First run completed : Did the first run of week... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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First run completed

ThatsSoAlex profile image
9 Replies

Did the first run of week 1 last night... found it more difficult than I thought it would!

What type of terrain do most people run on? I live in a small village so it's all very much fields and dirt tracks. I'm not sure how I feel about running on the road but that might be easier.

Feeling optimistic though!

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ThatsSoAlex profile image
ThatsSoAlex
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9 Replies
TiredOldMan profile image
TiredOldManGraduate

Well done for starting the course. That's the most difficult bit :O

I found the first run very hard and actually failed to complete it the first time. I eventually did it though and have now progressed to week 6.

Each run is a challenge, but if you stick to the program and make sure you have your rest days, you will be fine. It's worth all the hard work believe me!

I was on holiday last week and ran on a public footpath through fields. I actually found this harder than my normal run alongside the local main road.

Good luck with the rest of your journey to 5K and beyond :)

Carli050386 profile image
Carli050386

I'm on week two (so no expert!), i found that I started off by running too fast, therefore was getting tired very quickly. Maybe look at your pace?

Although it is a shock to the system so maybe it is just normal to feel tired very quickly. Stick with it as I feel better already and only on week two! Have you got a fitness tracker? I have a Fitbit surge and find that motivates me as I can use the GPS to map my run and it gives miles times, calories burned etc etc, it's a good tool for me to see improvement each time I go out for a run and I honestly feel a little fitter already. I run down the side of a canal so grassy, muddy. I know I'm getting fitter as I'm bringing my time down each time I go out which is good to see.

Minty4 profile image
Minty4Graduate

I'm no expert either but learned through a run leader on Sunday that running on hard surfaces is easier than running on grass. I thought it would be the other way round. You live and you learn. 😊 Well done for making that first step.

Bonkersbrit profile image
BonkersbritGraduate

You will find all sorts on here from treadmill indoors to sandy beaches to road runners to park runners. Every surface has its own challenges, merits etc. I did weeks 1 and 2 on pavements along streets near my house but only because the snow was too deep on the trails etc ( in Canada). I didn't really like it much and was self conscious running ( very slowly) past people's houses. As soon as it was practical, I changed to a wooden boardwalk around a lake by my house. It's great because the five minute warm up walk takes me comfortably from my front door and onto the boardwalk so I do all my running out of sight of motorists and local residents. The only have to see other runners and people out for a walk (and dogs).

It's funny because I thought my options here were very limited and I was envious of people on here posting about running in parks and fields etc etc. But I guess we all find our own way. Don't be afraid to try every option you have, don't worry about the ones you don't have and go with whatever suites you ( that may be different at different times of day or in different weather conditions)

Most of all , have fun ...and run!

ThatsSoAlex profile image
ThatsSoAlex

Thank you very much for all the replies! I think when I do my next run I will try it on the road rather than grass!

I have ordered a Fitbit charge 2 which should be arriving mid week so I can use that as well :)

Dpsl profile image
DpslGraduate

I envy you your fields and dirt tracks! I found pavements and roads hard on the joints and shins, especially to begin with. I have no choice but to do some pavement and tarmac running but I go on to softer ground whenever I can. Grass is great as long as it's growing on an even surface – I enjoy the springiness of it – but if it's clumpy or tussocky it's almost impossible to run on. Good luck with your future runs and have fun with your Fitbit!

My route is down a farm track,through a field, through some woods and down a lane. I think that running on uneven surfaces helps build strength and stamina and somebody advised me on here that you are using more (and core) muscles. I have encountered an owl, herons, rabbits, hares, squirrels and on a couple of occasions deer! Mostly I don't see another human being (which helped at the beginning when I was embarrassed by my red, sweaty, and panting demeanour) The dog can run off the lead and the different surfaces mean that the runs are more interesting (and therefore distracting from the pain!). Wherever you run, it will be a challenge (but an achievable one!) So why not persevere with your route- it might be worth it in the end :)

You've started and that's the main thing. Wherever you decide to run, take it slooooow

KysGran profile image
KysGran

I tried week 1 run 1 a few weeks ago, couldn't finish the runs and felt awful. Have just started again today. Have new running shoes, chose a nice, flat cinder cycle track alongside the local canal and slowed it right down. So pleased I tried again and also feeling optimistic now! Good luck 😊

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

Fields and dirt is great, I would stick with that if you can. Tarmac is bad - but appreciate its needs must for some folk on here - or a combo perhaps?

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