Feeling disappointed with myself. I've always been over weight but after my first daughter 10 years ago I put another 5 stone on and discovered I have a thryroid problem and struggled to loose it. I have now have my second child 10 weeks ago and last week thought I have got to do something, not just for but my kids. So bought a treadmill and downloaded the C5K app. Started today and couldn't complete the last 2 runs. I could pick my feet up anymore. I feel so disappointed I didn't push my self to complete it 😢
Week 1 Run 1: Feeling disappointed with myself... - Couch to 5K
Week 1 Run 1
Written by
Bumpsey
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The first time is going to be hard! The actuality of running for a minute is so much harder than it sounds like it's going to be. The best advice I got: keep it slow. You're not Usain Bolt; you're learning how to run. Run at a comfortable pace, and you'll get through it.
Hi - don't worry - a few weeks when I started ago I couldn't get through all the runs - I think I walked 2 of the runs and stopped halfway for another 2. By the end of the first week I had managed all of the runs so decided to carry on. This morning I completed week 7! I've never been very fit, never done running, and could do with losing about 3 stone. And I'm nearly 50. If I can do it - you definitely can so please don't give up!! And don't give yourself a hard time either!
shepsGraduate
FIrstly, congratulations on your second child and kudos to you for having the wherewithal to get a treadmill 10 weeks after the birth when for most people, caring for a baby and a 10 year old is treadmill enough.
Secondly, have you seen how often "take it slowly" is repeated on this forum? It crops up in just about every response where someone is struggling. When I started the programme, I really struggled and thought I wouldnot be able to complete a 3 minute run. I was advised to run as slow as I dared. So, I imagined my shoe laces were tied together so it was literally one foot just in front of the other. It worked and I started making real progress. I'm about to do my graduation run next time out.
So, can I suggest you really slow down - just faster than walking is fine. You can do this - my child bearing days are long gone and this is the first time in my life that I have attempted to become a runner so I know that you can do this.
Keep us informed of your progress - there will be lots.
AngeScottGraduate
Disappointed is not a word I would use to describe what you did! You have made a brilliant start to changing your lifestyle and that's massive! You will get there, just take your time and go at your pace. Today is only the first day - your journey is just beginning, take heart that you have made that step and try again another day xx
Thank you so much - I did take it slow. And I suppose I've actually got off the sofa and did most of it. Thank you xx
in reply to Bumpsey
Yes, you have just said what I was thinking Bumpsey it will take as long as it takes, and getting off the sofa (and spending good money on a treadmill) is a fantastic step. I'm only on week three and already feeling more positive- it's about doing something for yourself. And look! Everyone's behind your efforts!
WhiteJogGraduate
Don't be disappointed, be determined. Take a day to enjoy the pleasure that you children give you and then get back on the treadmill and try again. Well done and good luck.
Don't be hard on yourself this program builds you slowly and if you need to re-run then you can and it all builds a stamina bank. You had a baby too only recently and that takes a lot of strength out of you, so take it nice and slow and you'll be fine.
Hi bumpsey, it has been said a few times already but don't be disappointed, you have taken the first step. I'm only on week 2 myself and the 'biggest' help and advice I can give is slow down.. it really doesn't matter if it's just above walking pace at this point and don't get downhearted, when you are feeling weak or tired remember you are doing more to change your life than most the population!!
Keep it up it will be worth it at the end of the day ❤️
Do as everyone says, keep going slowly. I find all of my runs difficult (I don't know if they're fast enough to qualify for the term, "run") but I've just completed week 5 with a twenty minute run. I just keep thinking "a bit further, don't give up yet." I am amazed that you are doing this. When I had my children I found it hard enough to get dressed by 2pm. Keep trying.
misswobbleGraduate
You don't need to push anything. Just go with what you can do, slowly and carefully. No hurry 🙂 Be chilled about it and enjoy it.
I have had two kids staying with me, plus two dogs, and my running regime went to pot. I barely found time to have a bath 😁
I eat healthily anyway, but having a toddler and a four year old, we ate even healthier. it was a pleasure to cook for them as they eat everything. They love salad 😃
The first run is the hardest of all. I never really finished it either. Keep going, it gets better, honest!!
You should feel proud of yourself for starting. I guess the programme has to start somewhere and 81minute runs is right for most. But if it was a 10 week programme that started at 4 runs then you would now be feeling proud to have started. You will manage all 8soon enough. Lots of people have to do some practise runs. Celebrate your achievement. This is only the start.
Cliff_HGraduate
Bumpsey I've got Thyroid problems as well. I'm on Thyroxine and suffer with Hypothyroidism, while I've found there are some challenges especially in terms of recovery time and energy deficiencies that are challenging because of the thyroid issues we can still do C25k and benefit from it. Ultimately I decided I wanted to be the best version of 'me' that I could be, thyroid issues and all, the beauty of this program is you can take your time and gradually build up.
I started back in May running on the C25k, the first day nearly killed me. I thought I would never get through day two, or three or onto week two etc.. but I did, trust the programme and your body, take your time and keep going at it... today I ran for 10k and over one and a quarter hours, never would have believed it in a million years but I did and so can you.
