Week1 day1 hour 1. Ouch

[ashyaztec]

Hi all im 51 and have just done the 1st run day 1. I didnt realise just how unfit i am. Totally knackered. I need to do this as i have promised to do a 5k charity run in under 30mins. Oops.

[Northcountrygirl]

Well done for getting started - that's the hardest bit. I'm on week two and suddenly, after struggling to run for 60 seconds - I can do 90! Scared about next week - but that's what I felt in week 1! You can do it!

[Jaxdreamer Graduate]

Well done! Yep it's gonna hurt but- anything good is worth the pain!

[Davoda Graduate]

Well done on getting started.

No week is easy ..... however you realise that you're doing more than you did the week before, so you're getting fitter & that's hard work, but oh so worth it.

When's the charity run?

[ashyaztec in reply to Davoda]

Its only in Sept so hoping ive enough time to get up to speed

[Pete654 Graduate]

I would concentrate on nice slow running, read the advice on here from many more experienced than I. Pushing too hard makes this less enjoyable and could lead to injury.

[Hidden]

Well done for getting started !

I to am 51 and I've completed week 1 and have done the first run of week 2 and OMG am I finding it hard !!! Who would of thought those extra 30seconds would make such a difference ?

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Percentage-wise it IS a big difference! But, be assured - take it all slow and steady and everything will be fine Less than ten percent graduate running 5K

Every darn time increase had me half convinced I would not make it - but this programme is FOR people like that If you don't make the time one day - it was merely your practice for the next 'success' run.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome.... that is a big target to set... when is the 5K run?

This programme is intended to take you, over nine weeks, to running for thirty minutes.... many, many gradates do not manage 5K in the nine weeks... check out Irish-John 's post on 5K poll.

The programme is intended to be slow and steady, to take you safely to Graduation without injury and having had a good time en route. It takes time to build up your running strength and stamina,

But... by beginning, you are on the way... keep posting, and you will find advice and support, take your rest days and do other exercise on those days too... don't push yourself too hard... and listen to your body...which will protest at first

Good luck!

[CookieM Graduate]

We'll done for taking those first steps - that's the hardest part done!

I find that if I don't stretch after running, my legs are much more achey. There is a pinned post with the NHS after running stretches which is what I use.

Keep going and keep posting on here - there is loads of support 😊

[Hidden]

Fabulous you've started - just think I will do next week .... and then next week. At 58 I had never even run across the rd! But you can do it. My hardest issue was negative thoughts - my legs ache too much - I can't breath etc . There is no easy answer try and banish those thoughts and congratulate yourself on every achievement oh and good music !

Keep running 👍

[allegrachick Graduate]

I was about to write something when I noticed that everyone has said the same thing as I was going to say. But all I want to add is this - week one is a real stinker! I started at the end of January and I genuinely thought I'd need to call a paramedic to rescue me after the first 60 second jog. I'm a making slow progress but I'm up to running (slowly) for 25 minutes in one go. And yesterday I took part in my first 5k Parkrun with a mix of walking and jogging. Six months ago this would simply not have been possible. So, stick with it! You'll get there.

[Dhiny]

Ooh you have set yourself a big target there, I still don't run 5k under 30 minutes, can't do it in 30 minutes either. Just concentrate of getting through the program, take it slow & steady; going too fast too soon will put you at risk of injury but the program is designed to take you safely over 9 weeks so that by the end, you will be running nonstop for 30 minutes. I am sure you will enjoy your running and don't forget to post & tell us how you are getting on. x

[Irish-John Graduate]

I have no idea if you can make 5K at your target time - but do know your potential for injury is quite high. Please do be careful and hopefully you know how to spot the signs of real trouble in its earlier stages.

I do wish the programme had been named 'couch to Running thirty minutes in about 9 weeks or a bit more - safely' at times like this (and when I started it - thought I could not run 'fast enough', almost spoiled it for me)

Best wishes to you though sincerely.

[PippiRuns]

I'm 45 and female. I could not have done it, that's for sure, but your point of departure might be very different. Good luck with reaching your goal.