New start

[cas2167]

Just starting my couch to 5K program, run 1 was really hard; hoping it will get better!

[telford_mike Graduate]

Well done for getting off the couch 👍 Week 1 was the hardest of the lot for me, but you’ll be surprised at how quickly you get stronger. It gets easier as long as you stick with the programme.

[Deborahchick46 Graduate]

Hi and well done. Yes it will become so much better and in a few weeks you will be amazed at how far you have come. Take every run as smoothly as possible enjoy the scenery and it will be a breeze.

Good luck with the journey xx

[cas2167]

Thank you for the encouragement, and so quickly 😊 I’ve been sat here trying to decide whether to go for run 2. Think I’ll go and get changed and give it a go, nothing to lose and so much to gain by the looks of all the posts here 👍🏻

[icklegui Graduate]

Hi and welcome! You'll get stronger and fitter - so it's not so much that the plan gets better but YOU do! Have you read the FAQ? Here: healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

The main things are slow and steady, and always take a repair day after each run day, when you can do non-impact exercise (no running). Happy running!

[Hotheels Graduate]

Welcome!! You'll soon find that starting C25K is the best thing you've ever done.

Stick to the plan - have rest days between your runs - this helps build up your stamina whilst giving your body time to recover to be ready to keep improving with each run.

Well done on getting started - woop woop!! You're off the couch!!

[Berksrover Graduate in reply to Hotheels]

Pearls of wisdom there from Hotheels

[Hotheels Graduate in reply to Berksrover]

It's a bit like a relay.....i'm passing the baton that was passed on to me!!!

[JohnTR Graduate]

You've done the hardest bit, getting off your backside. You been out there, no doubt feeling self conscious, thinking everyone's looking at you, that they're laughing at you, nawww they're feeling embarrassed as they do bugger all.

There's lots of advice and assistance here, but use the bits that apply to you and your feel comfortable with.

Don't overdo it, its best way to convince yourself to stop.

Get a "buddy" here at the same stage and motivate each other, best thing I've done.

Most of all enjoy yourself. 😁

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Yes it will definitely get much better. W1 is the hardest for all sorts of reasons. You’ll look back and wonder what you were worried about in a few short weeks!

Keep at it, trust the programme (its great) and remember to keep us all updated with your progress. Everyone on here is super friendly and helpful too!

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍🏻❤️

[SmartyArty Graduate]

W1R1 was the hardest thing I did. 60 seconds of running nearly killed me and I was going so slowly that I was probably going backwards. I had to mentally count all the time to mark time just to get myself through it. But I did and I have just completed W8R2. I cannot believe that within 8 weeks I can now run for 28 minutes. You can do it. Just keep at it.

[cas2167 in reply to SmartyArty]

Oh wow, that’s amazing. I felt like that too, that 60 seconds felt such a long time! Then the trainer said “only two more runs to go” that really spurred me on 😊