Help me!

[Tug13]

After years of doing nothing I have just completed day 2 of week one. Does it get easier? I hate to admit it but I have walked when I should have run! Is this ok?

[fluffyowl89]

Don't worry, it does get easier! I did week 1's run 5 times before moving on because I hadn't managed to complete it the first 2 times. I've now just finished week 2 without having to repeat any.

[Tug13 in reply to fluffyowl89]

Thank you, I don't feel so bad now. I am determined to keep at it and won't feel so bad if I repeat.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You do it your way...and at this stage, do not worry too much!

Slow, slower and really steady is the way to go, lots of us feel at the beginning, that it will never get easier... your body has to adjust.. that is all! Follow the programme and take your rest days...

Stick at it, and keep posting, we will support you all the way

" No one said it will be easy...but it will be soooooo worth it"!

[Tug13 in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, thanks for the support. I really appreciate it. I will keep at and posting!

[AdamB Graduate]

Things will get better - but it may take some time. It's probably an awful long time since you've done that much exercise and it takes a bit of getting used to. As Oldfloss says, just take it nice and slow (and then slow down a bit). Speed is not important.

Stick at repeating week 1 until you feel that you can comfortably run for a minute. Then move onto week 2. It may take you longer than 9 weeks to complete, but believe me, the end result is worth it.

[Slowstart Graduate]

Most people here will admit to struggling with week 1, this is normal. Don't try to run (as in sprint) your movement should probably be more of a very slow, gentle jog (slightly above walking pace). Throughout the program speed is not important. Slow down to the speed that suits you, although you won't believe this, people will not be starring at you.

Not only does is get easier, it also gets enjoyable!!

[DiamonteSandal in reply to Slowstart]

I echo this entirely My dog walks while I jalk.... but yes it does get enjoyable. I am going out after work today to run in the park, instead of running locally by my house before work - and I've been looking forward to it all day!

I thought I was going to die in Week 1 but I'm still here in Week 5

I also thoroughly recommend a change of scenery every so often, go somewhere different - I ran in the park at the weekend and it was so lovely compared to trotting up and down the one flat road in my village

[Tug13]

Thanks everyone, you all inspire me. I will keep at it.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Well done for starting, that is the hardest thing! Because each week gets a bit harder, even though your fitness improves, runs get a bit longer too. What an achievement it will be though to get to week 9! Maybe repeat the run so you know you can do it, just for the satisfaction! What do u think?

[Tug13 in reply to JoolieB1]

I think I will repeat it, perhaps I'm being too hard on myself. I should have realised that an unfit 50 something can't just pop her runners on and tear around the lake like Kelly Holmes! Thanks for your advise and support.

[jt24 Graduate]

I attempted week 1 and it was NOT happening so I stopped. I went out daily for brisk walks, increasing my pace and distance for 2 weeks and started again.

That was January.

I'm now 6 weeks post-grad

I had that hiccup at the start, I had a week off between weeks 2 and 3, I repeated week 4 and then plodded through to the end.

Don't put too much emphasis on the length of a week- if you run one day then have 3 days until you run again- heyho! Don't worry about finishing the programme in 9 weeks- just aim to finish it AND don't worry about distance. For around 90+% it won't be couch to 5k on the programme, it will be couch to 30 minutes and then you'll achieve a 5k in however long it takes.

It's a mental challenge as much as a physical one. I believe anyone can complete it if they want to, it's just a case of sticking to it and plodding slowly and steadily through.

YOU CAN DO IT Good luck

[Tug13]

I think you are right. I will just do what my body allows in the first few weeks. Thanks for the advise

[cathalicious Graduate]

Took me a while to get going. As others have said, just take it at your own pace and repeat the runs in each week as many times as you need to.

Also, just walking helps. Try to slowly increase your daily walking speed and duration until you can do 20 minutes of "brisk" walking without getting out of breath.

Yes it DOES get easier and you will be amazed at how quickly!

Good luck!

[Sammully Graduate]

Keep at it. You can do it x

[ADH94]

I felt like this when I started I really struggled with week one and took me three weeks to complete it fully as I was stopping during the run as I needed my inhaler and had cramp in my legs but I'm now on week 2 and I felt yesterday that I recovered quicker than I normally would I had a smile on my face and I dine it without stopping so just take it at your pace but don't give up it will get easier (I know I'm only on week 2 but still)

[Tug13 in reply to ADH94]

Well done you, that gives me encouragement

[Shelliemac Graduate]

week 1 definitely been the hardest so far. Only on week four but that first ever run was a killer. Really showed me how unfit I was. Thought I'd never get this far after that run but week by week I feel better n more confident