Make sure you're extra vigilant of those horrible thyroid fatigue and joint and muscle issues and moderate your pace and rest accordingly... stick with it and come on here for lots of encouragement.
I think what I should have done was instead of just stopping, I should have just walked the last bit.
Would you leave a day in better runs or do one everyday?
Always always leave at least a day in between runs. When you run you make little micro tears in the muscles and on your rest days they grow back even stronger making you able to run faster or for longer... the rest days are as important as the runs if not more so... some much more experienced folk on here can give you a better explanation but all will say never to miss a rest day and don't be afraid to take two.
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
Do not feel disappointed at all! Don't you dare! 
Wow..that is all ! Just wow..!!! 10 weeks ago you had a baby, and you have another small one...wow again!
So.. welcome to this great programme. well done for even considering it....and first of all..be kind to yourself!
The whole idea of this, is a slow and steady progression... slow, slower and slowest! No resistance at this stage..just get on to your trainer and walk and run slowly!
Be aware that your body will protest... not least of all because of the age of your small one and looking after another little one. You listen to your body, take your rest days which are essential between runs and take more than one if you need it...and do it at your own pace...
Strength and Flex exercises may help and may help with post baby weight too
nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an...
You could even do a bit of exercise with your 10 year old ..making it fun.. all helping your stamina and strength!
Boogieing to music together, making a game out of household jobs..folding laundry guess who's is this, game... picking up toys from the floor as quickly as she can etc, work out routines when the ads come on TV... matching an activity to the ad. Rocking Babe as well, great for those tummy muscles.. That and a healthy eating regime... winning combination!
The main thing is, take it gently.. you are your first priority...!
Keep posting for great support and a massive well done you!
" Great adventures start with the first step" x
You ought be very proud of yourself, a new baby, dealing with a thyroid problem, but you got off your backside and made a start. Well done you. I wish we all lived in the same street and went out together xxx
I felt exactly the same at the beginning... you have done the hardest bit which is starting in the first place. Please don't be despondent, my legs felt heavy and my lungs on fire during week one. So I repeated it a few times before moving on to week 2. Get some good tunes, take the pressure off, slow down ...you are doing an amazing thing by following this programme. Stick with it. It only gets better 🙂
I agree with the others Bumpsey. I'm on week 3. I too found the first week hard but stick with it. For some reason some days it's easier to run than others so don't be disheartened if you have a run which is more like a waddle! On those days I am moving more side to side than forwards but then on the next run I surprise myself xx keep going x
quirkybeeGraduate
Hey Bumpsey
Don't feel disappointed or any other negative feeling. This is advice from the worst person for feeling let down, dejected etc. You've done the best thing you can, never mind if you fail the next 19 times, you've started the process and you've acknowledged that you need to do something to change things in your life.
I am the most unfit person, or was, now getting there slowly and when I tried the first run/jog, those first 60 seconds were killing. I could hardly breathe and it seemed like I was running for 3 minutes not 1 haha. Just keep doing that wk 1 until you complete it. If you slack off or slow down, that's not a failure, that's pacing yourself and I do that. THE TIP IS TO GO SLOW AND LISTEN TO YOUR COACH. What Laura says is, imagine there's another person behind the hedge at your side and when you jog, ideally they shouldn't see your head bopping up and down, or know that you are jogging, so if I go a bit to quick, that advice reigns me in and it really does help for future runs and increased duration.
You are doing very well whether you think it or not. There's no race. When others started at the same time as me on here, some are weeks agwad of me and I'm on wk 4 run 3. I left it 5 weeks til starting wk 4, so there's no rush.
If you want a buddy/friend, I need all the running friends I can get lol 😂😂😂
Good luck lovely 😊
Beth x
PaulaHud46Graduate
As everyone says, slow and steady is the way forward. Don't feel bad just keep going and well done for starting the program; youre taking a positive step forward to a better, healthier you!
I sympathise, have made several false starts and found it very hard to get started -and still haven't properly got started
I'm probably twice your age, and struggling with emotional problems after being widowed recently. So if I don't want to do a run I go out for a brisk walk, with my trusty pedometer, and try to do over 10,000 steps a day with a hefty proportion of aerobic steps. That way at least I am doing something and still getting fitter
Keep bashing on! Some of is need a pre-5k course! I really admire you beong organised enough to get out on your own with such a young family!
Wannabefit19Graduate
Like everyone is saying - wow wow wow - I am 53 but remember 27 years ago when I was a young mum of 2 and had a 10 wk old , getting dressed and out of the house was a challenge - sleep deprivation , recovery from childbirth and Caring for little ones all huge impacts on our bodies . SO .... you must congratulate yourself for even beginning the programme .
For fear of sounding like a record stuck on repeat - slowly is the key . I am only on Wk 3 and too found even 1min runs very hard thinking I would NEVER be able to do the next run . I slowed down my pace and it helps - getting slowly stronger and taking inspiration from this forum that it is achievable .
