In the past two years I've gone from working in a gym and being able to train 5 days a week, too moving down the country to become an outdoor activity instructor which included taking a group of kids to do outdoor activities such as high rope courses and archery etc... this has led to my diet going downhill (being provided with 3 meals a day being the same thing every week as we ate what the schools did) and living in the middle of nowhere meant there wasn't a gym easily accessible - expect for boxing which is the only form of exercise I've done the past year.
Having just started a new job and being able to start a new gym again (finally) I am hoping to start couch to 5k 3 times a week - I have previously tried but always felt to tired after or before work (8am - 9pm days) and often gave up after the first week or two!
Any advice on how people manage the full programme would be appreciated! I want to complete it once and for all!
Written by
Megan9
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15 Replies
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Rather than run on work days use your non work days. I assume if your work hours are 0800-2100 you won't be working 7 days a week. Part of the training is making the time for the run and therefore forming a routine. Like all things it takes commitment. So let's get going and make some life changes!
I have a new job now so I finish at or before 5.30 at least as we close at 5.30 so I'm hoping to get back into a routine and stick to it. I'm struggling to motivate myself but I know once I start I'll be fine again thanks for your kind words!
The first step is done..you have posted your intention.😊
Having started the program before I expect you have all the equipment you need , some running trainers and a sportsbra and a gym..(Remember running ourside is fun and offers a different experience..and its free..)
So, you just need to plan a time and go, lots of us found it helpful to come on here to chat about our running progress and pick up useful tips along the way, and we will encourage you too..
Good luck with your first run and we are always here.😊x
Thank you very much for your encouraging words, I downloaded this app for some motivation and it's working so far hopefully I'll use it more and that'll help me stick to it
Not sure what advice I can give being one of the lucky retired who can plan their own days . When I was working I remember how hard it was to motivate myself after work . All I can say is that it is only max 40 mins by the end of the programme not a large chunk of the day really. It helped me to have a goal - first park run by Christmas . This forum is great for encouragiement and I have found it quite therapeutic looking forward to postíng my running diary. I’m sure that given your fitness you’ll soon be off, it’s free, you don’t have to travel to start and if you’ve an hour for lunch during work times why not one running session? Good luck I hope you get the bug this time
I think my biggest problem previously has been wanting to achieve to much too quickly and I end up giving up because I'm not doing as good as I want too or expect to be... I'm gonna go in with a different approach this time and just focus on getting the 3 days done and not pushing myself too hard
Well, it was a bit of a shock but once I realised that no one was looking at me because they were too busy breathing and running I felt a huge sense of achievement. Run two tomorrow , bit addictive.
You’re right about the slow approach, it was the same when I was losing weight, the horrid truth hit me that it had taken 2 years to put it on so I wasn’t going to lose it in 2 weeks. I guess that training to run is the same. Ho hum , still we have all the time we want...
I'm glad you enjoyed it, the park runs tend to be good it can be much more fun running with others and it pushes you on to keep going - my Mam started with couch to 5k and went on to do frequent park runs, she then moved on to run a half marathon - just shows that sticking to it really does work. My Mam isn't fast either but she can out run me on distance for sure, nobody will be watching or judging you during the runs everyone is focusing on themselves and their own goals and having fun! Do as many as you can I say - the obstacle course one (pretty muddy) is supper fun too x
On a work day I refuse to let myself faff around- I leap into my kit, do some warm up exercises and get out of the door as quickly as I can. I have things organised for quick exit, e.g. my earphones live in my running jacket pocket, my running shoes are by the door, the rest of my kit is just in one drawer so it is quick to grab and go. At the weekend I have time to run in different places and enjoy the variety. Sometimes I take my running gear to work change there and run somewhere that is between work and home.
Let us know how you get on so we can cheer for you! 😀
You say you have tried before,,, but this time you will succeed
Firstly.. you don't need a gym..if you have worked as an outdoors Activity Instructor.. you are tough.. so get out there
Slow and steady is the way to go.... one step at a time...just take each run and each week as it comes.... take the rest days and use them for stamina and strength work outs.... listen to your body, keep posting and do not...under any circumstances push too hard or move too quickly!!
Thank you for your kind words, the funny thing is I previously worked as a personal trainer, I have no problem creating plans and motivating others however with this past year losing track of fitness it seems so daunting getting back into it! I know what I need to do, this app will deffo help me stay motivated
Megan, i never thought i could run. I was over over overweight and started with C25k 3 times a week. My second week I added a 4th day and I'm still doing it. And even graduated still using C25k audio. I did my first park run two weeks ago and firstly I was a bit shocked with all of them passing by me and to be honest I used as an incentive to be better and took 4 minutes off my usual 5k. I'm very much like your mum..i run for hours but my pace is steady. after my 5th km I can run a marathon. But I'm slow. Keep us posted about your first week of running.
Yesssss!!! You have told us! That’s the first hurdle...next is....just making time, I did it 3 times a week but it depends when you can run....there’s loads of advice & encouragement on here so just read some posts & keep posting yourself for ideas...happy running 😉
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thanks for your kind words! 
W9R2 - Failed second attempt
Newbie Runner - onto week 2
Back on the road again! 
W9R3... I'm a graduate! 🏆
Transitioning from treadmill to outdoors challenge
