Beginner

[KRISTYD85]

Started couch to 5k today, at what point does it start getting easier? My next one is tomorrow.

[Liz5K Graduate]

Well done for starting. I’ve just finished week 3 and can’t believe I’m able to run for 3 mins now. Make sure you stretch well after each run to reduced aches and pains. Good luck for run 2.

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

It doesn't C25K takes you step by step from struggling to run for 90 seconds to struggling to run for 30 minutes! Seriously, you do learn along the way that you have to run a little slower and that makes it easier but all the time you are running for longer and longer so it's never "easy". What will be easy is running for the mere 90 seconds you're struggling with now

[glentoran99 Graduate]

It gets easier for run 3 (most weeks) and then Run 1 the following week steps it up again, Then when you graduate, 30 min running will get easier, and you will run further in that 30 mins. But then you'll want to run 10k so it gets harder again..

[jiggles7 Graduate]

Hi Kirsty! Well done on getting started! the first run and the first week are the hardest, you will have good runs and bad runs moving forward but all of them will be challenging, the program is built that way. there is one rule here though - observe the rest days. if you ran today it's ill advised to run tomorrow, you are putting yourself a risk of injury. your body needs time to recover. I know it's tempting to try and speed things up a bit...but don't do it.

[John_W Graduate]

If you're finding Week 1 difficult then the best advice is to S L O W D O W N.

Think 'JOG' not run. Breathing should be comfortable. If you end a session out of breath, panting wheezing, then you're doing it all wrong and going waaay too fast. Aim for what's called a 'conversation pace', ie. a pace at which you can comfortably hold a conversation at.

This might help:

youtube.com/watch?v=kQ5wQ5N...(Not working as expected?)

Good luck!

John

[Blueroseareabring]

Just starting week 2, I found it easier if you do some stretches before and a decent warm up, but mainly have proper rest days, were your not drinking and smoking, hahaa.

[KRISTYD85]

Thanks all. I’ll take all of your advice on board. I have to do the challenge sometimes 3 days in a row as I work shifts so can only run on days off. I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it. Thanks again all. Good luck to you all too

[Now-runner_NeedsAttn Graduate]

Don't run 3 days in a row, your body needs at least a day off to recover between runs otherwise you risk injury. In your case it's better to only do 2 runs in a week, you'll get there just the same, it will just take a little longer.

[glentoran99 Graduate]

Ill Echo that, don't run 3 days in a row, Ill pose a question though? Why can you only run on days off? I work shifts and did a 4k before work this morning.. Its 30 mins or so, Can you not find that on work days

[Dexy5 Graduate]

It really depends where you are starting from fitness wise but be assured that the plan does work if you follow it , just take it slowly. I’m concerned that you say you are doing 2nd run tomorrow- it is very important that you leave at least one day between each run to ensure your body has time to repair and prepare.