First Voluntary Run of my Life...

[NJA95]

Hello,

I'm new here and I'm planning to do my first C25K run today. This is genuinely the first time I've been for a run since school PE and have no idea how to go about it! Does anyone have any advice? 

Thanks 

[davidy233]

Just go for it - run as slowly as you can to begin with, and remember to breath  - until three weeks ago it was 30 years since I had run at all - I'm 57 and on week three - just do one day at a time and you'll be fine.

[LittleNic Graduate in reply to davidy233]

Go for it and be very proud of whatever you manage to achieve - like davidy it was over 30 years since I'd run anywhere and I'm loving it. There's loads of support on the C25K forums.

[Hidden]

I'm starting week 6 today and have kept chipping at it since January. Just take it slowly to start with. Don't be disappointed if at any time you can't complete the timed runs. Just repeat it again. I did two weeks of Week 1 and two weeks of Week 2 to build my confidence at first. I hung around weeks 4 and 5 for a while until I felt ready to progress. Around week 5 it becomes more of a mental challenge and everything the app tells you is right. By this time it's just gritting your teeth and saying to yourself that you can do it! It is a huge achievement when you do. I am still elated at my 20 minute run last Monday. I'm actually looking forward to this week. Signing up for the 5k Race for Life tomorrow, patience with yourself and determination will get you there. Good luck!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

The podcasts are great.  Just keep it slow, and be really proud of yourself.  Many of us were not athletic and hatred PE.  You're in good company.

[NJA95 Graduate]

Thank you so much! I've just got back and I managed to finish! It was harder than I expected but I am so pleased to have made the first step I'm not sure what you mean about the podcasts, my app only says walk or run!

[louisella Graduate in reply to NJA95]

Well done for starting the programme, actually getting out there is a major hurdle in itself so feel proud of yourself for taking the first step

The podcasts give you more of a running commentary and tips from a lovely lady called Laura (you'll see here referred to a lot here!), you can download them from here

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

I've only ever used them rather than the app and find the motivational parts really help (Laura will tell you when you're halfway or need to slow down for your walking parts. Be warned though....the music is a tad cheesy! 

[LittleNic Graduate in reply to NJA95]

Well done - feel proud 

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Quite literally...one step at a time Steady and slow... go at your own pace and follow the podcasts...

This is a super forum with some really super folks.. all willing to encourage and support.. there is advice for everything from sore toes to sore.. well, sore anything.

Everyone is really positive , and motivating too. 

Starting something new is often  daunting... but, this is the bit where you find out who you really are

Keep posting!