New to Couch to 5K

[LeeU]

I'm a 45 year old, husband, father and grandfather, who after sitting behind a desk for the last 10+ years has put weight on, I've never been slim but never been this large.

I've started the Couch to 5k, I'm a treadmill runner as my job has weird hours at times.

I have started it for weight loss and general fitness but would like to do one or two 5k runs for charity when I can.

Just about to complete Week One, and will proceed to Week Two next week, I may repeat a week a few times while fitness/stamina builds but I am fixed on completing the course.

I am a treadmill runner at the minute, I can end up in hotels away from home for work but can always guarantee a treadmill in the hotel plus I have one at home.

I do plan on 'graduating' to running outside in the non to distant future.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

We actually prefer if you take the extra time if you need it. The program is great but as with anything in life, one size does not fit all when it comes to our capabilities. The only thing ask is you don't up the distance (time) or shorten the length as it has been carefully calculated to avoid injury. I myself took longer than nine weeks to finish and you will find many accomplished runners on here who did. A good runner knows how to look after themselves and it is great if you learn that lesson while going through the program, to take extra weeks or redo runs just means your looking out for my yourself and it will lead you to good practices after you graduate, happy running.

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I have been on and off the treadmill for a few years and would never try to push myself too far, at the minute, I'm too unfit to do that and don't want to take myself out of the program due to injury, etc.

[Hidden]

It doesn't matter whether it's in or out and how long your running weeks end up being. The main thing is the slow steady commitment and progression. Good luck with Week 1

[LeeU Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, last run for Week 1 is tomorrow morning, Week 2 will start Monday.

[Rignold]

Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn... Treadmill or pavement makes little difference to the improveent in fitness you will experience.

Good work for starting, it's always the hardest part. Just stick with it and don't try cutting corners or accelerating progress, as RFC said.

Also be aware of your diet. Many (most) people tend to increase their calorie intake when they start running, usually quite unconsciously, to compensate for the extra efforts. Don't be one of them.

[fivekstarter]

Well done, it's very brave to start doing something like this - regardless of whether it's indoors or outdoors, when you eventually have the time to get outside you'll enjoy it even more. I signed up for a charity 5k before I started and that has been my driving force , keep it up 👍

[Nibor5 Graduate]

Welcome from another desk bound, 40 something father.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

... and from a mostly deskbound, 40-something mother too (who also joined today!)

[LeeU Graduate in reply to HeleneCorsa]

Good luck, hope you complete the program.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thank you, LeeU!

[RebeccaSK Graduate]

I sense another Parkrun recruit in the making! I think I should be responsible for Parkrun's marketing!

[LeeU Graduate in reply to RebeccaSK]

I've just looked at ParkRun, it looks like there is one about a mile and a half from where I live, I have used the place they use once or twice when I was between treadmills.

Once I'm further into the program then I will definitely look at going for a Saturday morning waddle.

Thanks for that.

[RebeccaSK Graduate in reply to LeeU]

You definitely should. Amazing way to start the weekend - you can immerse yourself in the love! On my second one (I've only done three) which was at a different course to the first, about 600 metres from the end you have to pass the finish line and do a lap of a field. I was, predictably, one of the last and there were people (who had finished) everywhere and I couldn't see where I was supposed to go. One of the super fast runners must have seen my panic, ran back on the track and ran the next 200 metres with me until it was clear where I had to go - but not before telling me I was doing brilliantly and giving me the last burst of energy I needed to keep running. Definitely something to aim for - although lots of people walk and run/walk so you shouldn't necessarily feel you have to wait until you can run the full 5k!