Just starting out! : Hey! I’ve just turned 4... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Just starting out!

R-h-c-p profile image
22 Replies

Hey! I’ve just turned 41 and decided to get off the couch ! I see so many people running and something has just clicked ... all of these people are really inspiring me. I’ve always made excuses that I can’t fit a lot of exercise in due to work and family commitments , but that’s pretty much the same as many people , right ? So I’ve decided to do my C25k early in the morning.. no excuses ! I’ve just completed W2r1 ! I’m really hoping I will keep going and get this running bug! There is a running club in my village so I’m hoping to get myself up to speed so I can join in !

Any tips or any surprises to look out for that anyone can give me would be great !

Thanks !!

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R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p
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22 Replies
Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Well done getting through the first four runs. How have you found them?

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Jay66UK

Thanks! Found them ok ..I did feel the difference though from 60 secs to 90secs , my head was saying ‘come on Jo Wiley .. tell me to walk now’ I’m hoping that I’ll find it a bit easier tomorrow !! :-)

Manxmezzo profile image
ManxmezzoGraduate

Hello - I'm a total beginner too and have just made it to the end of week 7. My advice would be to run at your own pace and enjoy being astounded by your progress! Lots of amazing support on this site too with people who know loads about running.

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Manxmezzo

Ah brilliant ! Well done you !

Thank you :-)

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_RunnerGraduate

Welcome - this is an incredibly friendly and supportive group. I'm only a bit ahead at W6 and my top tips are:

Trust the programme and follow it to the letter. It sometimes seems odd but it is very cleverly designed.

Go slow and steady. Really slow!

On YouTube there are some useful beginners' videos about posture and running style which reduce aches and pains.

Tell everyone about your progress - everyone here wants to help. They're lovely!

Best wishes

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Robert_IS_a_Runner

Thank you ! I’ll have a look at the YouTube.. I can see already how friendly this forum is , I shall keep posting !

Victoria1james profile image
Victoria1jamesGraduate

My tips would be go slow, take and enjoy your rest days, get great music. Trust in your ability because it’ll be your brain telling you no but your body will surprise you. Enjoy!

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Victoria1james

Brilliant ! Thank you :-)

Victoria1james profile image
Victoria1jamesGraduate

My tips would be go slow, take and enjoy your rest days, get great music. Trust in your ability because it’ll be your brain telling you no but your body will surprise you. Enjoy!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate

Congratulations on getting off the couch! This programme is amazing. Trust in it, follow it to the letter (ie don’t feel tempted to skip a run/week), take it slow and steady and you’ll be fine!

It’s the friendliest forum there is, everyone is so supportive and helpful. Share your experience with us all too!

Above all, happy running! 😀👍🏻🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to cheekychipmunks

Thank you so much ! I can see how friendly everyone is ! I’ve had so many supportive replies!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksGraduate in reply to R-h-c-p

It’s one of the friendliest forums ever. No-one is ever judgmental, always full of support. I love it! ❤️

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

Well done for starting! This programme is amazing. It can be life changing! 😀

Jenny567 profile image
Jenny567Graduate

Well done on getting started. I’m just at end of week 5. I’m 44 and couldn’t run at all before I started. And now I can actually run for a wee while! Every week I worry about whether I am capable of the following week but every week I have surprised myself. Even my one ‘bad’ run hasn’t stopped me and best of all I feel fitter, and sleep better. The physical benefits are great but I also feel mentally in a better place already and I wasn’t really expecting that.

Top tip: trust the program and get out there and do your best, it really works.

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Jenny567

That’s amazing progress! Well done ..I have to say when I look ahead at the runs I think, wow , will I be able to do that!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey.

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you ! I’ll have a read of this ..much appreciated !

Annetoria profile image
Annetoria

Congratulations for starting the program, I started it in April and completed my first park run last Saturday, you can do it! I'm 45 and 5k is the furthest distance I have run in my entire life! My advice is to think ahead to plan which days you will run and enlist family members to come along with you. I found it was really motivating to run with someone else. They did have to adjust to my slow pace though and sometimes just came along on their bikes. My eldest son did the park run with me too! Good luck!

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p

Ah that’s amazing ! Well done , I bet they’re all very proud of you ..

Thank you for the advice .

Mallard1981 profile image
Mallard1981

Well done. First thing is you've chosen to do it. Secondly all I can suggest is make sure you do it regularly get the body used to doing it. Make it a habit. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do it

R-h-c-p profile image
R-h-c-p in reply to Mallard1981

Thank you !

Firstly congratulations on getting a great start to your running 🏃‍♂️!!

I’m only in W4R2 myself so not far ahead. The best advice I can give you is what’s been given to me......follow the program, you can trust it....it works!

There’s loads of great people here with advice about injuries, experiences ( which will mirror your own), and support. Follow the program! 👍🏻😃

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