Hi Guys ... just signed up for C25K for first time - never run before (at least not since school hockey team days, and much longer in the tooth since then) - any tips to stop me falling at the first hurdle? Motivation may be a problem as I'm easily distracted.
Wish me luck !
Slow and steady, don't think about speed / pace / distance, just put 1 foot in front of the other and repeat as required by the App / Podcast 
You could gamify it, and reward yourself after each run. Though if you stick with it, you may even get to the point where you love running so much, it is a reward in and of itself. To be honest, however, don't rely on motivation. It will only get you so far. You need to rely on discipline and routine. Don't allow yourself to overthink it, get your kit on and go. Same time every day if possible. Just do it, as Nike would say.
As for tips: Keep your head up (look about 15-20 ft in front) and shoulders back - it opens up the lungs. Keep your steps small and quick, don't try and stretch your strides. Breath deeply from your stomach and puff your chest out. Go slowly, as Sadamski says, it only has to be slightly faster than your walk. You just need to get the runs done. You're training stamina, not speed. Best of luck.
I just started a couple of weeks ago, so far what really helps is having set days - I run Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, and I intend to stick to that so my body has rest days built into the week and I don't have to think about it. Also, if you miss a run, don't tell yourself "well, I failed, no point continuing." We're going to miss runs. There are going to be days where everything goes wrong, or we're ill, but so long as you don't think of these interruptions as failures you should be able to get back into it. Good luck!
The plan is excellent and if you stick with the plan motivation comes in itself. You will soon be looking forward to seeing if you can do the next week following on from the week you have just done.
If you post on here each run, you will feel guilty about not running as you won't be posting. I found that helped me in the early stages of the plan.
And you'll get plenty of encouragement in this form, so keep at I. 😀
If anything like me (I thought I couldn't run after trying to do my own thing before) you'll find the gradual programme so motivating and achievable you'll end up looking forward to going out and doing it each time!
Welcome! C25k is such a great programme. Following it is one of the best decisions you will ever make! Like you, so many of us here had never run before we started the programme. I would have rather waited an hour for another bus than break into a jog to catch one! The very thought of running filled me with dread and I used the excuse that I just wasn't the exercising type. Now, like so many others, I couldn't imaging my life without running! Stick with the programme and I promise it will be worth it!
My advice would be go slow (seriously, make a conscious effort to slow down and then slow down even more!), stretch, take your rest days religiously and listen to Laura. You'll be a runner before you know it!
This forum really is the best place on the internet and is full of the most amazing, inspirational people. Nearly everyone here started where you are having never run before and so many of us now love running. The programme isn't for those naturally athletic, sporty types, it is for real beginners who have come straight from the couch (often having been there for years and years). I NEVER would have envisaged myself running 5k, let alone enjoying it! The forum folk here absolutely got me through the programme. Post after your runs for advice, encouragement and motivation and to let us celebrate your successes with you. We will be with you every step of the way!
Slow and steady... Follow the programme to the letter. Take your rest days and don't be tempted to push yourself too hard.
Listen to your body, which may protest against the new regime Many of us had newbie aches and pains.. you will know if there are any real issues, and do not be afraid to ask questions... no one will ever laugh or think your are silly.. lots and lots of great advice on here from some super folk!
Speed and distance can come after graduation... if you are able, other exercise on rest days can help with stamina and core strength...
Long in the tooth... so many of us are...me, really long in the tooth! It won't stop you...unless you let it
Post your runs, successes and set backs.. ( we do not use the f**l word on here :))
The posting helps with motivation and lets you know, that you are part of one of the best things ever!
Remember, the friends you will meet along this running path will help you appreciate the journey
Well done for just even taking the decision to do it. I'm 51 and there are people on heat who started out on C25K in their 60s and maybe 70s. Many of us are on the large side too... So if we can, you can. People advised me to go slow and I have.Amazed myself at coping , just, with Week 1. Started 2 , a slight step up...And was managing but have pressed pause due to a cold/ chest infection... And the other thing people will tell you is don't give up... So if you need to press pause that's fine too. Don't run if I'll or injured...But don't give up. People on here are lovely so do your run and let us know how you're getting on and DO ask questions, however trivial it might sound, you'll get only friendly supportive, non-judgemental advice and encouragement. good luck
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