Just started couch to 5k...day two

[jill2304]

H everyone, I'm new to this, just started the "couch to 5K" , and tips would be helpful, want to loose weight, tone up and improve my fitness. Just completed day two, hope it gets easier, very unfit, and hopefully see results soon.....

[PippiRuns]

Welcome. I'm in week 7 and started from scratch, very much out of shape. My best advice is to really listen to Laura and have trust in the programme. If she says you can do it, it means your body is ready. Your mind might not be there yet (telling you to stay on the couch), so just trust the programme and take the leap! It is such an adventure. Go!

[nowRnever]

Hello and welcome to C25K ! I'm pretty new too, on W2R3 (week two, run 3).  I found the hardest battle was my own mind. My body would start feeling the burn and my brain would panic and say "What are you doing to me, I'm going to die".   I just kept on pushing through it and my brain realized " Hey I didn't die."  The most important things to keep in mind are "slow and steady wins the race", and "You can do this girl!"

[jill2304 in reply to nowRnever]

Thank you, made me laugh your reply, exactly how I feel when doing a run, I'm really not liking it at the moment, that's because my lazy body isn't used to it, feel like I'm going to die too hahahahaha.....feeling positive and motivated though,....thanks to this forum, I don't feel so alone in my journey. So thank you .

[Traceyanne83 Graduate]

Well done on keeping with the program! The more you run the fitter you become and the easier it gets (kinda)

If you're doing run day / rest day/ run day/ rest day then I recommend having a 2 day rest day every other week as your body needs time to recover. 

Other things I recommend are keeping a bottle of water with you at work (or to drink during the day) to ensure you are well hydrated for when you come to do your run - as this helps you not to get a stitch. Depends what time of day you run though.

Listen to your body, don't feel you have to always breath in through your nose out through your mouth lol, as long as you get the oxygen you need in there, who cares lol just do what feels right for you.

Allow yourself to smile while you're running and feel proud!! This is especially funny if you are passing people as they're probably thinking "there's a crazy happy person running towards me" 😂 which cracks me up and makes me laugh inside, which makes the whole thing more enjoyable (maybe that's just me though 😂😂).

Also having a banana about an hour before a run helps get energy to your muscles when you need it.

I found that on week 6/7 I got a sore arch of my right foot. I read that it is good to alternate between 2 pairs of trainers - to give the foam inside time to get back to normal - coz you're impacting it down the more you run. So I tried this and it has helped. So yeah any foot pain try alternating trainers.

Can't think of anything else but hope these tips are helpful 😀

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Well done Jill for starting the program.

Its hard to believe it, but by following the program you are learning to run at a gentle steady pace and each stage is building your stamina. You will be able to do it, as you can see so many of us on this forum have and are doing...😊

Good luck, keep hydrated as traceyanne suggested and stretch gently afterwards while you are still warm. 

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done for getting started - often the hardest bit. Just take it slow and steady, listen to Laura, honour your rest days and stretch out after each run.

You can do this - we will be cheering you on the way!

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome aboard Jill !

I would say it is really important to go slow. Its just a gentle jog. Rest days are so important and the stretches afterwards as it can make a massive difference on how you feel the day after !

You've done the hardest step in getting off the couch and getting out of the door ! This programme is amazing, a life changer , a real self esteem and confidence builder too .

Good Luck and keep posting on here , and don't feel shy of asking anything , there will always be someone along to help xxx