I got fit 3-4 yrs ago then dissapointedly let it go - I'm now overweight and unfit again !!! A 53 yr old but still determined to get my fitness back and maintain at 2-3 runs a week once graduated
(((( everything crossed I get there 🤞🤞 as you will ))))
Keep going and everyone here for support 😀
LizzylobdobGraduate
At risk of repeating everything everyone has said - DON"T PANIC! I couldn't even run for all of the 60 seconds runs four weeks ago, but go slow, very slow if necessary, trust in the programme - now I can run 20!! I am amazed at how each week you think, "Nooooo way" but it does work. Slow but sure is the way. (And btw I am also 5 stone overweight!)
Malc73Graduate
So let's look at what happened, you managed SIX runs!! So that's SIX runs more than not trying at all, SIX runs more than you did last week, and SIX runs into your new running career.
Concentrate on what you managed not on what you didn't Trust me I've had the negative thoughts very recently and these wonderful people got me back on track.
We all struggle or we would all be top class athletes, oh by the way they struggle too.
Go again girl, and again and again until YOU smash this.
Well done
What a fantastic response and brilliant attitude. So often we are so much harder on ourselves than we would be on others. Malc73 I'm with you on this one!
Hey! Well done for giving this a go . I am 7 stone overweight and started with my daughter and have discovered that in the early days running is more a fast shuffle that gets the heart goi g and is faster than a walk! I had to stop for a while due to another issue but I really miss it and after 3 weeks I was 'shuffling' for longer and my breathing was mu h better. I used to have an annoying cough but the running cured that! Keep at it , slowly, slowly and you will improve xx
J9_54Graduate
Well done you for even contemplating starting this after just having a baby, I don't think i slept for more than 40 mins at a time in that first year so wouldn't have been able to. I'm late 40's and also very overweight so know exactly what you mean but you should be so proud of yourself for starting. Listen to and hear all the advice on here re speed, rest days and not beating yourself up if you need to repeat days or weeks of the programme you'll get there at your pace and feel really great when you do. Good luck, keep posting so we can see how you are getting on x
OMG well done you ... and with a small baby too ... puts me to shame. I am very overweight 53 and asthmatic and I am on W1 for the second time as I haven't yet done all 8 runs without stopping and walking some of them. Keep going ... and resting ... I nearly did it last time so I am hoping that after W1 for the third time I will get to W2. Good luck ... and hugs to the baby ☺️
mcgurranhouseGraduate
I was exactly the same - had to get my husband to pause the app so that I could catch my breath! Keep at it - you will do it - I promise! Don't worry if you don't complete every run in a particular set - do what you can. You will have good days and you will have days when you wonder why you bothered to put the running shoes on! It will be worth it in the end - two years later and I am still running. Keep your chin up, we are all here to help you along. And by the way, all those "stupid" questions you have - we have already asked them and the answers are here waiting for you. Good luck and keep going.
LiisaMGraduate
Hi, Bumpsey, I know the feeling. I put on weight after having two kids, but lost it after going WFPB and lost it without trying--it just works! Google it--as you lose weight, it'll be easier to do the running! Best!
AngeScottGraduate
How are you feeling today Bumpsey? X
Good thank you. Can't believe the support i have received. It's great. Had a rest day today, but will do a run tomorrow morning before taking eldest for her swimming lesson. Thanks for asking xz
I have only just joined this week and I so wish I'd joined at the beginning. I would've loved the support and encouragement all the way through. I find running in the mornings sets me up for the day in a positive way. Let us know how it goes tomorrow. Remember slow and steady... x
I'll be starting tomorrow again having not done the programme for a while at 21st it's not easy and if I feel I can't get through the runs I'll stop and warm down. Knowing I will crack it then next time. You will get better soon enough and there be no stopping you
Good luck for tomorrow. It's my run day tomorrow and really looking forward to it xx
Good luck, Greenman. We'll be rooting for you.
Don't give up. We've all been there. Keep trying, make sure to stretch before and after, drink plenty of fluids (leave the wine for after 😃), distract your mind with music or an audio book (my preference). Getting my lungs to fitness took me the longest but my muscle tone started to return in week 3. I repeated weeks if I felt I wasn't ready. The important thing is that you're out there and I know that's a major accomplishment because it was for me.
One more thing worth mentioning, invest in the best running shoes you can afford. Your body will thank you. I waited a bit to see if I would keep it up but new trainers made the run more comfortable.
So I finally got it done today. Week one after all. Found it easy enough. Tell me what speed do you jog at. I tend to walk at 5.5-6 and run from 8.5-9km/h
Wow that's brilliant. I walk at 2.5 and run at 3.7 - slow and steady x
HeleneCorsaGraduate
Hello! Congratulations firstly on the arrival of your new baby, and secondly on taking a step forward for your health and wellbeing. Whatever you are managing to do is progress, so don't be hard on yourself, don't be tempted to rush, and most of all be kind to yourself in what is after all a very demanding moment in life. And please keep checking in so we can send you best wishes and encouragement!
H xx
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