Hi all!
Felt the need to post as I’ve read so much about the positive nature of this forum and have loved reading the success stories!
Finally plucked up the courage to get out and complete W1R1. My goodness... I found it hard! Pleased I managed to last but really found it a struggle. Did anyone else have a similar experience? Feeling a bit anxious about the next run...
Chris
I’ve never run before what I’m doing is a light jog, being honest my feet appear to be close to the ground. From reading other post - we need to stay with the programme and just keep doing it. Remember it’s not the large leaps but small steps that will get you and I - there. So don’t give up now. Please keep posting there are many like us who started with self doubt and completed the programme and moved on to mini and then marathons. Do use the forum to gain support. Your not on your own Cs0803.
I couldnt complete Wk1 R1 when I first went out (and nearly lost my dinner along the way for good measure) so you're already a step ahead of me, but I am now comfortably running (although still quite slowly) at least 30mins 3 x a week.
The runs looks so far away from being doable when you first start out, but so long as you follow the programme you'll be fine, just take it at your own pace.
I think I felt anxious about every run up until around week 6 when I finally realised that I could do what was being asked, so you're definately not alone in that
Keep up the good work and dont underestimate the power of positivity this forum gives you
You need to make running movements but go slow. Some people on here even say their running speed is slower than their walking speed. Get down to a speed that you can maintain comfortably, even when the running intervals get longer. Eventually, as you get fitter you will find that speed starts to creep up without you even noticing, because the effort level at which you feel comfortable has increased, although probably the difference won't be massive over the 9 weeks of C25K. I'm on Week 7 and still waiting to get to below 15 minutes per mile so at last I can stop hearing people say "But I can walk at 15 minutes per mile!" (well, maybe they can, I certainly can't!!!) 
The most helpful thing someone said to me at the earliest stages was that it’s okay, (in fact normal for beginners), to run at walking pace. In other words just a very light gentle jog. If you are struggling you need to slow down. Keep your paces short and run “within your ability”. That way you will manage fine. Keep posting and we will be cheering you on! 😃
P.S. I should have said “welcome” and very well done indeed getting started.
I was the same but I’m now on week 5. U can do it x
Im on week 6 and about to run for 25 mins, when I started week one ot was hard...really hard, my legs were shaky I was gasping for air on the verge of a panic attack. Keep going it gradually falls into place, the programme works and will help you through. Also we are all here to encourage you along the way. You can do it!!!😀
Week 1 is the biggest challenge because it's you telling yourself to do this thing. I found it horrendous, thought I was going to die, questioned my sanity and every other thing you can imagine.
But I didn't die and now I feel like I've achieved something worthwhile. Keep going, it's the start of a journey that can change your life.
Thanks for all the great advice everyone! Happy to report run2 was much better, kept it slower and felt much better! It seems silly but I’m really proud of myself for sticking with it after only 1 session!
Yes, and in many ways it’s the hardest run you’ll ever do. You’ve broken the psychological barrier by getting out there and doing it. The more you do the same exercise, the easier it gets, so run 2 and 3 often feel easier, if all other things are equal. Don’t be disheartened if your next run is just as hard, sometimes the body is ready and sometimes not, regular running will even this out, but even the pros have bad days.
Congratulations and welcome to the programme.
I also read a blog and it said if you found one day too hard then redo it until you feel comfortable to move on. Go at your pace and don't be disheartened..says me the seasoned runner having completed my second run on week one 😂😂
You read right though... if it’s impossible work until it isn’t.
Congratulations Cs! You’ve done it! You’re of the starting block and it’s going to be an amazing experience! You are certainly not alone in feeling nervous about doing more, but be assured the programme works so well, you will be amazed at what your body can do during the programme. I felt the same before each run, but the more you go on and see that you can complete the next one, the more your confidence builds. Remember this is your experience and trust that you will build exactly what you need to complete the next run. And to be honest the only thing you need is to go out and give it a go! One run at a time. Just the next one in mind! You’ll look back and not know where the time has gone, but boy what a feeling it gives you to have done it, each and every time!!
Well done! Go slow, very very slow, so slow your walks seem to be a quicker pace than your runs. It’s not an endurance test it’s enjoying the movement of a body that can run. Your first 60 second intervals is now in the bag! Brilliant!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😁❤️
Well done - you did it 👍and you can do the programme.
As others have said - go slow, then go a bit slower!
You can speed up right at the end if you have energy left.
But if you start off too fast you'll be running on empty by the end.
Keep posting to tell us how you get on.
Just to endorse the message Chris, keep going slower until you find the runs (and the breathing) easy.
I started four months ago, now graduated and doing 10k’s, and still say the hardest session of all was that very first one.
Initially I was on the treadmill and for a while, yes, my running speed was set at slower than my fast walk speed. It took me a few weeks to realise that was the key!
So take it slow, and keep at it, safe in the knowledge you have already done the hardest session of all 😀
First ever run!
First ever 10k run
First Ever Run!!
First ever abandoned run😭😭
First ever park run....
