Newbie here!

[honeypot58]

Well, I've just completed Week 1, run 3 and feeling really proud of myself! However, I found it tough as I really am a couch potato! Will I really be able to run for 30mins? This is really a hurdle in my brain at the moment, I guess I will just have to take it one step at a time!

[SC1472 Graduate]

Well done for getting off the couch - this first step is probably the biggest step you will make. Don't look ahead, just trust the programme as each step will take you to the next phase and will build your stamina towards the goal of running for 30 minutes. Take each run slowly, repeat runs or weeks if necessary, and most of all enjoy the feeling.

[WhiteJog Graduate]

The biggest hurdle is the mental hurdle, be determined and mentally strong and you will amaze yourself. Good luck.

[lardofale Graduate]

Hi there! You've already made the greatest leap by getting out there and doing it! The programme is designed to condition you mentally as well as physically with a gradual phasing in approach. I had the same doubts when I began and have today completed week 8, it's astounding what you can achieve, it's such a rewarding process. Good luck!

[Valcart Graduate]

Really well done for starting and thats one big hurdle completed. Keep going and you will be so pleased with yourself as you complete each week. Even if you need to repeat a week you CAN do it. I was the same as you only 3 months ago and I got to the end of the course and am still smiling inside because I know its a huge achievement for a non runner (in the past). Now I definitely feel like a runner!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi honeypots, well done on completing Wk 1😊.

Yes, you will be able to run for 30 mins, by taking it one run at a time. Take the run sections slow and steady,do some gentle leg stretches after your warm down walk while your muscles are still warm.. and always take at least one days rest between your run days.

Good luck and keep posting.😊

[honeypot58 Graduate]

Thanks everyone for your lovely comments! I am really determined to do this and I'll take all your advice on board. Will let you know how it goes. xx

[Hidden in reply to honeypot58]

Brilliant stuff it's so great when someone is so committed to doing this. Determined is your middle name evidently

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yes you will to both those questions... you will run for 30 minutes and you will take it, one slow step at a time!

Slow, steady, take your rest days and listen to your body!

Keep posting too, for great support from all the forum family!

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

You will note a consistent message:

Well done, first run is the hardest!

Listen to Oldfloss "slow & steady"

Trust the programme & don't think too far ahead

Mental attitude is important - come back here if it waivers

Beware of an increasing grin

[Pseud0nym]

Well done! I'm finding the running for 30 mins to sound a bit impossible too, but so many people here say it works I have faith it must. You've taken the plunge to get up and start (and complete week one!), which is already an achievement, it's so easy to just put it off for another day and then another week...

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate]

Just don't think about it! If I think about running that far I can imagine my legs giving up and my heart beating right out my chest. I'm on week 3 and am just trusting the program.

Just focus on the next run and that's all. Might be easier said than done but seams to be working so far for me:)!!!

[LakeLadyJ]

I couldn't have come across a better post to read first than this! I have tried the program in the past and I don't recall ever getting past week 1. It took me 2 weeks this time but I've done it. I'm now ready for day 3 of week 2. I also don't know how I can possibly ever run for 30 minutes. I'm also so slow that I don't think 30 minutes will get me through a full 5k. I'm going to keep on trying though. I love the way I feel after a run and the subtle changes I'm feeling in my health and body. I'm so thrilled to have found this community and to know I'm not alone in this journey...and you're not either!!

[honeypot58 Graduate in reply to LakeLadyJ]

Oh well done for giving it another go, that's a great achievement in itself! I have recently made a big change in my eating habits and it is that that spurred me on to C25K. I'm not desperately worried about completing the 5k in 30 minutes, just completing 30 minutes will be my prize. It is great to hear to have conquered Week 2 and that you are loving the way it makes you feel, no better feeling! We have got this LakeLady, and with the help of this great community we can do it! Please keep us posted on your progress.