Hi, I'm 37 And on week 1, coming up to run 3 tomorrow. Who knew i was this unfit!!! I find it.hard to believe I will ever be able to run for more than a minute.
Would be great to hear any of your advice or first run stories? Help motivate me on my way?? Thanks 
I think most of us have been in the position you are now struggling a bit and wondering if we'll ever get through this.
I'll give you my story in short.
Stopped smoking last march at 59 a life smoker
The stopping smoking weight started to pile on and I didn't like it.
June I started c25k and the 1st run was horrible struggling to get through the 1 minutes.
I persevered and graduated in late August
September 9th 2 days before my 60th I ran a 5k for charity raising £500
November I ran my 1st 10k
December I entered a half marathon Derby June 3rd
Currently training for this, Saturday I ran 8.5 miles
YOU CAN DO THIS!
You are amazing. Go you!!!! 1 for doing this and 2 for stopping smoking.
Inspiration! I need to stop smoking, I'm thinking one thing at a time ....!!!
Thank you for your reply and 'just keep running'
There's a little more to my story but you can do this and "write" your own story
I thought i was going to literally die in week one. My face was red and white blotched, I was seriously gasping for breath and my heart was pounding. But it got better. Week one was by far the hardest week for me, as it was for almost everyone. If you look at other people's early posts, you will see they felt much the same as you. Even people in their teens and twenties, even people using the gym regularly or playing football. You are doing really well, so much better than you probably think. For most of us, running is natural but a lapsed skill. You WILL be able to run for more than a minute - very soon at that. Your body will adapt and get stronger.
Thank you!! It's so hard to believe at the beginning isn't it. I really want to be one of those people our running and enjoying it.. . Hoping to get there!
you will!
Laura
I am also in week 1 so hope we can spur each other on abit, in the coming weeks. I gave birth to my second son 15 months ago at home no pain relief so I keep thinking if I can do that at 42 I can do this. That was all in the mind too i juts had to belive it was possible. its hard work so hope you have a nicer day tomorrow xx
Wow... if you can do that you can definitely have this in the bag!!!! Let me know how you get on... run 3 of week 1 tonight for me
Stick at it. Keep going and don’t stop till the voice says so. It gets easier I promise .. I struggled but I’m starting week 4 tomorrow 🤞
As much as I hate it at the time I have to admit I feel so pleased that I have done it. Good luck for week 4, you must be feeling so good!!!!
Welcome.
This plan is designed for YOU!!
Just read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Many people struggle to start with mainly due to going too fast. There is no need for speed.
Relax, in the knowledge that you will do this
Keep us posted.
Thank You!!!!
What can we tell you? It's all true, but I doubt you'll find many people here who believed it was possible when they started. I'm 57 and was a dedicated non runner in November. Now I can run twice round the park without stopping. That's 35 minutes of running.
The thing to understand is that every time you do a run your body responds to the stress you have put on it and starts preparing you for the next run. It's never done this before because it didn't think you were interested in running.
Be prepared to be amazed--you have no idea what you are capable of.
You are doing amazing, I'd love to run that far!!!!!. I WILL get there .... when I can breathe 
week 1 run 3 tonight so got a way to go but I'm on it. It's so reassuring that there are others who once felt like I do!!!!
Trust the program and follow it exactly. I started only 6 months ago and running 9k on a regular basis - it becomes addictive very quickly!
Wow!!!! That's amazing. I've singed up to do the pretty muddy run which is 5k in July. I did it last year but walked the 5k and just got muddy and had fun, really want to run the whole thing this year so using that as my target!!!
Hi Laura take it steady and it will happen the first week is the worst. I started on the 1st of January and I have loved it (in a very strange way) it hurts but the feeling you get once you have completed each run spurs you onto the next.
That's what I'm counting on, although I currently feel like I'm going to die, I must admit I'm feeling proud of myself just getting out the door on my own (albeit with a hat and clothes so no one knows the girl collapsing on the road is me) 🤣🤣
So are you on week 3 Now? Keep going ... we got this!!
