Not the best start

[RachelAnnie]

So I've literally just completed my first ever run, and found this community!

I kinda thought after doing my first run I'd feel really pleased with myself, but it's actually just highlighted how unfit I am and brought up 'I must look ridiculous' thoughts. I really struggled on my first run, and even missed one of the 60 seconds, because I didn't want to run passed someone walking ahead of me.

I've always thought of running as for super-fit and athletic (not me) and never bothered trying it, even thought I'm ok at most other forms of exercise. I wanted to do C25K cos a charity I work for is hosting a marathon, and I'd really like to join in this time.

Plus I'm doing all kinda of things I wouldn't normally this year, so why not add running to the list. I'm 26, always skint, and need a free form of exercise too!

Did anyone else have a really dissapointing first run? Does it get easier this week? Any advice at all would be ace.

Thank you!

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

Stick with it, it will get easier. Well done for starting this. I was not a runner at all and have recently graduated. Trust C25K and you will get there x

[RachelAnnie in reply to cheryl_couch_tatty]

Thank you

[Fernshome]

Please stick with this plan it is truly amazing.... I will be 55 this month have never run before since school and am about to start the final week. I have found it challenging since run one but somehow have always managed. the sense of achievement is fantastic I promise you to can do this....😅

[RachelAnnie in reply to Fernshome]

Thank you so much! I'm going to keep at it 💪

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

You were probably running too fast. You need to run/jog at a pace at which you can hold a clear ungasping conversation, even if you can walk faster. It is all covered in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Follow the plan, take your rest days, go slow and steady and you will graduate in a few weeks time.

Enjoy your journey.

[RachelAnnie in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I think your right, I went in a bit too enthusiastic. Second run lucky 🤞 thank you for replying!

[Fatladslim]

Hey Rachel, 1st of all congratulations on actually starting!! It’s biggest step. I’ve just completed week one. I felt awful after my 1st run I nearly couldn’t walk home. But I’ve just got in from 3rd run of week one and feel a lot better. I struggled despite the fact I play football 3 times a week. What I would say about looking riduculous, is that people out there are often thinking wow I wish I could run like her and you’d look worse on the couch. Keep it up 😃😃

[RachelAnnie in reply to Fatladslim]

Thank you! My second run is tomorow, a little nervous. Hopefully I just see the same people and they get used to seeing me wheeze along 😂

[ch3lsea007]

First of all Rachel well done in taking the most important step, just getting out there! Trust the programme and listen to the praise and encouragement you will get from the hundreds of other people who have embarked on this journey who most of us had our doubts when we started. But after 8 or 9 weeks you will look back and be justly proud of what you WILL have achieved! Good luck keep us posted. Try and follow people who are at the same stage as yourself as this acts as a great motivation to get out there. It almost feels like you are letting the team down if you don't follow up! Remember the mantra 'slow and steady' you will hear this time and time again!

[RachelAnnie in reply to ch3lsea007]

Thank you, I really hope so!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

What anyone else thinks is their problem!! You're doing something good for you and it's free!

It will get both easier and harder and yet you will love it more. It will make you laugh and cry. It will make you happier with yourself and the world around you.

Keep it going, you're gonna be great 👍😁

[RachelAnnie in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I'm nervous, but looking forward to not struggling this much again! Thank you for replying. Hopefully the better I get at running the less I'll be bothered about other people!

[happysouls Graduate]

My first run was revolting, I felt sick and struggled with all of it and there was alot of swearing. Also right out of my comfort zone being 'seen'! But after that it got better and not felt that bad with the others. Massively scared each time that I wouldn't manage it but just started week 3 and amazing that if you just do as you're told even if you think you can't...you can! Keep on at it

[RachelAnnie in reply to happysouls]

Thank you! Just finished my second run-up even that was 60000x better than the first! I can't wait to start getting better at it.

[JacquiAM Graduate]

Hi there - welcome and well done for starting! I have just completed W4R1 and, like you, struggled with the first run but today’s was actually OK! Stamina is definitely improving. Like everyone else has said, keep it slow ... I’ve been overtaken by people walking 😂 but I don’t worry about them. I’ve also got the brightest running gear you can get - I figure if I’m going to get noticed, they’re better off noticing my bright attire rather than my ‘style’ of running! Let us know how you get on x

[RachelAnnie in reply to JacquiAM]

Haha me too, I ran closely past some pigeons and they didn't even notice 😂 but unlike last time, I managed to do all the runs!

Its strange, I never normally worry about people staring (I'm really tall and pretty heavily tattooed) but the second I exercise I'm really embaressed. Looking forward to being better at running and not so ashamed of my lacking fitness levels.

[JacquiAM Graduate in reply to RachelAnnie]

Just remember - you’re doing more than those still on the couch 😊. When I see people running, no matter how they look, I just think “wow, you’re doing something and that’s brilliant”... that’s what the majority think of us when they see us - if they even notice us 😉

[theoldfellow]

The first run is the worst. It seems so deceptively easy. But the problem is not your legs, it's your head. The program is about educating your head to know that you can run, while doing a bit of good toning-up of the legs and cardio-vascular.

Humans evolved, we think, on the plains of Africa; their unique ability to run down faster prey by endurance evolved there. In genetic terms very recently.

But our modern lifestyle, since about 10,000 years ago when we decided farming was easier than running after antelope, has convinced us we can't run.

But we can. Those of us here are living evidence that we still have the running genes.

Just stick with the program, have faith it works, and it will all happen. And share your trials and joys with us.