feeling a bit of a benefit (!!) (newbie)

[yikesyikes]

I've just finished W1R3, and have been really surprised. My first run was absolutely horrific and I thought I was so unfit I'd never be able to even do week 1, but then I came here, and saw everyone saying "slow and steady", and actually took your advice, and had an amazingly good run 2. It turned out when Laura said "run", I took it seriously, and fully ran - which at the moment I can't sustain for more than about 2 minutes. I also started going at 7am, which has been lovely, and comfortably completed runs 2&3, except for a minor hiccup this morning, when I fell over a branch and scraped my hands/arms and knees - but I kept going!! And actually made it without feeling pain - only when I got home did I realise my legs were bleeding! It was great that I didn't feel the pain from it whilst running, and the feeling afterwards was great. I just wanted to say thank you all for being lovely - your stories made me push on after my awful first run, and although I'm very very very apprehensive for week 2, I think I can do it, which is amazing for me! So thank you very very much!

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate]

Hi. I’m on W3 so... you can do it... (branches aside🤣)

Congratulations on W1.... keep posting because everyone on here is so positive it really helps me. Happy W2 running 🏃‍♀️

Liz x

[yikesyikes in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

thank you - I'm loving the positivity here too! I'm sure you'll smash week 3, and stay safe from those pesky twigs!!

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate in reply to yikesyikes]

🤣🤣🤣

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

We have all been there and the advice is sound. Have you read this guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... it may be helpful.

[yikesyikes in reply to IannodaTruffe]

yes, I'd read it! But even though I'd read to go slowly, I think I just had no idea what the right pace was (the last time I ran was athletics at school), or what a jog was - I knew walking, fast walking, run and sprint, and only from trying have I just learnt what an actual jog is, I think. Thank you!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to yikesyikes]

Just to clarify, as a new runner just go at an easy pace defined by the fact that you can clearly, ungaspingly hold a coherent converstion. Any faster is too fast.

[Chairmanoftheboards Graduate]

Well done on starting this programme , it will work , trust it - enjoy it 👍

[lexik97 Graduate]

Well done! Hope your hands and knees are feeling better! I'm also apprehensive about moving to week 2 having just finished week 1 today but we can do it! 💪🏼

[yikesyikes in reply to lexik97]

onwards and upwards together - (almost) looking forward to it!

[RuthL Graduate]

Well done and keep going. I’ve had to take a couple of breaks, due to illness and too much snow, and had to redo week 5. But I’m on week 7 now and loving it.

[yikesyikes in reply to RuthL]

good on you! I can't even imagine being on week 7 (but I hope I will in 5 weeks!). Thank you!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

You will be able to do it yikesyikes😊...you have a great attitude and Laura is your coach! Perfect😄...

Good luck with wk2...onwards and upwards. Nice and steady.x

[DeterminedBear Graduate]

Have you stared W2R1? You can do it.