New to this

[sarahpickavance]

Hi. I am new to this. I don’t go to the gym or workout but everyone around me does. Nervous about going out for the first time and possibly failing it

[sarah65]

I was the same when I started, never stuck at any kind of exercise plan and felt very unfit and self conscious about starting to run. I’m now in week 8 and have surprised myself with how far I’ve come. Trust in the plan, take advice from the mentors and contributors on this forum and believe in yourself! If I can do it anyone can. X

[Jen58 in reply to sarah65]

Well said Sarah 😊

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

There is no such thing as a "fail" - the mere fact that you have started is a "win".

[ruralfrance Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Couldn’t agree more ! Good luck !

[Jen58]

Sarah most of us were nervous about going out for the first time , it gets easier because you start to see and feel different

This is the best forum ever , people on here are amazing 😊

Don’t worry we all were in that same position as you are

I don’t think I would of got of the couch 🛋 without the replies I got , I was amazed by the response , I am 57 years old So if I can do it ?

Just had to mention

Blueberrys 😊 my little grandson calls the boob berry’s

[sarah65 in reply to Jen58]

😂

[stpehlittle]

Hi Sarah - omg same - I just started today. I did "fail" in that the last few runs were only partially complete, but i don't see it as a failure at all. Getting out there, that's really good. I don't care how many times I have to repeat week 1 until I get all the way through 3 times. for now I just care that i'm trying, and I'm really glad you're trying too. Let's stick with it! <3 all the best

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to stpehlittle]

No 'f' words please

[GoogleMe Graduate]

You have picked a brilliant way to improve your fitness, so that's your first success in the bag. It can be really helpful to be in a climate where being active is the norm and choosing a structured programme you can do away from the gym makes it *yours* and less risk of making unhelpful comparisons.

It took me a long time to crack that week one session (some of that being the usual mistakes people make, some of it medical) but I have to say that I never felt I was failing. I'd walk the rest of the session as soon as I couldn't run any more in a run section so that I had a very clear marker of how much I had achieved and what would constitute consolidation or, even better, improvement. I kept listening to the podcast and letting the coaching wash over me. It was all fitness.

[Maybe58 Graduate]

The hardest part is starting. I was at the same point as you two weeks ago and only started on Monday of this week. Sure, my jogging pace was quite likely slower than my brisk walking pace, but that way I made sure my feet were under my body. Someone in this community said 'it doesn't matter how slow your running pace you're faster than that person on the couch'.

[vixiej Graduate]

What's the worse that can happen? You may repeat a run, that's all. The only failure (I don't like using that 'f' word!) is not trying. Trust the programme and trust yourself. Be gentle on yourself too, try to avoid self criticism. You can do it x

[Jell6 Graduate]

It does seem daunting, but you can do it. I have just puffed in from week 9 run 1, if you had seen me on week 1 run 1 you would not believe it possible!!!!

You will get a lot of support, advice and encouragement on this site, and you have the advantage that you have come to it early, I didn't jump in till about week 5🤩

[CabanaAnna]

I totally know what you mean. I’m on week 1 run 3 tomorrow and the first run was the hardest but go for it. I enjoyed my run (never thought I’d say that!) and found that the hardest step was put the front door.

Go for it Sarah and let us know how you get on.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Please...read this, begin the programme and know that you will succeed! No 'f' words allowed.

Take it slow and take it steady... and you will be amazed at yourself

"Start, by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible and soon you will be doing the impossible:)"

We will be right here beside you, every single step of the way

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

Read the post that Oldfloss has linked to and for further advice read the FAQ posts healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[AnjaAnja]

I'm the same Sarah. I managed my 3 runs in week 1, but only just and by running at a snails pace. Starting week 2 at the weekend. I'm a really unfit single mum of four, and when I'm not working you'll most likely find me taxiing my kids to and from their sporting activities. Fitting in half hour in my day is hard enough so I do it at 6.30-7am. I'm also really skinny and people just assume that I am fit. First time I went out I thought everybody was looking at me. Second time I still felt slightly uncomfortable. Third time I just didn't care. We just have to keep at it!

Good luck Sarah. Well done for getting out there!

[gwrunner18 Graduate]

Take your time and ease into it. By getting started you have already overcome being afraid to fail. Don’t worry about pace etc. Just take it a step at a time!!

[Nollie26 Graduate]

I started in January in exactly the same position as you - no gym, no experience and I’m now on week 7 🤪 and apparently I’m a runner 🏃‍♀️. So go for it and I can assure you - you WILL surprise your self.

Good luck and enjoy it 😊