Best ground to start on??

[Mee07]

Hi,I did week one day two today and couldn't manage the 3rd run,feet were like lead weights,first day i did on flat ground in a lap,today I went into the woods and I really struggled as I thought it was quite flat but then realised once I'd set off it was wet,boggy and undulating with tree roots like an obstacle course lol,I kept up a fast walking pace for the duratation of the time but felt disheartened I didn't complete day two...I'm 42,smoker(trying my hardest to reduced with a quit day next week planned) suffer with fibromyalgia,haven't exercised for 8 years and 3 stone over weight,I've also started a 30 yoga challenge and beginning to feel better from that but I used to cycle twenty years ago and I desperately want to get back to feeling good about myself. Is soft ground or hard ground better in the beginning? Thanks

[SC1472 Graduate]

I think there are pros and cons to both, personally, I started on the pavements as it was easier to run/walk to half way then turn round to return home (but that's just based on where I live). I am now running a mixture of bridleway and pavement.

Don't worry about having a bad run - they always lurk up on you when you aren't expecting them. You did the time! Have a break tomorrow and then go for run 3 in a couple of days.

[Mee07 in reply to SC1472]

Thank you for the reply,I will give it another go on Sunday..I really was contemplating going back on the running track this afternoon to see if I could do it but I've decided,I'll do a fast paced walk instead and try Day 2 again on Sunday on a flat track. I'm pretty lucky to have great places around where I live of different terrain so I think I'll give woods a break until I feel confident with week one,even if I repeat that week again. Again,thanks

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Flat is always best for working through this programme.

Boggie ground is hardwork even for experienced runners. But ground with some give eg short grass is easier on the joints.

If you are running on a proper running track you probably have the best option, but be aware if you move to hills, uneven ground etc it will be harder and slower.

[Saralexis Graduate]

I'd say run routes you enjoy, run the ones near you that you plan on using after you graduate.

You're starting slow and the programme is very gentle so you'll manage. There's no point in doing it all on a track if you end up bored, or if you never plan on running on a track afterwards.

Just know that you'll be slower on trails/beaches than you would be on a track or pavement - but it doesn't matter that you are, any runner would be.

Better to run slow over a trail you love than fast round a boring route.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

At this stage, go with what feels right for you... for the short runs and walks of the first few weeks, choose a safe route that you know. As the runs become longer, then vary your terrain and routes maybe?

Follow the programme carefully and with your issues, the advice, as to all our Newbies is, and will remain.. steady and slow, wherever you run. I ran on pavement and lanes and track ways as I did C25K in winter and the weather was a bit against me...Now.. I am a real off roader Love it, the sogginess, the hard dry tracks, buttercup fields and the mud!!

Off road can be challenging.. grassy tracks can be easier on the body but harder on concentration...ankle turning is a risk

So... first rule... rest days.. take more than one if you need to...really try for that cigarette stopping day and go as slowly as you can... and then slow down more.

Your journey, your pace.... keep posting, success and setbacks.. we are right here with you!

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Flat is good to start with. Tarmac is easier than grass, but grass is kinder to your knees if they are an issue. I just ran round and round our local playing field for the first six weeks. Leave anything like woods or tracks until you've graduated would be my advice.

[marie-20]

I agree with the others that flat is easier and better to start with.

I can and do run 10k+ a run and do most of the hills around me but yet I still find running in the woods and on tracks hard work.

I was a smoker also but stopped a couple of weeks into the C25k app - that was fun!

Good luck with the Fibro - try to make small changes and be very proud of the achievements you are making even if they are small as it must be no mean feat trying to do this whilst dealing with Fibro. My hubby suffers with Fibro and it's an awful condition.

[Minnielala]

I just want to say a big well done you! Running with fibro is hard, just go at your own pace, run where you feel comfortable and happy and if you need 1 or 5 rest days it doesn't matter this is your couch to 5k journey.

My moms a fibro sufferer and after any physical activity she needs a day of bed rest. So be kind to yourself and enjoy your running

[mandy17william]

I'm quite new to this too w3 just completed. I go around local Woods and fields mainly as I find it easier on my joints. I had awful ankle impingement and have had torturous physio for the last 6 weeks which amazingly has sorted it. I tried running on roads at first but found it agrivated my joints more. Maybe I should try now I'm sorted. Go with what feels good for you. I'm slower off road as being careful with uneven ground but love it. Good luck with the programe it's amazing what it does for you physically and mentally and there's so much support on here too 🏃

[Mee07]

This is mega I feel even more inspired to keep at it with all the motivating replies thanks guys.