Laura I am on wk4r3 as I am a little naughty I often run two nights back to back (you aren’t supposed to do this as you need your rest day inbetween) I also have been running at the weekends so some weeks I have got 4 runs in. I have suffered abit as on the last run I pushed myself too hard by going too quick and struggled to get through. (Hence the advice) the hardest thing was getting out there and I am not going to lie the shin splints on wk1r2 but I promise it gets easier. I am 36 and need to lose 5 stone. We can do this keep me posted on your progress and I wish you all the best. X
You are doing so so well!!! Please keep me posted how you are doing! I can't wait to be one of those people our there enjoying running and it is so good for you!
It will happen just stick with it.
You can do this! I'm currently in Week6, but had to repeat Weeks1 and 3 several times before I could complete them. When the voice on my podcast assured me that if I followed the program that I WOULD be able to run 30minutes by the end of it, I thought, nope, I don't think I'll be able to. But here I am, toddling along, and I can't believe that I've been able to run 20 minutes (very slowly) without stopping. And, I actually know that I WILL be able to run 30 minutes, if I continue with the program. I might have to repeat some weeks but there's no shame in that. Please be patient with yourself and you will be amazed by what your mind and body can accomplish. We're here, cheering for you! xo
Thank you so much!!!! Im thinking i might repeat week 1 so I feel more comfortable, you sound as if you are doing amazing!!!! Soon we will be running a marathon! Keep going, you are doing so well, it's so inspiring to hear everyone's stories!!!
It's tempting to try to do the whole program in 9 weeks and many (most?) participants do. However, there is a large group (I'm guessing a significant minority) who don't. I dropped out of C25K the first few times I tried it, because I was unable to progress each week and I thought that meant I'd failed. I only stuck with it when I took to heart the advice to repeat weeks or individual runs when necessary. You mightn't NEED to repeat Week1, but if it helps you feel a bit more confident and strong as you move forward to Week2, why not? Better to "graduate" this program a measly few weeks later than feel dread and panic each time you move up a level. Go, Laura, go!
Did my third run of week 1 tonight as even thoigh I still feel like I'm going to collapse at any minute, I did feel alot better than the last two times!!!!! Go me 🤣🤣🤣
Trend is friend, my dear. Yay, you!
You will be able to do this, Laura. Just follow the programme and listen to the encouragement and good advice available on this brilliant forum. Good luck to you and keep posting!
Thank You!!! Run 3 of week 1 tonight, I'll keep you all posted!!!!
Personally I found a minute harder than 10 mins - there is a good article on here somewhere that explains why the first few minutes can be tough going until your body / muscles kick in 😁 sure you'l soon be flying x
Thank you!!!!!!!! 10 minutes . ... id be so proud!!
We’ve all been there and it does get easier ... honestly ! I started the C25K last September at age 67..... managed to complete in the 9 weeks but I have really struggled since . Coughs and colds ... bad weather .... lack of motivation . Yesterday I forced myself to go out after the snow stopped .... it was raining and bitterly cold ... I only managed3.5k... my face and sinuses aches and my legs were bright red when I took my leggings off . I soaked in the bath afterwards...contemplating y failure and deciding when to try again ! Going to try tomorrow !!
That's amazing though, you should be proud of that!!! There has been so much about and if you have felt poorly previously and started up again you have done amazing well!!! Go you !!!
I was quite fit when I was starting my journey with running, e.g. I qas able to hike for several hours. However, I was really surprised how difficult those beginning runs were for me. Due to different circumstances of life, I haven't finished the programme (injuries, illnesses). Still, before the last break I was able to run for 25 min The first few weeks (3 or 4) was really hard on breathing and soreness/numbness in shins. What helped me a lot was going slow, and I mean SLOW, and even slower. I felt I wasn't running at all, but that allowed my body to get used to this small 'jump' between steps. Going slow and steady helped me to regulate my breathing. With following weeks my shins became stronger, the same as my thighs. Due to going very slow my breathing was not gasping for each and every breath. Additionally, with time passing by and going really slow my face stopped being monarch red
There were days I felt I was able to run a little faster, and so I was doing. There were days I barely was able to complete 1 small run. For me magi happened when I stopped pressuring myself to finish the programme 'in time'. The important bit was going out there and doing my best, listening to my body, enjoying the run, the surroundings. From 'I hate running' I went to 'I love running' and 'I've become addicted to benefits of running' 
Hope my story will help you a bit.
Happy running!
