New kid on the block!

[Stixs42]

Hi I’m 53 and I’ve just taken up this couch to 5k I’ve just finished my w2 2nd run and I’m getting a bit scared of next week because I was at the back of the que when stamina was given out. Have you any tips on how to beat the stamina issue please

[bellspond Graduate]

Hi, well done for getting this far. I felt the same as you and yet I’ve now run for 25 minutes. I think the trick is to believe in the program but also to believe in yourself. It’s incredible how the way it’s done is just right to build our stamina. You will be able to do it I’m sure, and you will amaze yourself 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Check out the post for newbies

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Lots of useful tips.

Stamina and core strength exercises on rest days are really useful.. and as the runs get longer, that rest day exercise should be upped.

Each run does make you stronger, but you need to work on ways to build the rest of you up, as well as the legs!

Many of have daily routines...and/or do Yoga, Pilates, swim, walk or cycle on rest days,,,

[Stixs42 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you very much I think I just need to believe I can do it x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Stixs42]

Well.. you have started this and we believe you can do it... keep it steady and slow and keep posting too... we all run together here

[Denovo]

Music really helps me to stop thinking about how long the running intervals seem. For some reason, I also find I feel much better on an out and back route rather than one which involves several laps.

[Stixs42 in reply to Denovo]

Thank you I put my playlist on shuffle but then all the slow songs come on so I think I need to find a new playlist with more upbeat music x

[Joules48 in reply to Stixs42]

Well done and I am at the same stage as you. I thought the same with my playlist last night so have downloaded a running playlist. Agree with Denovo that an out and back route helps. Good luck - you’ve got this!

[Stixs42 in reply to Joules48]

My next run is Sunday afternoon then my week 2 is complete I’m actually starting to like the idea of it especially when people you run past egg you on 😁🏃‍♂️

[Joules48 in reply to Stixs42]

It’s great when people egg you on! Good luck for Sunday and let us know how you get on

[Denovo in reply to Stixs42]

At the moment I'm running to a mixture of South African music and Taiko drumming

[Stixs42]

Yes I agree I run around the park where I live and there are quite a few different routes I can go so I try to vary them thank you for your support x

[pegasus2512 Graduate]

Slow and steady even if you feel your not going fast enough just pace yourself.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

What they said, and this programme builds stamina. I can just run 8x1 minute, I just did lol, fuel tank not empty after them but not enough slow twitch fibres in my “muscles” yet to keep going for long. Next run I’ll have a few more. Done some Yoga which can only help here with conditioning the muscles and joints to be ready. I’m gonna be selective on workouts, they need to be running based... my core needs work, I can do precisely zero sit ups, but other exercises on the core will fix that.

Stamina will come with time, 5k race plans I was gonna attempt include 10k “recovery” runs to build endurance. Gaining speed looks more painful, but I won’t be in it for that for a long time!

Keep up the great work.

[Dralimc Graduate]

Don’t look ahead at runs. Just trust the programme; believe me it works. I’m 51, never run since primary school and now running 3x30 mins a week. Have faith.😊

[Stixs42]

I didn’t think I could do 90 seconds but I’ve done it so yes it does work good luck with it all we can do this x

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Run slowly. And slow down if you need to! Stamina seems to come the more you run. I agree you have to believe you can do it. For me though it's been about taking it slowly and not worrying about distance. Good luck! Love the tortoise pic!! I have one. I run like one !! 🐢🐢

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read the guide linked to by Oldfloss and if you are doubting yourself, try this one healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this!

[Stixs42 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Yes thank you I will. I feel more energised by all the comments so far it’s great thank you all so much x

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hey Stixs! You’ve already got quite a few runs under your belt and have had what it takes to complete. Every run builds the stamina for the next one, so you will be prepared. Relax, go slow and enjoy each run. You will do it! Well done you! ❤️

[Stixs42 in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement x

[Matilda2016]

Believe in the programme it really does work. I’m 65 & ran my first 5k in May! You can do it!

[Stixs42]

Oh wow that’s amazing well done. X