Hello, not a born runner 🤢🙈

[Ibot]

So I’ve never been a runner 🙄 I was always the girl at school that use to find the short cut. Eventually even the PE teachers gave up on me 🤪

So I’m on week two. I know early days. I’m the person who does a cheer at the half way point ( tell me I’m not alone) I’m finding it hard. Does it get easier? I’ve even stopped actual runners and asked them about foot placement 😱🤷🏽‍♀️ Yes I’m a weirdo 😝 but an honest one

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome!

We are all born to run, you just avoided it well 😂

Great job getting through week one. It does get easier, but for the next few weeks it also gets more challenging. You will get through these weeks with some good old willpower, self belief, support (we are good at support) and by trusting a plan that’s tried and tested. Enjoy the journey.

[Ibot in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you so much 😊 any form of kindness is much appreciated 😘

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Doesn’t get easier but you go further and faster for your effort 😂

Your doing fab. I was always cr@p at running too but read my progress 👌🏽

[Ibot in reply to Tasha99]

Always good to know I’m not the only one to be thinking of oxygen 😝

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Hi Ibot you are not alone, there are many non athletes on here. So far I have found this to be more a mental than physical challenge.

If you are finding it hard try going slower 🐌🐌🐌 It's taken a couple of weeks for me to find a pace that gets me to the end of a run.

You are doing fantastically for starting 👍👍👍

You'll find the forum an incredibly supportive community so keep posting, the good and the bad.

Happy running x

[Ibot in reply to Jogunlikely]

Omg I can’t go any slower 😱 so far I’ve been over taken by a snail, a sloth (weird as he was sleeping) a turtle and a stone 🤷🏽‍♀️ 😂😂

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Ibot]

😂😂😂

[Pixie_Runs]

You and me both! I love the sound of the half way bell... And Jo Whiley in my ears, telling me to slow down at the end of the last walk.

The most useful thing I've heard from the podcasts so far is about mindset - if you keep telling yourself you can't, you won't. Now, I can't tell myself I love running, but when it hurts, I tell myself I CAN do it. And I tell myself it again and again and again, until I'm done.

You CAN do it

[Ibot in reply to Pixie_Runs]

Yep I do one step at a time. I was asked yesterday by a marathon runner what my end goal was 😳 I was like well to run for 90 seconds without dying would be nice ☺️☺️

[Pixie_Runs in reply to Ibot]

I've definitely been there. Every run my aim is to come back without feeling like death! 😂

[Ibot in reply to Pixie_Runs]

Omg I thought that was just me!!! Thank you

[Deals1 Graduate]

Hi. Yep ... As others say ...it maybe doesn't get easier, but u get stronger. I graduated a few weeks ago. Hated running at school,infact hated PE, but I'm slowly (and I say slowly) getting to kinda enjoy it! I'm sure u will too. And I still sometime listen to Jo (wk9) . Good luck.

[Ibot in reply to Deals1]

Did you repeat any weeks? I hate going back. But only have one more run for week two left and I’m pretty scared

[Deals1 Graduate]

I did repeat one or two runs. I completed the program over about 3 months! You'll be fine. Just keep it steady at your own pace and remember to breath. Keep us posted

[Ibot in reply to Deals1]

Most definitely 👍🏼

[Flyingred Graduate]

Well done on your progress so far. Like you, I would do anything to avoid running at school. I don't think I've ever been able to run as far as I can now. In school cross country runs (compulsory) I'd have to walk but then we were never given coaching of the quality of C25K!

It doesn't get any easier physically because you're developing stamina and endurance by pushing yourself each time. However, I would say that it gets easier mentally because you know what to expect, you build confidence from each run you do, which gives you the determination to keep going, plus you enjoy your progress more the further on you get.

[Ibot in reply to Flyingred]

I do get very bouncy when I’m finished. The sense of achievement is amazing ☺️

[Scarlettbunnykins Graduate]

When I was struggling through Week 1, I went out and a friend of a friend told me she'd done C25K years ago and had previously been really unfit. She now runs marathons regularly. Total inspiration!

I was also the girl who cut corners... We actually used to run to my friend's house and watch Neighbours, then 'run' back to school!!! I'm now on Week 4 and am enjoying the feeling of pushing my body to new limits. I'm also sort of wondering why I didn't do this sooner!

Take it slow and steady; repeat runs if you need to and have rest days. You got this!

[Ibot in reply to Scarlettbunnykins]

Oh bless you thank you. Omg I use to love Neighbours!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started

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

Enjoy your journey.

[Ibot in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for that. It looks full of answers x