Nervous!!

Hi all, first time posting, I'm starting the couch to 5k tomorrow and plan to do my run in the morning (I'm hoping the park will be quiet lol) any tips around eating? Should I have breakfast first or a snack? I don't usually eat straight away on waking, just don't know if it's unwise to do my run without. Well done to everyone on this journey I have been reading posts for a few weeks gearing myself up for it. Thanks for reading!

[aysun130]

Hi! Well done for getting involved!

I’m no expert but I would avoid eating breakfast before and just stick with a piece of fruit like banana which should give you enough energy to do your run. Have your breakfast afterwards, this is where your body will need the nutrition etc to help with recovery.

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to aysun130]

Thanks!

[trogdelight Graduate]

Just have some water to drink before you set off. You don't need to eat before doing this run in the morning

[Hidden in reply to trogdelight]

Thanks!

[Hidden]

Thanks for replying, that sounds like it would suit me best so will give that a try. Cheers!

[Dg_w Graduate]

Take you time. Don’t be tempted to run when you should walk and enjoy it let us know how it goes. You will surprise yourself!

[Hidden in reply to Dg_w]

Thanks will do.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Good luck x😊

[Pattypoos Graduate]

I'm only on week 2 .... Have done a couple of runs first thing without eating and a couple mid morning. I found the earlier ones easier.

[Hidden in reply to Pattypoos]

Thanks and good luck with your journey

[Pattypoos Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You will probably overtake me as my heels have started to hurt - probably the sudden shock from the impact they have suffered - so am taking a few days to recover before venturing forth. A bit frustrating as it took me months to pluck up courage to start and I surprised myself by actually enjoying getting out. Good luck with your adventure!

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

Good luck ! I drink water before going in the morning, and have my breakfast afterwards. I'm not very far into the programme, but for now it works for me 😉

[Hidden in reply to HillsEverywhere]

Great thanks and good luck

[GeorgiosA Graduate]

Well done for getting started - it is the most difficult part! About eating before running early in the morning: I do most my runs at ridiculously early o'clock and just go on an empty stomach (this has the added advantage that it helps shed more weight...). Just water or tea before the run. Then get home, stretch and have breakfast. For the runs in C25K you don't really need to fuel before the run.

Having said that, see how it goes for you - everyone's different and you may find you need to eat something light before you go.

Best of luck with the programme - it works really well and you will be amazed with what you can achieve!

[Hidden in reply to GeorgiosA]

Thanks will give it a go! Never thought about the weight part of not eating first so that's a bonus.

[GeorgiosA Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You're very welcome! More info on fasted cardio here: telegraph.co.uk/health-fitn...

By the way - just ignore anyone else in the park no matter what time of the day you run (except for the dogs of course - they're always worth a smile!). You run for yourself nobody else

[Vix_yp Graduate]

Hi spagnettybol!

I usually have 1/2 banana around 30-45 minutes before my run and this has worked well for me. The most important thing is to make sure you’re hydrated, and that means that you have plenty of water the day before your run. I don’t usually drink much before my run as ideally the water has to be in your bloodstream and not your tummy (wise words I’ve learnt from the forum).

Good luck with your first run! 🍀👍🤗

[Hidden in reply to Vix_yp]

Thanks so much

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Good luck for tomorrow. Don't worry about everyone else. You're out there doing it and that's all that matters.

Let us know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thanks will do.

[Keiko1982 Graduate]

Hi Spagnettybol, I'm very sure that I speak for all of us here, in saying welcome to the group and wishing you all the best on your runs.....'You Got This' lol 👊👏👊👏

I'm no expert, however I found trying to stay calm and to relax during each run is helpful. The app is also very helpful, keeping you motivated with good tips (Michael Johnson is my idol 😄).

I find eating a half a banana an hour before a run is good energy. Avoid heavy food (like me today 😐 running W9R1 on a slight heavy stomach).

Take care and keep us updated how you go. 🤗

[Hidden in reply to Keiko1982]

Thanks!! I've chosen Michael too just love him!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Check this out... loads of great advice... slow and steady and enjoy!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss

[Hidden]

And I'm off....

[Equi-geek Graduate in reply to Hidden]

How’d it go? 😁👏💪👊

[Hidden]

Not gonna lie it was hard, I'm sweating from places I didn't know I had and my calfs are burning but I did it!!! Yayyyyyyyy 🤗