Starting out

[Balletomane9]

Hello! I’m a bit nervous about posting here, but I figure I’ll never get anywhere by just lurking on the sidelines.....

I started C25k last week, after years of laziness, no exercise, and the pounds piling on. W1R1 I found incredibly difficult and I couldn’t complete it. I continued on with W1R2 and 3 but found it so hard that I’m repeating W1 this week and hoping to start W2 runs next week. I’m terrified!! My stamina is non-existent, and I am so tired after each run. My legs ache and I feel like I can’t go on. I’ve slowed right down - my pace is slower than my walking pace. I’m hoping it will get easier - please tell me it will!

I’m determined to keep going but I guess my real question is - can I keep repeating runs and repeating weeks until I feel like I can move to the next stage? I don’t want to lose hope but right now it feels like an overwhelming mountain to climb and I can barely manage to complete the 8x60 second runs!

Help!

[Jay66UK Graduate]

Welcome. You’ve done two great things - started running and come here for support.

A lot of us have been where you are. The early runs are hard work when the most exercise we did was lifting the remote.

Over time it will get easier. But over time the runs get slightly harder so sometimes it doesn’t feel like it is getting easier!

Some people repeat weeks over and over. Others do them once and move on. What you do is up to you but be aware of the temptation to stay on an earlier week through fear of the next one.

Most of the challenge is in your head. Your body knows how to run but your mind isn’t used to the idea. So it will do everything it can to stop you, right up to feigning heart attack or lost limbs.

There is a sticky link on the right side of the screen (if you are on the website, unlike me on my phone) for new runners. Have a read. It’s a good guide to the programme.

We’re all here keen to hear how your runs go and to support you. The rest is down to you.

Enjoy your next run!

[Balletomane9 in reply to Jay66UK]

Thank you! Very good advice about being wary of the temptation to stay on an earlier week..... 😕

[Pippayoungart Graduate in reply to Balletomane9]

You can do it. It is hard and a little messy to begin with, but you can and will manage it if you trust in the programme. As @Jay66UK says, it is mostly your head that causes the problem. I had a meltdown in W4 and seriously cosidered giving up. I’m so glad i didn’t! To begin with everything seems such a challenge and then you graduate and actively seek out greater challenge! You won’t recognise yourself!

[Balletomane9 in reply to Pippayoungart]

Thank you so much for your encouraging response! X

[Kjo_72]

Wow you’ve made a great start 👏🏻Don’t worry about finding it hard making the start was the hardest part, repeating a week is not a problem, I have just got to week 5 and hit a wall and I’m going to repeat this week x

[Balletomane9 in reply to Kjo_72]

Thank you x

[anncjones1]

Hi I thought I’d replied but can’t see it. Well done you’re doing great. I’m new too and didn’t find W1 easy. First run of W2R1 this morning and found it a step up but did hang in there - felt pull in groin and 20+ mike winds didn’t help. What about you give it a go? If it’s too much you can always walk some of the runs and/ or return to W1 - keep both podcasts with you- you might surprise yourself

Good luck

[anncjones1 in reply to anncjones1]

*mile

[Balletomane9 in reply to anncjones1]

Thank you!!

[RichRunsSlowly]

You shouldn't be too nervous about posting as this place is unique for an on line forum in that people are friendly, non judgemental and overwhelmingly positive.

As for repeating weeks, that' really not an issue. I have been on week 4 for 3 weeks! Yes, lots of people can make it in 9 weeks, most will take a little longer. Are you really going to be hard on yourself if in 11 weeks time you are running 20 minutes non stop?!?

Just keep going, you will get there.

[Balletomane9 in reply to RichRunsSlowly]

Thank you - nope, I’m not going to be hard on myself you’re right! I’m proud I’m getting out there regardless- just need a bit of a pep talk to keep me going I think!! X

[Kjo_72 in reply to RichRunsSlowly]

I’ve hit a wall at week 4, I feel better now I’ve heard you say you’ve done it 3 times 🙂

[Slowrun Graduate]

Of course you can repeat. I started in Feb and did each week at least 3 times. I've only just done week 6. Do them as many times as you need to. Find your own pace and keep on going. You will improve over time.

Best wishes xxx

[Balletomane9 in reply to Slowrun]

Thank you for that - much appreciated! X

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

You are in control. I normally recommend that people move on if they complete a workout, just to maintain momentum, but it is entirely up to you.

Are you running at an easy conversational pace? If not, you are going too fast.

[Balletomane9 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you!

[Myrar Graduate]

Well done on . Starting the program ...You will only get encouragement and absolutely great advice from people who have been were you are ...All the very best to you on your journey 😊

[Balletomane9 in reply to Myrar]

Thank you so much 😊