I'm a newbie

I haven't even put my trainers on yet and got out of the front door. But I have downloaded the training plan. Quite scared about actually running. Wondering if I should just get used to walking it first?

[SC1472 Graduate]

Hello and welcome. It's the biggest step you will make by doing the first run. The best thing to do is just to get out there and start. By the time you have done your five minute warm up you will be ready to give it a go. Just take each run section slow and steady - don't go off too fast as you will regret it later in the run.

Remember to take your rest days, and if you have to repeat a run then do so as there are no time restraints.

Try to relax and enjoy it and then let us know how you get on.

[K311y33 Graduate]

As sc1472 has said , give it ago , it is daunting at first but nothing can beat that feel good factor once you have complete your run , and if you need to repeat a day if you dont quite manage it thats fine. The first week or so is the hardest (in my opinion) as you are doing something new. If you are like all of us on here , you wont regret it. Good luck!

[Late-Starter Graduate]

Great advice there from SC1472.

I'm a newbie, too. Only three weeks ago I wondered if I could do it. C25K is all about putting you into a place you're not sure if you can be. You probably already know you can walk OK, so you're not going to learn much about yourself by walking it first. So give week one, run one a go as SC1472 suggests. See how you get on - there's no such thing as failure 'round here.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

" Nothing to fear, except Fear itself! And fear can be a pesky gremlin!!!

Just follow the programme, take your time,, take your rest days and keep posting

That is simple, isn't it?

Welcome to this wonderful journey!

[PamJ58 Graduate]

Give it a go - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You might surprise yourself. Good luck !

[Hidden]

Just give it a go. Worst that can happen is you don't manage to complete and have to try again. Some people take one or more tries to build up to run 1 but most manage first time and you won't know unless you try it. Good luck and enjoy.

[CallyL]

Go for it - put your trainers on, go out the door and start your warm up walk. This programme is amazing. The support on here is amazing. The feeling you will have just 30 minutes after you left home is amazing. I can't see a reason not to try it 😉 Good Luck - you won't regret it!

[Hidden]

Thank you for the encouraging comments. It's a bit like having your band of cheerleaders on here isn't it! Good advice - the worse that can happen is I fail and have to do it again. And the best is that I actually get started and take my first step to becoming a runner (that's my wish).

[James2529 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

If you ever need some encouragement always come here for a bit of support! This is the friendliest and most supportive website I have ever visited. Good luck! You WILL do it!

[icklegui Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ooh - someone should warn you, the f-word (fail!) is taboo here - any run you don't complete is a practice run! But you already have the attitude that you'll go out and do them again if you need to. Good luck!

[misswobble Graduate]

If you had to run for a bus, you would do it 🙂 You don't think about how, you just leg it

C25k is not the dentist. It's a walk in the park. Just go very slowly and that's it 🙂✔️🏃‍♀️👍 ok, ok,so there is a bit of jogging, but only a teensy bit at first

Have fun 🙂

[Katie204 Graduate]

The very first session has 8 tiny runs - really, gentle jogs - of just 60 seconds each. There are walking breaks in between so you can recover. The best way to start is to put on your trainers and just go for it. If it helps, as you do the run bit, count down from 60. It is really gentle and slow - and you will feel so chuffed with yourself when you have done it! Good luck!

[Indigogirl Graduate]

I'm hardly an expert - only on W5 - but I have to say, trust the programme, it works! My first week, I was so desperate for each 60 seconds to pass, and to be honest, had to stop running early on quite a few of them (kept moving though!). But now I'm back in from having done 2 x 8 minute runs, something I thought I'd never achieve! My advice would be to take it slow while you're getting to grips with it all, especially if you're running outside, as I find it really hard to gauge my speed outside and probably push myself too hard. Good luck... let us know how you get on!

[J9_54 Graduate]

Get them on and go for it.

Just remember all the advice given on the app and here. Take it really slowly and gentle. If you start to struggle slow down some more.

I'm stuck on the injury couch with a back injury at the moment and am desperate to get out running again as I was enjoying the couch to 5k so much before my accident.

Before I started the program I hadn't done any regular exercise for 30+ years, was 4.5 stones overweight and a reformed smoker but it's not as hard as you think it's going to be.

Be brave...you'll not regret it. Good luck x