First time runner

[Kris1999]

Good morning every one

I just started the couch to 5k program and was wondering if you guys had any first time running tips?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Just follow the instructions, always take your rest days and enjoy it. Read around the forum and you will find the answer to most common queries. Posting your progress here will keep you at it.......or we will want to know why!!

Good luck.

[Slinkyminky Graduate]

As IT says! Also take it slow slow and slow

Good luck x

[Rignold]

Run as slow as you want, and then a bit slower than that. Almost everyone tries to run tto fast at the beginning. The slower you go the easier it is to get technique, breathing, rhythm etc and it not become an ordeal.

Don't read ahead about what you will be doing in a week or three weeks or five weeks time. The only run you need to concentrate on is the next one.

Don't compare yourself to others. You are not them. You do not have the same legs, lungs or life as them so your running is not like theirs. There is always someone faster than you, someone slower than you, someone suffering more than you and some smug ****er who finds it all a breeze. Focus on your own run.

Don't sweat the small stuff. All the minutiae of running can wait till you have the main bit down.

Hydrate. That means the day before you run. always be hydrated.

Learn some basic stretches (YouTube is your friend) and do them every time you run.

Learn some basic strengthening exercises: calf raises etc and above all squats. Do them every day.

Do some more squats because you didn't do enough and you want to be able to get off the loo when you're a pensioner.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Rignold]

Loo fact.. so true

[Kris1999 in reply to Rignold]

I appreciate all your helpful advice

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow and steady does it... take the rest days and take it, one great run at a time

Keep posting too, for great advice and great motivations

[Anniemurph Graduate]

All of the above plus:

Don't ever worry about what people might think when they see you. Most people really, truly aren't that interested and won't notice you. Other runners will - they will be supportive, they will look at your shoes, they will smile - but normal people? No.