Beginner

[Ffiffis]

Hello! I have jist finished the first week on couch to 5k last night. Starting the 2nd week tomorrow but feeling a bit anxious thinking its going to be too hard.. any thoughts or tips on this for others who've done it? TIA.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Each week you will step up, and if you are anything like me you will feel on that first run that you have reached your limit.

Trust the programme. Every run you do, you are growing fitter. It will get tougher but you will get stronger.

[Bettyb719 Graduate]

I felt just like that. I Have just done Week 5 Run 2. Every week I think maybe it will be too hard, but somehow I manage it. You will too. The programme seems to be excellent, and I am determined to finish. (Aged 72, overweight and not very fit... but fitter than I was!)

[Outofpuff Graduate]

Wow! You mean you can now run for 60 seconds? Did you think you could do that two weeks ago? 10 weeks ago I couldn’t run if there was a floating £50 quid note in front of me to catch. Now I can run for 32 minutes. For me the most important thing is to think positive. Tell yourself you can do it. Don’t run if any bit of you feels consistently painful - wait till it’s better and do some core strengthening exercises instead (or as well as if you’re feeling good) - I do Pilates at home in front of a DVD - and just keep telling yourself you can do it. Oh. I bought some great running stuff too - retail therapy is so helpful to keeping you motivated! Well done. Keep it up. You’ll get there.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

No one said it was going to be easy! Anything worth having is worth working for.

You can do it, you just need to really want to and you'll get through. 👍😉

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Don't worry Ffiffis, this program is brilliant and actually works...😊Each run builds you up for the next as Whatsapp says, and although your running intervals will be a tiny bit longer you will be able to do it! You are building stamina and getting stonger. You can trust the program to move you forward gently and safely....

It is fine to repeat any sessions before moving on if you need to, but if you are successful you are ready for the next stage.

The run intervals need only be done at a gentle steady jog, as slowly as you like, you are training yourself and there is no need for speed...

Good luck with W2 R1, keep posting so we can cheer you on.😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Try it and see.

[the_knack]

I was in your shoes yesterday (not literally, that would be weird) having finished week 1 and convinced I wasn’t ready for week 2. The advice on here was to have a go at week 2 and overcome the mental hurdle.

I gave myself every excuse this morning not to put my trainers on because I was so sure it would be too difficult but you know what? It wasn’t. Once I had completed that first 90 second run I knew I could do the five that followed. Slow and steady. If I can do it, you can too.

[Ffiffis]

Waw! Thanks for all the replies! I ran last nigh and LOVED it! I preferred this run to last weeks runs 😂 Thanks for all the encouragment. I will keep you updated! Week 3... watch out I'm on my way! 💪

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Trust the process Ffiffis! You will be ready for the next run and the next and so on! Have a celebration every time you run! It’s a brilliant programme and we’re all here to support each other along the way! Well done and good luck! 🤣