New to Couch to 5K!

[Darkdreamer6]

Hey guys!

My name's Becki and I'm new here so thought I'd better come and introduce myself!

I'm 32 and have recently quit smoking due to being diagnosed with COPD. Now my lungs are improving I feel like I can stop being a couch potato (a month ago just walking half a mile would all but put me on the floor with breathlessness) and start moving again, so I've just started using the Couch to 5K app 👍

I completed my second run of Week One yesterday and was pleased to neither be drastically out of breath, nor even have a stitch...but God, do my calves hurt during the running sections! I don't actually have proper running shoes at the moment, just lightweight trainers with insoles, so it looks like I may need a trip to the shops very soon...

Just running in 60 second bursts is a trial at the moment, but I feel so great when I complete it...and I finished yesterday's session off with an extra 2 mile walk, which doubled my buzz; I do have to wonder if I can ever make it to running for 30 mins straight though! 😁

Anyway, that's my introduction - pleased to meet you all!

[SC1472 Graduate]

Hello and welcome, and well done for starting the programme. That is the biggest step you are making and you will get to run for 30 minutes. Take the programme in your own time, there is no rush, once you have completed a run move on to the next one - you will be amazed at your own achievements.

I cannot stress the importance of proper running shoes, and socks, as this will help you to (hopefully) run injury free. Get yourself to a proper running shop where they will put you on a treadmill and analyse your gait to enable them to recommend the best running shoes for you. You should allocate plenty of time for this as you will probably try on lots of different shoes (let them know your budget as well).

Good luck with the rest of the programme and keep us updated with your progress.

[Hidden in reply to SC1472]

I didn’t go to a proper running shop I went to sports direct looked at loads of different trainers tried loads of different styles of running trainers on and picked a pair that felt the most comfortable on my foot, so far they seem to be holding up pretty well and I’m not suffering from aches and pains in ankles feet or legs if I get any problems I’ll take this advice because it is good advice x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on getting started. You won't regret it.

Proper running shoes can save you from a lot of aches and pains and reduce the risk of injury, except to your bank balance.

I always recommend new runners should have a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop before buying their new running shoes. The analysis will show what sort of footstrike you have and whether you need support shoes to compensate for rolling of the foot. Proper shoes are the best investment you can make in your health and fitness and are a lot cheaper than a physio.

Don't look at 30 minutes yet. You will get there, but for now just concentrate on the next run and believe in the plan to prepare you for it, even when the demand steps up.

Always take your rest days and repeat any run that you cannot complete, then move on.

The plan works brilliantly and this forum is your secret weapon, so keep posting your progress.

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Well done on starting on your running journey! You have made the first and hardest step to get outside and start running! I graduated in October but it took me longer than 9 weeks to complete it. I had to repeat a few weeks and runs before I felt confident but now I can run 5K without stopping! Good luck with future runs and keep us updated on how you are getting on xx

[Rie1]

well done 😊

[Darkdreamer6]

Thankyou all for your comments - I went to Sports Direct and, although they don't have a gait analyser, at least I have a pair of actual running shoes now! Completed Week One on Thursday

[Shelby1973 Graduate]

Hiya , I suffer with tight calf’s and my best mate is now deep heat max 😀 smells vile but does the trick . Try slowing down a tad it may help too . Good luck before u know it you’ll be claiming that graduation badge 👨‍🎓 good luck on ur journey to 30 mins x

[Darkdreamer6]

I think I have some Deep Heat in the medicine drawer - I know what you mean about the smell, but if it works I'm more than prepared to cope with that! Thanks for the advice 😊 xx