Hello! Newbie here

[Bigfatsal]

Hello, I'm Sal and I have just started Couch to 5k. Hoping for lots of inspiration and some advice too. I am simply not built for running but when I did it in the dim and distant past I enjoyed so this time i am determined to make it work. I did my first run the day before yesterday, my legs feel like lead today, here's hoping they feel better in the morning for round 2!

[ench0 Graduate]

It only gets better from this point on. Just keep doing it and you'll see great improvements in your health, both physical and mental. It is tough but definitely worth it. Good luck.

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to ench0]

Thank you, don't mind tough, just hope I can physically do it!

[Exmoorllent Graduate]

I'm not really built for running either, but I've really enjoyed it. Got all the way to week 9 but pulled a muscle, so had a bit of a break and started again at week 5.... just remembering what fun it is, and retained quite a lot of my fitness from before

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to Exmoorllent]

Thank you! That must have been so disappointing!

[McFitty Graduate]

It will take a while for your legs to forgive you...but they will! You will have odd niggles initially as unused muscles wake up to the fact that they are going to have to 'get with the programme! Take it slow and steady. C25k works, it really does and you will surprise and delight yourself every week at what you are capable of. Stick with it, you won't regret it 😊

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to McFitty]

Thank you so much, just what I needed to hear. My legs still feel pretty useless this morning but I am going to give it my best shot!

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I think you need to have a fairly significant disability not to be 'built for running' Usain Bolt and Paula Radcliffe are not really built the same are they? I was really pissed off with my son's PE teacher (generally they were excellent) when he dismissed my suggestion that he could be doing C25K with 'he's not really built for running'

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Fair point! Maybe that's just my excuse - that and the need for double sports bras - 'they' are my handicap lol

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Go Sal! Every time you feel you're flagging, think of us all cheering you on from our ring side seats in cyberspace!

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to AnneDroid]

Thank you so much! I really will think about that next time, it will make me smile for sure!

[Razouski]

You've taken the hardest step, which is getting out there for that first run. I remember thinking that there was no way I could run for a minute non-stop and feeling totally shattered afterwards. It's amazing how your body adapts and using this programme actually works, you gradually build on your previous progress. Just take it all really slow and steady.

Look forward to hearing about your next run.

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to Razouski]

Thank you very much!

[misswobble Graduate]

Yes you are built for running! If you attend a running race anywhere on the planet you will see runners of every shape and size. The larger ladies and gentlemen are running fantastically well. There is a lady near me who is really quite large indeed but she runs beautifully and fluidly.she is a seriously good runner!

Don't paint yourself into a corner! You can do this

. Just go slowly 🙂

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you so much, I am loving the support on here!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Welcome! C25k is such a great programme. Following it is one of the best decisions you will ever make! You're already a step ahead of many people if you used to use before! 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!

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Wow, thank you so much, your help and support means such a lot!

[Bigfatsal Graduate]

Well, for all you lovely people who inspired me, I have done my second day! Despite not feeling like it at all I headed off for the local park where I am doing my running (with two dogs for company!) I was amazed, okay my legs still felt like lead, and it was really hard in places but my breathing seemed so much better already. I am in shock and feeling just a tiny bit pleased with me Thank you all so much for your help and support! xx

[skysue16 Graduate]

Best of luck with your running, keep up the good work!

[Bigfatsal Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Thank you! I have had a rest day today and am actually quite looking forward to running tomorrow!