Will I or won’t I?

[AJBEDDERS]

Totally new to the couch to 5K! Just completed Week one & I think I’ve found it tougher than everyone. I’ve been reading posts on here & I’m wondering if I’m ever going to really be able to run for 30mins if I find this initial bit tough 😩

[Buddy71 Graduate]

I was in the same boat as you, didn’t think I could do this, I struggle with breathing, but took advice from here and trying my hardest to go slower, im still struggling but now on week 3, you can do this 👌🏼

[Netball2018]

Me too thought the same, I’m so overweight it is very hard. I’ve just completed my first run of week 4! If I can’t do a run I’m going to repeat it before I move on. Haven’t had to yet.

You can do it!!

[Irish-John Graduate]

ROFL!

Read the early posts of Graduates There would be stiff competition for any prizes if we awarded them for "Most Unlikliest of Runners"

The programme is for us lot who never believed we COULD run That's why we did it - if we thought we were "able" to run, we either would be years and years ago or we simmy would not have any concerns about it

Slow and steady does it. Less than 10% graduate "on time,/with 5k" anyway

The hardest part of the programme is the distance to your front door, believe me. Once you've geared up and gone outside - the run will be the run. And all those runs are gettyyou further from the couch and closer to graduation...and beyond

Wishing you many happy miles in your future ☺

[sparkyjohn Graduate]

Well done, 😃😃😃

You've nailed week 1, often said to be the hardest of all. Most people struggle somewhere, but the joy of succeeding each run through each week makes it worth while. 2 key things remember, you can't go too slow and you still can't go too slow.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Well personally I thought I was going to need paramedics after my first outing, I'm sure I'm not alone with that.

Go slow and steady as Oldfloss likes to tell us. You can do this.🙂

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Slow it down a bit, believe in the programme and 'Yes, you will'!🙂

[Tasha99 Graduate]

He he he read my first posts 😂 I’m regularly running 10k now 👍🏽

[Hidden]

Irish-John Sum's it perfectly..none thought we could run or achieve 30 minutes or 5K ...

Week 1 wasn't easy . I thought I would need sherpa's with oxygen tanks along the route..I was an 40 a day smoker and 1st class potato couch in another life.

This program is made for a of us non runners for what ever reason and that includes you..

Yeah it isn't easy but the rewards far outweigh any discomfort.. It does change you. It changes the way you think about yourself and what you can achieve with a bit of effort and self belief.

You have done the hardest part and started..so well done .. trust the program. Believe in yourself and run slowly and then slower still ..

You Can do this ! 😁

[limberlou Graduate]

I remember running week 1 with my 31 years old daughter ( I’m 65 now) and she has her swanky new Garmin watch so was doing the timing.

Did the warm up walk.... piece of cake!! Started to run the first 60 seconds and after what felt like an hour I gasped “is it a minute yet??”

“ nope!! 18 seconds mum”.

WHAT?? I’m sure she lied🤥 but each time I thought I was never gonna make it ... but I did .. slowly though and then I got to about Week 4 and realised I wasn’t puffing for so long when I’d finished and eventually it got easier. And now I’m champing at the bit for my ankle to get better so I can run again. Seriously I’m crossing off the days on the calendar

Read my previous posts and you’ll see we were all the same to start. Keep it up!! You can do it!! And this forum really helps

[Bandit14 Graduate]

You will - I was a wreck in wk1 felt like 60 seconds was a lifetime and i would die!

Trust the plan - go slower than you think it's possible to run and keep telling yourself you can do it because you are doing it😊

Massive well done to you for getting through what is the toughest part - actually making a start🤗

Good luck x

[AJBEDDERS]

Thanks so much everyone! I’ve just completed the 1st run week two and feeling fantastic.

I ran in the rain today & loved every single minute of it! I didn’t find it too difficult either.

I really appreciate your replies soooo helpful to know I’m not alone

[Blistersnbliss Graduate]

you will be amazed how you quickly you will gain endurance and stamina. Trust me I had the same apprehension as yours. I completed mY W3R3 yday and in addition to the program instructions I also managed to complete two 10 mins runs with 5 minute break in between. I couldnt run 1 min on week 1. so its all thanks to the app I have managed to increase my stamina and endurance.

You are no different to anyone... we all are in the same boat ..more or less..

good luck