First time running ever

[Tavsmum]

Hello all,

Signed up to the couch to 5k and today was day 1, run1. It was okay but my goodness Scotland is hilly! Good luck everyone on this journey

[Greenback-Boogie]

Pleased I live in Suffolk!

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to Greenback-Boogie]

I live in south Norfolk, and it’s fairly flat where I am, thankfully! 😁

[Thecko Graduate]

Find a canal!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Everywhere has hills, even if there weren't any before we started running! Well done you!

[Wafty08]

Hello everyone, run 1 today wasn't to bad lovely night for it good luck 👍

[Hidden]

I'm in the states, but as soon as I started C25k I realized it's all incline out there and uphill both ways, so I understand. Maybe it'll make us better runners though!

[LaurieRose]

Hi well done. My first day too, mostly on the flat.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Hills are GREAT to increase stamina generally and speed on the flat Take it easy though - I did not even attempt hills until a few weeks after graduation. Those first weeks on my 'Hill route' made me feel like I was starting the programme all over again Take it slow and steady and please don't worry about time/speed/distance - the programme works miracles but it is also 'one size fits all' and anyone running hills is going ot work harder than someone on flats

Wishing you many happy miles in your future

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you. I had a conversation with a friend earlier who said I need to do hills, even if I just walk them on my rest days. Well I swim (and serious 2k+ open water) on my rest days, I don't have enough time! Also, I reasoned, the programme does the increasing and if I add hills at this stage (only week 5) there is the risk the increase will be too much and I prefer to do the run rather than push it that bit more and be unable to finish. I plan to graduate THEN add hills & speed into the equation.

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

I've been to Scotland ( and the Outer Hebrides are on my 'Gotta go again' list). Anyone who swims open water there has my utmost respect and awe! Even with a wet suit just the thought of the Summer temps water let alone any other time of year on my face is enough to make me curl up and whimper

[nikkiwabit Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Have been in but not swam a loch (was rafting) and swam briefly in 6 degrees without a wet suit but I find below 12 - 15 degrees that I have problems with an "ice-cream" headache. It is however I think part of the reason I have real trouble running if it is hot (what friends call warm).

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

I'm the opposite - cannot do the cold, love the heat (not fond of humidity and heat though ) Swimming in Ireland as a kid was torture - and you are further North than us again! You will be looking forward to your Winter runs - I won't exactly be crying 'cos the tears will be frozen in thier ducts

[LaurieRose in reply to Irish-John]

Wild water swimming is on my bucket list. I had a book on it two Christmases ago from my brother still planning to go ha ha need all clear first. But oh it's so invigorating and lufyd the mood. I spent my childhood in rivers and streams a lit of the time...adore it. Nature is a great healer.

[LaurieRose in reply to Irish-John]

Sounds like you progressed well. Hey even if No Whilley says so I'm not attempting hills till after they've checked my heart in cardiology at the end of the month. My pharmacist said it's ok for me to exercise but to take it easy. I even get knackered putting the bins out...im in a top flat. I walk like an old lady back up and I'm only 49 years old.

I think we are all at different levels. Hill climb a are going to work different areas. Personally my legs are in pretty good shape after cycling and walking all my life. It's my midsection that has blown up out of proportion since several short courses of high dose steroids and epipherine over the last few years.does anyone know if there's a exercise that's best for the and and upper torso when walking? I've heard the one where you use sticks like mountain climbing...ive forgotten what it's called....maybe Nordic walking? Sounds ambitious...anyone tried it? Xxx

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

Hardest run (the first) done. P.S I am doing hills later

[Decker]

Hello, I just got to 5k this morn, and I've had to change my route a few times to find a mice flat run elevation. It made a real difference. Good luck to you!

[Decker in reply to Decker]

Meant to say 'Nice' flat run. No mice were hurt, I promise 😁

[Hidden]

Hills are character building. Or so they say. , seriously go more slowly and take smaller steps up them!

[misswobble Graduate]

Hills are good for building the core but they can easily be left til post graduation

They are hard and demoralising, so no,worry in finding some flat routes for the programme 🙂👍✔️

I run quite a few hills and they help shred the mid section. That can wait though. First things first 😃