Morning after the night before!

So yesterday I started couch to 5k, is it bad that I literally only managed half of the first session? I physically couldn't carry on, feel like a complete failure as it obviously doesn't record unless you complete the session, maybe running isn't for me? Any words of encouragement will be very welcome. X

[Scotchick2018]

Look it’s the first run. If it was supposed to be easy none of us would be doing it. Please don’t beat yourself up, try again tomorrow and try to go a little further, or walk a little longer. It doesn’t matter how quickly you progress so long as you are progressing. I read a great quote which I try to remember which is ‘no matter how far you go, or how fast, you are still lapping the person sat on the couch’. Well done for starting, and keep going!

[Hidden in reply to Scotchick2018]

Thank you for your encouragement x

[HillsEverywhere Graduate]

No, you didn't fail ! You got out there and you tried. That's huge. You ran half a session instead of sitting on the couch. That's awesome ! It really is !

The advice you're going to get a lot here is slow down. If you're like me, you will be tempted to go fast – because I thought running was supposed to be fast. But it's not. Aim for a slow jog (mine is slower than my brisk walking pace). That will make you able to run for longer.

But don't worry, you've got this ! Take it nice and slow, and be sure to drink plenty of water. Keep going !

[Hidden in reply to HillsEverywhere]

Thank you x

[Puddindavis Graduate]

Slow down and try again. Day 1 week 1 for me yesterday and I completed it but I don’t think my wall was brisk and the only real difference between my walk and run was a bit more arm action .

[Hidden in reply to Puddindavis]

Many thanks x

[DorsetRunner Graduate]

I agree with the other comments - the failure is the one who never even gives it a go. You gave it a go, you started, you completed a whole 50%! Now build on that and don't beat yourself up, congratulate yourself and go forward.

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Any time you get out there is never a fail. Even if you don't complete a run - you are moving - that's what it's about. The first couple of weeks are tough - it's getting your body to adjust to being active it takes a bit of persuasion - it did for me😊

Don't give up - keep trying - not everyone just sails through every run to be honest most people struggle - if it was easy then everyone would be a runner.

Best of luck - you can and will do this and it can change your life x

[Hidden]

No, no, you’re NOT a failure! The first run is the hardest because you don’t know what to expect and it’s rather a surprise for your body too. Everyone goes waaaaay to fast. I couldn’t get up the stairs the next day. Try again like this 🐌 and keep tapping into the support here. Remember you progress at YOUR pace, that’s the beauty of the programme.

[Runawaytrainer Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Rossinyol, I'm so tired this morning that I don't want to get out of bed. Thanks for saying about the stairs!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You can do this, if you want to.

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You were probably just going too fast. It doesn't matter if you have to start out with a jog which is slower than you can walk. Speed will come in time.

Enjoy your journey.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

The only failure is failing to try. For every single one of us at the start, running 5k or 30 minutes is impossible. Run one is a tough beast, it nearly killed me, well it felt that way. When we meet the impossible, we need to work at it until it becomes merely challenging and then rise to that challenge.

Well done deciding to do this, and getting half way through that session, that means you can run 60 seconds. Pace is usually the issue, go as slowly as you can, it’s not a race. After that, if you can’t complete run 1, just keep working at it and it will come.

[MatildasPb Graduate]

Hang on a cotton pickin’ minute there Dark-pixie. Who said you could use the ‘F’ word here? You are not a failure!

You completed the first half. That is a MASSIVE step in the right direction.

There is no rush to complete this.

I found the first week a complete shocker. But with the support of the lovely people on this forum I decided to grit my teeth and carry on.

I managed to complete the programme and so will you.

Go for it - we are here for you when you need us. We will help you through the bad times and share in your triumphs.

Good luck.

[MrsT0707 Graduate]

You didn’t fail, you started and that’s probably the hardest step of all! It’s not just a physical challenge but a mental challenge too. Take stock, let your body recover and try again. We’re all working through the same programme but our journeys are vastly different. Take your time, slow down and you’ll complete each stage in your own time, at your own pace. No matter how slow you’re going you’re still 100% faster than the person who’s still sitting on the couch

[Mayanow]

You should congratulate yourself for going out there in the first place! It is NOT easy!

Definitely go out again and try to do a little more. There is no deadline: 9weeks is just a timetable. You WILL manage a complete run! Don't give up. Just give it more time and patience with yourself. You are admirable for choosing c25k!!!

[Alayneblue]

I agree with a lit of the comments here. My first attempt went way too fast and like you couldnt finish. Like you thought, it's not for me, I'm too old etc etc. But I like a challenge and when my friend said people walk faster than her run was lightbulb moment. Slowed right down and now do 3 x 30 minutes a week and I love it. Keep going. Everyone on here is rooting for you.

[WouldRatherBeReading]

I did run one on Monday and had to take ibuprofen this morning to stop me making noises when I use steps!!