now, and I remember when I first started I spent most of my running just counting down the seconds to when that minute was over. Get some good music to listen to, and have confidence that if you stick with it, you WILL be running for 30 minutes in 9 weeks.

[louisella Graduate]

Well done for starting and don't feel too disheartened by it being hard - I found the first run to be difficult as I hadn't been running for about 20 years and need to lose about 4 stone. It does get better - the feeling you get when you get past each stage is very motivating. I'm only on week 4 at the moment so long way to go but if someone had have said to me in week 1 that I'd be running for 5 minutes without stopping in a few weeks I'd never have believed them. Just remember to go at a pace which works for you. It's not about speed at this point - it's getting your body used to exercise and building up stamina. Keep going, it's worth it! x

[LauraLouP Graduate]

Well done- that first run is a big hurdle and you've jumped it! you are on the road. Keep going - slow and steady. Look forward to hearing your progress

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done for starting vere. It is a great program that really does work.

I expect even though you felt tired you felt elated afterwards and pleased with yourself for taking action.

Try and run really slowly, just a light jog and on the flat is best when starting out.

Good luck and you will be surprised how well you can do.

[vere in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks for that. I am really pleased to have done session two today.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to vere]

Well done vere. We know its tough to get yourself out there..but you did it.

Let us know how W1Run3 goes..( see you will soon know the lingo).

[vere in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Will do

[Stella1001 Graduate]

The most important part of this - and the most difficult - is making up your mind to do it and getting going! You should be proud of yourself for taking this first step. Trust the programme and in no time you will be graduating!

[Jeleybelly Graduate]

I still find the running hard, but the feeling afterwards is priceless

Stick with it , you've done the hardest bit

[hel212000 Graduate]

Well done for taking that first step, I was so amazed that I managed that very first run and have put my faith in the programme, I really thought that I wouldn't get as far as I have and be repeating weeks but so far so good and yesterday I did my first ever 25 minute run, I agree with the others it doesn't get easier but as your fitness improves it gets more enjoyable and I now get a real buzz out of completing the programme. I am very slow but have found going at a slow pace I can complete the runs. Good luck with your future runs.

[vere in reply to hel212000]

Thanks for that. I am due to do second one today but really don't feel like it.

[hel212000 Graduate in reply to vere]

Do it, you will be glad you have, I've never regretted going for a run, but know if I don't I will. I'm iff out in a minute for the first run of week 7. Come on you can do it.

[Eatcakeandrun]

Keep going and it will get easier - it really will! Well done for starting. 😊

[vere in reply to Eatcakeandrun]

Thanks for your support hope to do round 2 today.

[louisella Graduate in reply to vere]

Go for it, keep telling yourself you can do it because you can Good luck

[vere]

Thanks Louisella, just finished second one.

[louisella Graduate in reply to vere]

Well done, that's great how did it go?

[vere in reply to louisella]

Not so bad after all. I have to say both runs made me realise how much more deeply I could breathe with air going further into my lungs.

[vere]

Me too but I will say I felt the air actually getting into my deeper into my lungs so that is a good trigger for me to continue. I try to jog and hope I will get to running one day soon.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to vere]

As your fitness improves you will find that it is running that you are doing... just slow steady running.. listen to Laura she will give you confidence.

[mummybrummy Graduate]

It gets easier if I can do it anyone can and I'm half way thru week 7

You can do this