Week 1 Run 1

[l_marie]

After putting off exercise for a loooong time, I decided to have a go at Couch to 5K as it seemed an accessible way to get back into working out. I’ve just completed Run 1 of Week 1 and oh my life, I didn’t realise it would be so tough! I did complete the whole workout today, but it seems so unrealistic that I will be able to run 5K in just 9 weeks... please someone tell me it gets easier?!

[Polly2810 Graduate]

You may mell not be able to run 5k...I certainly can’t, but you will be able to run for 30 minutes which is the aim...if you can do 5k then see it as a bonus, but it does not matter at all if you can’t. Keep with it, such a great programme.

[l_marie in reply to Polly2810]

Good to know Thank you Polly!

[Mabsabs Graduate]

I felt exactly the same as you. I’ve always hated exercise and I’m nearly 52, but in 9 short weeks, I literally went from feeling exhausted and wobbly after running for 1 minute to running continuously for 30 minutes. When I drive along my run route, I cannot believe how far I actually run continuously now. Believe me, this thing works! Trust the voice in your ear telling you that you can and ignore the voice in your head telling you that you can’t! Good luck, we’re all rooting for you 😀

[l_marie in reply to Mabsabs]

This is amazing to hear, thank you so much xo

[Elfe5 Graduate]

The program works brilliantly & our amazing bodies adapt far beyond most of our expectations.

I am new to running at 58 & have been astonished at the changes this has brought in my life! ( My husband is probably even more astonished!!)

You can do this, - keep us posted and we will cheer you on! 😀

[l_marie in reply to Elfe5]

Brilliant, thank you so much

[Scouser67 Graduate]

Once you fond your rhythm you really get hooked. I enjoy running and getting outside despite the icy weather we have had. I’ve just completed W2R1 and I was surprised with how well I did.

You can do this. 👍🏻

[l_marie in reply to Scouser67]

Thank you

[Pm3eak Graduate]

Possibly the most constructive thing I did when I started was to sit and read back through the posts of 'new starters' and notice just how many said, 'Don't think I can do this' or ' My third run was awful: will it ever get better' or many, many similar and valid concerns. I was worried because I had always hated running...or so I thought. I then followed those people through their posts as one by one they recounted how it was getting easier, the buzz of running for 3 mins, then 5, then 10 and right on to 30 minutes and almost disbelief in what they all achieved, despite their initial fears. I also saw how supportive and knowledgeable the mentors and experienced runners were and decided to listen to their advice. I am glad I did as I graduated last week. I now like running.

The programme works and people on this forum will guide and support you.

Forget about distances, they will fall into place later. Go slower than you think you should, warm up well, warm down and stretch afterwards.

Everything else simply falls into place....just you see.

[l_marie in reply to Pm3eak]

This is really good to know, thanks so much

[Jude1963 Graduate]

I’m half way through week two and the best advice is to keep it really slow if you need to. I’ve never run before, I’m 54 but I think I’m fitter this week than last week. I’m actually thrilled to bits with just getting out and doing it even if I just walk. But so far it’s been possible and do-able.

[l_marie in reply to Jude1963]

Great, thank you

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi l_marie ...welcome to the forum....you have done two of the hardest things 1) starting the C25k programme & 2) posting on here...there’s no turning back now!!! One tip I can give that will definitely help you is to read over some other people’s posts.... you will see that yes, it can be tough at times & you cannot believe that you will ever be able to run 5k or 30 mins, but this is the feeling of most people on here....no way? No way will I bet be able to do that??!!! But do you know what? You can!! And if you follow the programme YOU WILL!!! If you go out on your next run & cant quite make it, bag the stamina & whatever distance you covered & repeat it...you have come to the right place for advice, encouragement & inspiration, I’m looking forward to your exciting journey...woo hoo!!!

[l_marie in reply to Mummycav]

Such an inspirational reply! Thank so much

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

The programme stretches you every week, so it may well seem difficult right up to graduation, but each week you are increasing your strength and stamina and you will get to run for 30 minutes non-stop by the time the programme finishes

Read this guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this just like countless thousands before you. Go for it!