Your so right and I really hope I can get to the loving running stage. I had my 3rd run tonight and I have to say even thoigh it was hard, I wasn't as bad as the last few times! Fingers crossed. You have all done so well, I feel very inspired and not alone!!!!
Here, you are never alone You're just started to get to know your new family - running family
I have my next run planned for tomorrow. So fingers crossed for good weather, as it's always helps to push yourself through the door
Fingers crossed!!! ... bring on spring 😁😁
You...are the only one who can motivate yourself...but... we are right here to give you support, advice, and the odd shove if needed!
Hopefully you have checked out this post.. which gives great information.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Many of us felt really unfit, many feared collapse... some folk, in those first weeks, even ran near hospitals or GP surgeries... just in case
It is hard to see how it will progress, but it will... trust me, take it steady and take it slow, the main thing is to enjoy this wonderful journey.
There are so, so, many inspirational stories on here, as you see from the replies... folk, who. like you never imagined where this running path would take them.
I too, (although not inspirational) am still on my running journey... nearly 68 and running at 10 K, two years on from graduation in the winter of 2015, and still loving every moment.
You are on the way...Here is one of my favourite quotes... ( I love my quotes...
"Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
"
Even from your quote.. .. you are inspirational!!!!! Thank you so much 😀😀
My very first run I had to stop at 45 seconds! Blowing like a whale. Have got to week 4, was absoloutely gobsmacked to do 5 minutes of 'snail jogging' The programme is really good, you will improve, honest. Stick with it this is the hardest bit!
Blowing like a whale 🤣🤣 ha ha I'm just hoping that when I run up to people they aren't scared of me lol!!!
All training and fitness is to a degree specific to the activity; unless already a runner before starting I think most of us found it hard at the beginning. I was nearly 60 when I started last October but thought ( haha) it would be a doddle as I was a 3km and upwards distance swimmer with fairly fit heart etc. Nope, it was still hard: my legs did not like it one bit, especially as -at first-I didn't listen to the advice of knowledgeable people here to push less and slow down. But the programme really does work: just trust it and you will get there. People on this forum are very supportive and have great knowledge and experience.
I am now comfortable at 5k and building up my distance slowly. More importantly, running is now just as much part of my life as swimming was.
You'll crack it: good luck!
Thank you! You have all done so well, I'm sure I'll get there. I'm Just finished my run for tonight .... And I didn't hate it so there is a start 😂😂 thank you for your advice
I remember 1 minute seemed too much, last October. Now I'm on wk8 ( I have taken breaks; gone back a week here and there), and can now run for 25 minutes non stop. I'm going away for a month and intend to consolidate this until I get back when I will go for graduation, followed by a parkrun.
so just take it one step at a time, run slowly, and you'll amaze yourself. And use this Forum!
Thank you so much!@
im 20 female... Played football at scholarship level till 17. Played Hockey Nationally at 16 and also ran cross country... Ive just completed my first run week 1 day 1 and boy im dead. Who would of thought id get so unfit so quickly!!!! HELP
Ha ha it's hard isnt it!!! I had no idea i was this unfit. Did my 3rd run tonight and have to admit .... I didn't die as much as the other 2. Everyone had been so helpful on here. Keep going .... we got this 😁😁
Just completed week 1 R2. I have been plagued with shin splints in the past, but have good shoes and have slowed it down, despite bouncy teenage companion trying to speed it up. What i have been most suprised by is the sore hip flexors! Keep going!
Thank you!!!! And you... we will be marathon runners before we know it 😂
Hi Laura, just finished week 1 run 3! hope you had a good day xx
Ahh how'd it go??? I did week 1 run 3 yesterday, trying to decide if I repeat the week so get more used to it or him on to week 2 tomorrow..
I was up all night breastfeeding my son and my other son 4 was awake for hours so i truly felt like not going! It was tough at the beginning but I felt amazing on the last two runs. Music is my helper.. Why don't you repeat one day and see how you feel? My weeks are always a bit out as I start week 2 on thursday so I don't think it really matters as Im still doing three runs a week?
MX
Yeah I probably will do that!!! I felt so much better on the last one and actually felt quite proud of myself lol!!!! You are doing amazing, I cannot function with not much sleep!!!!! Go you xx
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