Struggling

[Jessrankin]

Hello!xx I’m currently doing my exams and I started couch to 5k. I’m quite upset that I struggled with the very first run and I thought I was at ‘couch’ level. Any tips?

[Hidden]

A lot of people struggle with the first run, I know I did. Last week I completed week 9 and am looking forward to running on a regular basis.

Stick with the program, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve!!

[Jessrankin in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! Definitely needed this!

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Don’t be upset! We all struggled with the first run, heck, I struggled the whole of the first week!

Did you take it nice and slow? That’s very important. You need to build stamina and that just takes time and patience. Fitness will come!

[Jessrankin in reply to Sadie-runs]

I will try! It’s just want better fitness and was a bit disheartened. Thank you!

[Tasco]

I struggled with first run and quit as soon as i started. But i tried it again the following week and i did it. I have just finished second run of week 1. Dont give up keep trying and ull get there

[Jessrankin in reply to Tasco]

Thank you!!

[JoP61 Graduate]

Don't be upset - you probably went too fast. I went off like a crazy person in Week 1 and soon learnt to slow right down - I mean really slow. Because it's about building up your stamina and your running legs, not about speed at this stage. The C25K programme is very well designed to get you running for 30 minutes by Week 9 (and it can take as long as you like - the weeks aren't necessarily calendar weeks).

Here's a link to lots of useful advice: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

I struggled with Week 1 and wondered if I could do it - and I should complete Week 9 this week. Having not run for many years. So I'm sure you can do it. Keep posting on this forum and you will get loads of great advice and support. Good luck! 😀👍

[Jessrankin in reply to JoP61]

Thank you so much!! Really needed to hear thos!

[SlowLoris]

Definitely slow down a bit. Just keep at it.

[Jessrankin in reply to SlowLoris]

Thank you!

[johnm12 Graduate]

please don't be despondent. we have all been there. amazing to think that all being well and in few weeks you will be charging around with the rest of us!

[Jessrankin in reply to johnm12]

Thank you!

[Couch-potato]

Leaving more than 1 day between runs and snail 🐌 pace are helping me, also post your progress on here- it's so supportive.😊

[Jessrankin in reply to Couch-potato]

Thank you so much and it really is,I’m finding it amazing!

[Gillma Graduate]

Don’t worry, Jess - it’s one of those things that unfolds gradually. Just keep tying those laces and setting off on your warm up walk. You have delights ahead.

[Jessrankin in reply to Gillma]

Thank you!

[Hidden]

And keep drinking water on rest days as well as run days, so you’re hydrated when you run. It does make a real difference.

[Jessrankin in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

I still think the first run is the hardest. Don't be hard on yourself, you've done it now and can put it behind you. Good luck with the exams.

[Lulu64]

I practically counted the "seconds" at first thinking a minute would never end....youll be surprised how quickly you suddenly "take off" Don't think too much about what lies ahead - congratulate yourself that you made the choice to give it a go and you are out the blocks ! Well done

[Jessrankin in reply to Lulu64]

Thank you so much!

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm at the end of my degree so I fully understand the stress BUT I find it's helping me to manage the stress - 30 mins away from everything really does help clear your head, ready for the next round of revision etc.

Other more experienced folk have offered some sage running advice already, so don't beat yourself up about it and dream of summer when there's no more pesky deadlines!

Good luck with the exams

[Jessrankin in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much!! This page is so helpful!

[HelsN68]

I’m on week 3 now and can see how much I have improved since week 1. I hadn’t run since school ( a very long time ago now 😂) so found the first run tough but was so chuffed I had done it. Don’t be disheartened, as others have said, slow down your pace. Some great music will help too 🎧! You’ve started your journey now, good luck. 🏃‍♀️

[Jessrankin in reply to HelsN68]

Thank you so much! I completed my second run today and I was geniounly impressed at how much easier I found it taking it slower.