Never run before

[Lynne_sims]

I really want to get healthy I do no exercise can I really do couch to 5k

[Rignold]

yes you really can.

[CallyL]

Yes you can - and it will feel soooo good!

[Davoda Graduate]

Yes you can😀

Just do it slowly and maybe slow down some more. Stick to the programme, take the rest days, post on here (helps with support) and ENJOY! 😀

[FeathA]

Absolutely! First run of each week is always tough so it's all about getting yourself out of the door and showing yourself it's possible. When you complete week one and you find it getting easier you will definitely be feeling proud!!

[MarkyD Graduate]

It was designed for people like you and me. Clue is in the name: 'Couch' to 5km.

Physically you are capable. Only you know if you have the mental commitment to radically improve your life.

[Carolinemcd Graduate]

Yes you can!

[50NotOut Graduate]

Yes, you can.

However, I would suggest that if you really do no exercise at all, not even something like walking to the bus stop/shops, you might want to do a couple of weeks just of brisk walking. Just to build up your knees, hips and a bit of cardivascular fitness. If you plan 3 sessions a week for, say, 2 or 3 weeks, that will also have the advantage of you getting into a routine which will help you once you start the Couch 2 5k programme.

Go for it!

[Lynne_sims in reply to 50NotOut]

That's what my dad said walk for a couple of weeks first thank you for the reply

[Slinkyminky Graduate]

Absolutely!!! Program is perfect for people like you, we were all there once!!

[toria36]

Yes, absolutely, of course you can – anyone can do it, you just have to take it slowly and enjoy it – at this time of the year it is far easier getting out side in the sunshine, a perfect time to start I think, enjoy and think positive – if I can do it, and I am somewhat overweight so I tend to waddle around, then anyone can do it. I used to worry about what people thought I looked like but now I couldn't give a monkeys uncle and you shouldn't either. I visit this forum every day and it really does give me inspiration – there are so many lovely, amazing people on here of, I suspect, all different sizes and levels of fitness. Welcome to the family 😄

[Irish-John Graduate]

Two of us Graduates had physical problems that were supposed to have us in wheelchairs long before now.

In my case, I literally never ran more than a hundred yards in my life before last June. I was 56, way overweight, only a year or two away from a twenty plus per day ciggarette habit of almost forty years, I have Exercise AND Cold Induced Asthma and the bones both in my feet are only a degree or two from making me officially Bilaterally Club-footed.

Day one, week one a passer by in the Park was trying to dial the Paramedics when she encountered me doubled over, trying to breathe and with a blueish tinge starting to appear around my lips and eyes....

A couple of weeks ago I ran 10k without stopping.

So - as long as a Dr wouldn't tell you otherwise - yes, you certainly not only can do the programme, you will literally be amazed at how it will enrich your life

[NatalieMartins]

Yes you can I was you 6 weeks ago and just completed R1 of W6 yesterday and feeling so proud of myself for keeping at it you can definitely do it.

[misswobble Graduate]

Yay, well done Nat! Go you! 😀

Yes, you can do it Lynne! Keep moving. Move more is the mantra. I try and walk everywhere, or run 🙂 Walk as much as you can as it will help with everything, and make the C25k sessions easier.

Good luck

[JSSebastian]

Yes you can I have never been sporty and have let myself go a bit. I don't have much cash, so just bought some Woodworm MFS running shoes for £12 and used old tshirts/shorts etc I had lying around. I've just completed week 2 day 1. The secret is to take it really steady (I do actually plod and really listen to my steps so that I don't go too quickly) - the other thing I have learned so far (from these kind people) is to try not to tense shoulders up and waggle your arms now and again.

[JSSebastian in reply to JSSebastian]

Should also say that from my early teens to my mid 30s, I had a very unhealthy life and yet my body quite happily plods along. The mental effects are remarkable - after one week, I feel just a little bit more positive/optomistic about everything.

[ladyharvills Graduate]

You certainly can. I am 51 and have been running for a year now. Hated sport at school and was always last in cross country. I have had 2 knee operations over the past 8 years. If I can do it then anyone can. Make it a regular part of each week. Don't worry about speed, just keep moving! Whatever you do, it will be a positive step for you.