Newbie

[FlorenceFlower]

Nervous newbie here. Inspired after seeing a friend go from Couch to 5k, ran more and more and then ran the recent London marathon. I have no experience at running. Everyone at home is bemused by my interest in this. Trainers came today and waiting for one other essential piece of equipment ( ladies will understand 😁). Looking forward to being inspired by this group ☺️😊

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Welcome. Loads of us started with no experience running. Take it slow and make good use of this forum and you’ll be fine.

[FlorenceFlower in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you so much . I must take it slow, I need that as my mantra! Slow and steady wins the race as they say.

[Kamia Graduate in reply to FlorenceFlower]

Welcome 😀

I run with my daughter, we will be doing W2R2 next. I say this to my daughter who burns herself out in the 1st half then struggles with the rest. Be the tortoise 🐢

[FlorenceFlower in reply to Kamia]

Oh that’s nice to have company but as you say be the tortoise! I’ve read lots of posts that say you should be able to talk whilst running so that’s reassures me a bit that it’s not the case of the ‘minute mile man’ 🤣.Thanks for your reply 😊

[18Windmill Graduate]

Welcome! Hope your essential equipment arrives! There are lot more experienced people here, one of whom will direct you the FAQ section which is essential reading. Happy running!

[FlorenceFlower in reply to 18Windmill]

Thank you, yes I’m hoping it’s here by Saturday as that’s when I plan to start. Don’t think it would be a good idea to start without it 😁. I’ll take a look at the FAQ’s. Here’s to the next 8 weeks!

[RobW73 Graduate]

Hi Florence.

Welcome and good luck.

First of all, there are some pinned posts on the forum with FAQs and advice.

Regarding your trainers, once you get past week 4, you may wish to have a gait analysis carried out to see if you need a specific type of footwear.

My advice:

1. There is no such thing as too slow!

2. Don't worry about how others are progressing, take it at your own pace. If you need longer tests between runs, take them.

3. There is no such thing as too slow!

4. Plan your route if you're running outside.

5. There is no such thing as too slow!

6. Get everything ready ahead of time. If you're planning on using the app, it sometimes plays up for some people, so have a backup plan.

7. There is no such thing as too slow!

8. Drink lots of water, not just on run days. Personally, I aim for 3 litres a day.

9. There is no such thing as too slow!

10. Have fun and enjoy it!

Good luck with the programme.

[FlorenceFlower in reply to RobW73]

Thank you so much ! Slow it is! That’s really encouraging to hear to be honest. I’ve planned my routes, times and dates. I love my fluids so all good there. Thanks for the heads up on the app, I’ll have a plan B and also the analysis! It sounds technical! Definitely slow.

[Hidden]

Don't be nervous. I wish I could make you know that there is really nothing to fear. I am sorry that you will need to discover this for yourself!

This is an amazing programme (as your friend has demonstrated) and might just change your life

[FlorenceFlower in reply to Hidden]

Ah thank you. Feeling so much more inspired with all the lovely comments and that it’s ok to go slow! It’s going to be a journey, I should journal it reallly. Yes my friend is amazing, she has such humour and told me all the yukky things but she looks fabulous and it has changed her life 😊

[Hidden in reply to FlorenceFlower]

This forum really helps too. It keeps you committed and lots of support every step of the way. Lots of inspirational stories too

[RobW73 Graduate in reply to FlorenceFlower]

What you can do instead of a diary is to post your progress on the forum. Most people do. You can describe how you feel and there will always be someone at a similar stage, so you can follow their progress too and keep each other motivated.

I never felt as nervous as I did before my first session. It gets better afterwards.

Good luck.

[NJGam Graduate]

Like you, I had no running experience and felt nervous at the beginning. In fact I was still feeling nervous at Week 9 as every week I kept thinking “ what if this is the week I fail?!” The only failure though is to not run at all. I repeated some runs that didn’t go well but never stopped. My friends and family still comment that they can’t believe I’m running, but not because they thought I couldn’t, they’re just surprised that I actually wanted to! Good luck to you and keep us updated with your progress. 👍

[FlorenceFlower in reply to NJGam]

Thank you. I like that phrase ‘the only failure is not to run at all’, so true! It’s goood to know you repeated some and I’m beginning to realise it’s not a straight line we all follow, som days and weeks need to be repeated. I’ll keep you updated, it will keep me accountable and the support on here is great. Thanks again.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

The guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... is essential reading.

Enjoy your journey.

[FlorenceFlower in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you! I will absolutely have a look at before Saturday!

[FlorenceFlower in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Just read it and loved it. Will re-read as there is a lot of good info there. Thank you

[Hidden]

Many - if not the majority of people in this forum - had little to no running experience when starting. But you will be surprised how much you can actually do - good luck 😉

[FlorenceFlower in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, it’s lovely to read how far people have come and their struggles along the way & the achievements too. Feeling a bit less nervous now.

[Gran4z Graduate]

You will love it!🖖

[FlorenceFlower in reply to Gran4z]

I really, really hope so! All the positive comments give me confidence that I will learn to love it 😊 . I’m not a naturally sporty person - too many bad memories from school and that was a loooong time ago but it is still there in my subconscious telling me ‘I’m rubbish’! I can and will do this and love it!

[MarkyD Graduate]

Welcome to our little community. It is a very friendly, encouraging place and full of genuine, helpful, kind people. Must be something about the runners' mentality.

Post on this forum as often as you like. Motivational stories, funny things that you noticed whilst out running, ask any questions that you have, advice on gear, clothes, ask about any aches or pains or injuries, anything that you like to get you though the 9 (or more) weeks. We can cheer you along the way... and that morning when you don't feel like going for a run, you'll know that you'll be letting us down... so we'll hold you accountable.

Seems like you've got the hang of this already. Have fun. Always take your rest days (but rest just means no impact sports, so you could do yoga, swim, walk, stretch... instead).

[FlorenceFlower in reply to MarkyD]

Thank you! Yes I need some accountability ! I think posting on here will do that. I like yoga so as you suggest I’ll do that on the rest days - not the run days. You are right, it is a lovely community & I feel quite overwhelmed with all the lovely comments I’ve had so far. I’m loving this vibe!

[RunGirlyRun]

Welcome 🤗! Nothing to worry about at all: the program builds up your stamina gradually so you hardly even realise it and before you know it you are blowing yourself away! I’m not sure if anyone has said this, but keeping it slow and steady is a good idea 😂... no but really, it is the key to success! As is respecting the rest days - at least in the first six months, I am told - to allow your body to recover! Good luck on Saturday and let us know how you get on! We are all cheering you on from inside your device! X

[FlorenceFlower in reply to RunGirlyRun]

Awww thank you! The mood is changing at home and becoming more curious and ‘would you like me to run with you’ instead of the bemused comments. I’m stating to feel excited now, all the positive comments and that it can be done! I think I’ll live for the rest days in the beginning 😁. I’ll definatelu report back 😊

[FlorenceFlower]

Update! All raring to go and then torrential rain and 🌩 . Strangely wasn’t waking until 8am over the weekend, I’m normally a 6am gal. Then felt like I was hitting a wall, fatigued and feeling completely pooped. Dawned on me my B12 injection is due, I’m sure I need it bi-monthly as I really struggle in the 3rd month ( it’s every 3 months!). So all booked for tomorrow and bloods to check for anaemia and then I’ll be off. I’ve learnt to listen to my body over the past 12 months but disappointed I’m a week behind 🙁

[Sarahsnail]

It's the most wonderful app. You'll smash it!

[Sarahsnail]

Just added you. We live quite close to eachother. Hope your doing ok and feeling better now. X