Newbee.

[Daisy9999]

I have finished my second run and it is really hard going. If I wasn’t going to let a colleague down I would quit now. I am so unfit and breathless - can I really do it.

[Wanna-Be Graduate]

You can do it!!

It's ok to run slower. It's ok to have an extra recovery day. It's ok to find it way more difficult when the weather is hotter than what you are used to.

Try to focus on endurance not speed. There are plenty of people who walk faster than they run!

I find it gets tough very fast when the doubts and thoughts of how hard this is creep in. A running buddy or group are awesome for keeping that under control. On my own music does the trick with a plan b of being Dory 'just keep swimming (running)' or the little train who could 'i think I can, I know I can' when faced with a hill!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You can do this, if you do it right. Which means running at an easy conversational pace, as defined in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Don't try to keep up with anyone else, go at the right pace for you.

Keep us posted and enjoy your journey.

[Katiepops Graduate]

Yes you can do it. Slow and steady is the way, speed will come later. It takes a few runs for your body to accept what you are doing to it! It does get easier. Promise! Especially when it cools down a bit.

Decide that you can do it, believe it and you will. 😊

[thefutureliz Graduate]

I couldn't recommend slowing down enough! There were multiple times where I struggled and thought can I actually do this? But, then realised I was going "too fast". Yes, we will start off jogging at a very slow pace - I think I can walk faster than I jog sometimes. But that doesn't matter! Go as slow as you need - the aim is endurance and it shouldn't be too exhausting And well done for starting btw! Taking the first step is very big in itself!

[Pippayoungart Graduate]

To begin with, it does feel very hard, but the programme truely works and the advice about running slowly is one of the keys to keeping going. The other key for me is to remember why you started - don’t let those mental gremlins get in the way of achieving your goal. Running is 90% in your head! If you follow the programme you can and will do it!

Good luck!

[cazzam16 Graduate]

You can do it, 8 weeks ago I was the same as you and I did quit, I was running with a group that were going too fast for me, I decided that I would try and do it on my own, I am now on Wk3Rn2, enjoying every bit of it, but its like everyone is saying the key thing is to do it slowly, well done on getting started.

[Daisy9999]

I started last year and quit. I started up again with my husband who is fitter than me. I can’t believe I am actually enjoying it now and felt it was such an achievement to complete week 5. I am now on week 6 but have come down with summer flu and feel frustrated that the week or so from not running will set me back ☹️. If I can get this far you all can do it.