Day One

[LaurieRose]

Yassss, day one Couch to 5k done. Oh boy! Think I got seriously dehydrated my head is pounding and my glutes are still throbbing yet I felt invigorated at the same time. I chose Jo Whiley as coach and it was fab. I took my water and a cool flannel in my yoga bag, very much needed. Think I had a few concerned glances because my breathing was rough, still it's gotta get easier right?

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

It will get easier but each week pushes you a bit more. At the start I was not sure I could run for 60 secs. Today only 4 weeks on, I ran 3 lots of 5mins and it felt really OK. It sounds odd but it gets harder in a different way so it feels easier?

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to nikkiwabit]

It gets harder in a different way so it feels easier.

I've been trying to put that into words for the last YEAR! Wow- you nailed it there

[BecP]

Maybe try to go a little slower and concentrate on running further each workout? I'm in week 3 and I wouldn't say it gets easier... just that it becomes more enjoyable as you get into a routine and start to surprise yourself about what you can actually do!

[Jomarie1979 Graduate]

Big well done for having the first run under your belt! It's definitely the hardest. As you go on you will relax into it a little more which will help the breathing. I think that happened for me at the end of week 4. Having said that every run is a challenge but it is meant to be in order to increase your fitness. You can do it...you will just need determination! Good luck 😊

[Lulu_xx]

Well done! This for me has been the hardest run, the one where you get out and have a go.

Jo is my coach, I've tried the others but I just feel she's right for me. I find some of the intros a bit shouty but she's in my ear the whole time!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Not necessarily easier, but if you follow the programme, take your rest days and don't push too hard. you get stronger. Our running legs take time to build up, as does our stamina and strength.

Make sure you hydrate well, every day, nit just run days, warm u is essential and mainly slow and steady.

None of the graduates will tell you it is going to be easy, but they will tell you, it is going to be worth it!

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

You could be running too fast as well? There is nothing in this programme that demands that you go 'hell for leather' . It's a steady build up of stamina, strength and good habits through an increase in timed runs.

[Cliff_H Graduate]

Lots of good advice here already, trust the programme and well done you, good luck 🙂

[misswobble Graduate]

It will if you go really slowly

No need to hurry for this programme. Finishing each session is all that's needed

Good luck and have fun 🙂

[Irish-John Graduate]

It DOES get easier - but some days will be easier than others On those 'easiest' of days be sure not to overdo it - slow and steady, a constant mantra to keep off the IC

I would encourage you to read the beginning posts of present Graduates. You will find a wealth of information there and also will see that we all had good and bad, 'hard' and 'easy' days

wishing you many happy miles in your future

[LaurieRose in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you. I will follow your advice. Just out for a pleasant stroll round town now. Hope your day is good.