First run complete :)

[H-a-]

100th time lucky? Keep on trying to start running but fail as I always push myself too much so it takes a week or more to recover so never start a habit. I am very much all or nothing. I know it is good to take it slow but part of me wants to skip rest days as today was ok... need to learn to be patient?! Should have started at the beginning of the summer hols (I'm a teacher) as want to have good habits that will carry me through term time! Hopefully 4 weeks is enough to start a habit ?

[Nibor5 Graduate]

Don't skip the rest days, they are when the vital magic happens in your muscles that turns them from complaining pains in the legs to sleak running machines. Also take it slow. Run as slow as you think you should, then slow down some more. I was the same, I would push myself too hard. On the C25K though I have forced myself to stick with the programand it is paying off now I am close to the end.

So

Take the rest days

Slow down

Don't run more than the program says

[H-a- in reply to Nibor5]

Thank you so much for the advice! Although the temptation is high I will squash it and make sure I have a rest day between each run! And I won't run too fast (also another great temptation!)

Hopefully i will be running half an hour in 9 weeks

[misswobble Graduate]

The couch to five k programme takes 9 weeks!

You learn to run with this programme in an organised, methodical way, which sounds like what you're looking for. You have to have a day off between runs, and it's all about going slowly to avoid boom and bust 😃

If you stick to it to the letter you will be fine and become the runner you want to be. It's all about going steady to avoid injury and exhaustion. Gently, gently, a bit at a time

It takes 18 - 24 months to build a pair of running legs but in that time you can be running regularly. After C25k there is C25k+ and then onto Bridge to 10k, so lots to keep you occupied

Good luck 🙂

[H-a- in reply to misswobble]

I definitely enjoyed the fun today (especially the walking parts haha)

Thank you so much for your advice to "become the runner I want to be". That is absolutely spot on

O yeah I know I have to complete 9 weeks for the programme I more meant that if I can run regularly/ each week for the next 4 then I might have a habit of running and following the C25K programme that I won't be tempted to give up when term time gets hectic (as opposed to starting this mid- term when my energy levels and general motivation can be low..)

I will be trying my hardest to stick to it and both not over do it or skip days! I'm glad that there are options if you manage to graduate 🎓 I'm feeling hopeful

[Hidden]

Everything everyone has said here and more. Given any opportunity I generally will flake and find excuses. So for me and this was just mine I did three things, one I decided I would run every other day and now my body clock seems to know when it is run days. It doesn't have to be every other day that was just my choice. Secondly, I get my running kit and ready the night before and in line of sight. And thirdly and this was the biggy I sort of chose a virtual running buddy from the forum who started the same time as me and I answered her posts and she mine. And we follow each other and use the private messaging facility between us. Now we've agreed another challenge and you know she being there kicks my butt virtually every running day. Letting myself down is one thing, letting her down is just not acceptable to me. I don't know if that helps we all have our own running recipes, I hope you find yours. Good luck with the programme.

[H-a- in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much for even more helpful advice!!

I definitely think the running kit out the night before will help me with morning excuses and I really hope I can train my body clock to expect morning runs! We will see

I might have a look to see if I can find a virtual running partner (or I might see if I can convince my mum to get involved?!).

Thanks again 🏃‍♀️

[Hidden in reply to H-a-]

All I did was literally look at someone who had started same time as me and asked her. Luckily for me she said yes. But I've seen other people buddy up too. Seems to work

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to H-a-]

Tell your Mum how much fun it is going to be!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

On her...if you try to go too fast or miss rest days the wrath of the forum family will fall upon you And I can be a real pain!

misswobble has given you some great advice and she is one heck of a runner!!! Listen to her!

Many have tried to push too hard, too soon and the either injure themselves or just disappear!

As for trying to "stick to it and not to overdo it or skip days.." put in other exercise on your rest days, swimming, climbing, cycling, walking, yoga, strength and flex, squats, core strength and stamina exercises.... and more squats...

As a well known Jedi Master said

" Do or do not... there is no try!"

Just follow the programme... you will love it!

[H-a- in reply to Oldfloss]

Haha ok! Don't want to feel anyone's wrath or injure myself!

I'm thinking maybe some walking with hubby, the odd swim and squats??!

What is strength and flex?

I'm looking forward to many runs to come

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to H-a-]

nhs.uk/Livewell/strength-an...

There you go.. great for rest days

[H-a- in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

There is is no short cut, no quick fix.

C25K will start you safely on the way, but if you are serious about running then you need to take on board the message that slow and steady progress is the only sensible way. Each run, even if you think you could do more, is going to improve your body and the rest day between runs is when your muscles repair and strengthen...........so just doing more will be counter productive.

Cross training with non impact exercise on rest days will will make you a better runner.

Patience and discipline will move you forward........rushing headlong will more likely cause injury and disillusionment.

[H-a- in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. I will squash my urge to do more than recommended and remember that there is no quick fix. Patience is a virtue and all that! I appreciate the advice