W1R1 - off and running

[Rory0511]

Just started the programme and had my first run on Monday morning which despite my initial bravado didn’t quite go to plan. I managed to complete 5 of the 7 jogs at a pace of 7mph but ran out of steam well before the end, had to walk 2 of the final 3 jogs and counted down every second from the halfway point. Although I haven’t run for a few years (by years I mean decades) i’m well within my BMI and I didn’t expect my to struggle so much. How stupid was I ? Tonight (2 days later) with much lower expectations I dragged my sorry ass to the treadmill for another go ... and lo and behold I managed to complete. Although I had the odd wobble it didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as my first go. I’m not sure what was different ... running later in the day, my playlist, Michael Johnson’s soothing tones, eating something an hour before ... but when I hit the first jog i felt much stronger than on my previous attempt. Anyway delighted to have got going although week 9 seems a long way away ...

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome

7mph? That’s pretty fast... not surprised you struggled. Even 7kph is going some in the first run. Good job and enjoy the next one.

[Rory0511 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ha ! Maybe I need to check the units on the treadmill.

[Readrunner]

Good for you for keeping going! Sounds like you were hitting a bit of a pace there - I have no idea how fast I was running, but I’m pretty damned sure it wasn’t 7mph! Maybe slow it down a bit?

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Well done getting started. Sounds like you may have been a bit fast the first time out? You’ll hear the mantra ‘slow and steady’ a lot, and it’s for a reason! It helps. 😀

But fantastic you were ok the next time. Onwards, and have fun! 👏👏

[Flyingred Graduate]

Well done for starting. The first few weeks are quite challenging because you realise suddenly how fit (or not) you actually are. Accept it and stick to the programme, go slowly and steadily, enjoy each run and you’ll find yourself enjoying it more and maybe getting hooked on running.

[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.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Wow that's very fast, keep that up and you'll be running 5k in under 30 minutes😊 Slow and steady is the normal advice on here and is the way to build up your time and distance without getting fatigued and injured, but if you can keep up 7mph then keep it up and surprise us all with your progress!!

[Hidden]

Firstly, welcome to the forum and to the big world of running. We're a friendly lot and are happy to support and offer guidance that may well help and it comes from masses of runners who have all taken that first step.

One big thing... remember that C25K isn't a race. It should be taken at a steady pace so that you end up completing it. The aim is to get you out and moving... sorry to sound so boring, but that will help in the long run. Slow and steady wins the day.

You have taken the biggest step by getting out there. Go steadily and keep going. Enjoy your achievements, even if not the running at times, and whatever speed you do, be proud. You are out there doing it - others [who may laugh] are not.

Good luck and keep us posted every step of the way. Ask silly questions and be proud to say that you are a runner.