First Run - Tips? 🏃

[anniibee]

Feel great now but really struggled during! Tight chest and generally felt like it was an impossible task.

Any tips for motivation during the run?

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Make sure you are pacing yourself during the runs. I know they are only short at this stage, but pace them as though you are going on a long run. This will especially help in the later weeks when you will be doing those runs.

Most people make the mistake of going too fast to begin with. You should "run" at conversational pace i.e. at such a speed you could hold a conversation which running. But take this as a general rule of thumb rather than an exact science. I wouldn't want to chat throughout my runs.

[damienair Graduate]

Hi, I am no expert. I am just starting into week 6. Believe me it is really tough at the start, but it gets easier. In the begining everything hurts, but as the weeks roll on and as you stick to plan you will surprise yourself. Before you know it you will be running for 20 minutes and you will be breathing comfortably. If your feeling tired or sore following a run don't worry anout leaving an extra day or two between runs, perhaps go for a walk instead so as to stay active and stay off the couch. And also if you find a week really tough don't worry about repeating that weeks runs before you move on. Just relax and enjoy it, if you stick at it you will get hooked.

[Wizziewood]

Well done for getting started.

Keep it slow, slow and even slower if you need to. There's no hurry.

Keep well hydrated throughout the day, particularly in this warmer weather.

And make sure you take at least one rest day for your body to recover.

It's not an impossible task, you can do it! Happy Running!

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You're not alone, it was a slog for most of us. Just keep getting out the door, you'll notice changes soon enough.

My motivation during the program was a 5km race I had signed up to run with some colleagues that was scheduled for about a month after my C25k program finished. Nothing could have kept me on track better.

[Bonkersbrit Graduate]

Congrats on taking the hardest step, the first, it's a cliche I know but very true. How to motivate during the run segments? I try to think of something completely different but I read on here that one person was doing this primarily for her health ( we all have very different motivations and that's ok) and she had this mantra , I'm going to be Fit and healthy, fit and healthy etc. She said Fit as she put down her left foot and healthy as her right hit the floor. She said it worked for her.

Take it slow and if you ever need anything this forum can help.

Irish-John says "we may run on our own, but we never run alone!".

You have lots of cyber running buddies. Good luck.👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼🐢🏃🏼‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Slow, slower and slower still

It is the way.... just relax and know this is the beginning...you took the hardest step already ; deciding to do this...the motivation... just wanting to be able to run

Take each run very slowly...the programme builds us up steadily.... there is no rush at all...your journey and your pace

Read the posts.... post your runs, ask questions.. we will celebrate with you, commiserate if you have any set backs and cheer you on to Graduation. Plus , give you a little virtual shove if needed There are quite a few Newbies here at the moment too, it is great to exchange your run stories and experiences

" I can...I will... " End of story

[anniibee]

Thank you all for your supportive posts! ❤️