New to this

[Runfr2018]

Downloaded app, tried to make a start on week one; I only managed two 60 second runs. Need motivation. I have signed up to do 5k this October

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Firstly, well done for getting out there! 👏👏

Maybe you took your runs too fast? Try slowing down as slow as you can go. There is no such thing as too slow - all that’s required is a running motion, walking pace or even slower if necessary. You’ll gradually get quicker as the weeks go on. 😀

Try again in a couple of days and see how it goes! We’re here if you need us! 👍🏻

[Runfr2018 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you, I will do and will keep you posted

[Oldjigger in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Plenty of people manage this who never thought they could. Trust the programme but take it s-l-o-ww. You just have to get through the time. No-one cares how far you go in that time - it will come together eventually. For now, fnd your inner snail.

[Hales550]

Hey, Im new too.... did my first run today, wasn't sure I was going to make it back home 😂😂 keep it up.... you've got this!!!!

[Runfr2018 in reply to Hales550]

Well done

[Ang33333 Graduate]

Well done for starting! That's the hard part. Now take every run slow and steady. And slow down even more of you need to. It will feel like you can walk faster to start with! That's fine. Good luck! 😀😀

[mx5mada]

U out there

[Oaktree2]

Well done for even getting out there.

Now you need to find your inner 🐌 because he really will be your best friend!

Keep up the good work!

[Oldlady57]

Snails pace is defo the way to go. It’s the best advice l was given!! Congratulations on getting out there 👍🏻

[Hidden]

Gosh that first week is hard!

Motivation, to me, is personal. I know what keeps me going, what I'm learning or facing or conquering.

You do, too! What made you start? Why'd you sign up for a 5k? Your motivation might be found there!

I think what most of us lean on is discipline. Motivation is theoretical, but discipline is actionable.

So... Plan what day is your next run. Just put your shoes on. And do it. It's okay if you can't do every interval. We call that practice around here 😉

The absolute best advice that sounds annoying and repetitive (Everyone. Says. It.): Slow down.

Honestly. The pace that feels 'right' and best may be too fast to sustain at this point. When I started I wanted to zip along at the pace I would use to run across the street to avoid being hit by a car. It makes sense, that's the only running I ever did did, rare and random sprints to avoid or catch buses.

It was not suitable to my abilities. Couldn't keep it up, couldn't breathe, pure misery.

I must have read "Slow down" over 50 times on this message board before I had a eureka moment mid-run early on:

What if I.. slowed down?

Game changer!

It fixed everything. My breathing, my endurance, possibly my will to go on. Ha.

You can do this. You will do that 5 k! You might still be taking a walk break, who can say? And that would be fine. If you look around there are people here who do parkruns while still firmly in the running intervals stages. They are GUARANTEED to be walking still.

Stick around for the encouragement.

I wish I had had the confidence to stop lurking and speak up when I was struggling earlier on. The support would have been great.

[Runfr2018 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x

[The_Fat_Controller Graduate in reply to Runfr2018]

I was going to type up a long (and hopefully helpful) reply as I felt exactly the same as you at the start but Turtle said everything I would have told you. 'Slow down' is the key. Print out Turtle's reply and stick it on your fridge so you can read it when you need a wee reminder.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Slow down and slow down again!