C25k newbie and scared

[Tashaliza]

After years of being overweight and no significant exercise I have decided to try and complete the c25k challenge. Just completed run 2 of week 1 and I can honestly say that I don't know if I will be able to do week 2, I'm already red and gasping and don't know if I will be able to increase my running time 😕

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Well done for starting. Just take the pace very slow and you will do it!

[Fireheart Graduate]

Hey tash, don’t worry your not alone a lot of ppl feel the same as you.

The important thing to remember is to do it in your own pace as long as it do it.

It’s normal to struggle when you start, I remember my asthma was my main problem, I just went slow and kept a comfortable pace and just repeated the same run until I felt I could progress further, it did require some stubbornness on my part.

I finished the programme and you can too 😁

[Tashaliza Graduate in reply to Fireheart]

Is it worth repeating week 1 til I'm confident and not gasping....

[pete_be_healthy in reply to Tashaliza]

Yes, absolutely, and any of the other weeks as well. You will get there eventually

[Hidden]

Absolutely agree with what others r saying. Take it slow. I'm not one to talk as I haven't even started yet - so well done for getting over that first hurdle! You can do it. X

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Doesn’t matter if you are a bit gaspy to start with - I was! Just complete the run, and run as slowly and steadily as you can. Speed is not the aim here. Gradually your fitness will increase; with every run your fitness will improve enough for you to manage the next week. Don’t think about the next week, however, just focus on the run you are doing! And believe you can do it, one slow and steady run at a time! 🏃‍♀️👏😀

[limberlou Graduate]

Yeah definitely I've just gone to week 2 and in my first week I thought I'd never stop wheezing and coughing. My face was red for about an hour after we got home. I did carry on for 5 runs in week 1 and only moved on when I felt ready.

I am nearly 65 and haven't run for over 20 years so keep up the good work and I'll keep going if you will

[DaveB46 Graduate]

Everyone says the same, because it’s true! Slowly does it. I was puffing like anything on week 1. Slowed way down, and just completed week 2. I think people could walk faster but it doesn’t matter. It actually felt easier to do week 2 so stick with it and stay slooow til you feel easier.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Check this post out... there is a lot of tried and tested sound advice there. Many, many folk have felt just like you.. so.. relax. Take it slow and steady.. slower than you would believe possible Every run makes you stronger.. every run takes you forward... have confidence in yourself and trust the programme

Believe in it and yourself Well done

[Adiyaya]

I’m the exact same... but determined to try!

[Tashaliza Graduate in reply to Adiyaya]

Good luck to you too xx

[Catbee Graduate]

Have a go, you may surprise yourself! Go slow 👍🏻🤗

[Nannalyn53 Graduate]

However unlikely it seems to you now, you will improve. I started in January aged 65 and not having run since school. Take note of the advice, especially from Oldfloss, about going very slowly as this is key in my experience. I certainly felt I could walk as fast as I was running to start with, and guess what? I’m still going as slowly but I’ve completed the programme. I can now run for 30 mi utes which seemed impossible but somehow it’s become possible. I can still scarcely believe it. Go slowly, do the stretching exercises after each run, don’t skip the warm up and cool down walks, and take your rest days. You will succeed! All the best.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Please read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which may help explain why you are finding it hard.

Slow down.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Well done for making a start. Don't let the gremlins get to you already. So much of the programme is mind over matter. Your body can do so much more than you think.

Just take it slow and steady, one run at a time, one foot in front of the other.

Believe in yourself and if you can't do that believe in the programme!!

You're already doing more than you thought you could. 😉

[MsFickle]

You will - follow the programme at your own pace slow it right down - I will never forget my first run (hadn't run since school 40 years ago and hated it then!). I decided to try and be healthy (mid life crisis) I set off I didn't make the first minute before gasping and out of breath, I hated ever minute- but I persevered I was running (well slow jogging) slower than my dog walking friends- the last minute a stranger actually asked if I needed some help getting- but 9 weeks later I felt as if I had won the lottery when getting my graduate status and it is so worth it. Good luck - persevere and slow it down . 😀

[M4ggi Graduate]

Me too - just completed Day 1, run 1! Felt terrible at the finish but now really pleased I've made a start to tackle years of putting on weight and little or no excercise. This forum will help a lot I think 😁

[Tashaliza Graduate in reply to M4ggi]

Everyone seems very supportive on here....I have just completed week one so fingers crossed for the same next week x