Day one

[crazydaisy999]

First day today - couldn’t run to catch a bus so very nervous. How far do you expect to go in your first one x

[happysouls Graduate]

Hello! I was terrified at the start! I couldn't run either. You won't go far to start with, don't worry about how far, just make sure you run as slowly as you can and just follow the app. There is a bell that rings half way so you know to turn around and carry on back to the start. Trust the app and you'll be fine! I found the first one really hard but every one gets better honestly! Good luck!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Welcome! The first week is the hardest mentally. No distance is being recorded and it doesn’t matter, just run slowly on the running bits, and walk in the intervals. Any time you feel out of breath means you’re going too fast. But rather than walk, see if you can slow your running down even more. Bet you can!

You’ll do great, and we’re here to help! Don’t forget to update us with your progress! 😀🏃‍♀️😀

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Well done on taking the first step in starting this - it's not easy just doing that.

Don't worry about how far - everyone runs at their own pace and has different levels of health or fitness when they start - just follow the plan and run or walk as needed. As long as you are doing that you're doing great.😊

One of the things I realised early on was trying to compare myself in terms of speed or distance was not helpful to my mindset. Go at your own pace that feels good for you. Slow and steady really builds your stamina that you need for the longer runs ahead.

Best of luck xx

[MissGMJonesy]

Hey lovely! I’m in the exact same boat as you, started today and I’m a “can’t run up the stairs without getting out of breath” kind of unfit.

I just did my first run and although I found it hard during, literally wore a beetroot face the entire way around... But I’m now actually riding the crest of happy hormones! (Never expected that to ACTUALLY happen) so my advice would be to give it a try and just see, it may actually surprise you too.

If you ever want someone to chat too whose at the same point as you, drop me a message xx

[misswobble Graduate]

It doesn’t matter how far or how fast. Slow is the way to go 💪👍😃

[Matilda2903 Graduate]

Hi and well done for starting c25k. Like most people on here, I couldn't run for toffee when I started, the first week I thought I was going to die, but, if you take it slowly you'll manage each run, you won't believe how quickly you make progress. Good luck with the program and keep us posted 😀

[Hidden]

I never thought of how far I was traveling until I hit the weeks without intervals, where I was just running straight through.

Before that, I guess I was just following the rules : "Run 3 minutes? Okay, if you say so" without any thought to how FAR I was going. (Spoiler alert: not very far.)

This isn't to say YOU can't know or care about how far you're going. You can download an app that will measure such things.

If I am to be completely honest with you? I think that's a little involved for early days and might cause you to get up in your head about it a little bit.

Here's the thing:

In order to cover more distance, you need to go faster. The problem here is, faster means you burn out quicker and are more likely to not complete a day, it makes you susceptible to injury, and is probably not sustainable over the course of weeks (you might feel pretty zippy for a one minute run but will be crushed to find you can't sustain it down the road for 8 minutes or even 3.)

The best advice I ever ignored then wised up and took is: Go slow.

[sozzy26 Graduate]

I'm on week 9 and didn't think about how far I was going until I started doing 25 minute runs, then I downloaded the MapMyRun app which I have alongside Couch to 5k and my itunes music all at the same time. I just focused on running steadily and slowly and not stopping. The program is really well put together and from worrying about running for one minute without stopping in week one, I can now run for 30 minutes and know I'm not going to stop. The program really built my confidence week by week. I have Michael Johnson and his voice is so reassuring. I forget he isn't actually there in person when he tells me how well I am doing! Good luck I'm sure you will do really well.

[crazydaisy999]

Thanks everybody - I did day one on Monday and day two today. Thanks for all of the encouragement it really helped. Is it ok to use a running machine too? x

[Robert_IS_a_Runner Graduate in reply to crazydaisy999]

Yes I use treadmill all the time and love it! Use a slight (0.5 to 2.0) gradient. I use 1.5. And take it nice and slow.

Let us know how you get on with R3!

[crazydaisy999]

Did run 3 this morning on the treadmill incline if 1 this time. Distance obviously nowhere near 5k but hoping/ guessing that will come.

Thank you all so much for the comments and encouragement. Week 2 bring it on 😜