W1 done and just done W2 R1

[Circle_On_Legs]

Hi everyone.

I'm not a running person but like walking and hiking with the dogs.

In 2002 I PRINTED (how things have changed) a training program to do Race for Life. I struggled through it and did manage to jog the whole 5k on race day in 31 minutes. I didn't enjoy any of it. I did however have the satifaction of the achievement, weight loss and how toned up I became. But, until last week, I haven't been able to bring myself to run since.

I'd gained 3 stones. In the obese category, and always breathless. Something else I was looking at on the NHS website led me to C25K and I made up my mind to go for it, again. I'm 61 years old. I wondered if I would cope.

Surprisingly week 1 was easier than I expected. Last time, in 2002, week one was run one minute, walk one minute,, repeat 10 times AND I had to keep looking at my watch to time it. I recall a minutes running seemed endless. I didn't listen to music either. This time the NHS app with Laura and the music made it so much easier. Unbelievable. Today I did day one of Week 2 and surprised myself again that I could do it, albeit probably the slowest jogging possible. Think my walking is faster than my jogging. I did speed up the final 60 second run on day 3 and last 90 second one today. I hope I can build on that and become a bit faster to cover more ground over time. I dont have a day off from exercise between the run days as still walk the dogs 2 miles.

I hope this will give other people just starting out encouragement. If I can do it, who hates running, then anyone can. I was just determined and finding myself keeping to the music rhythm has helped distract me a lot from thinking about when each run is going to be over. I had wanted to listen to Jo Wiley, as been told she is very inspirational, but that app relies on using my own playlist which I dont have as don't store music on my smart phone, but i haven't minded Laura.

[Justinerose]

Well done for starting the programme. I am 66 and on week 5 and I can assure you that you will be eager to keep it up. especially when you have boasted to everyone that you are now ‘running’. People walk past me when I run so I am slow, but I’ve already lost 3kg and the ‘ muffin top ‘ is down. Keep it up.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’ll be back at 5k sooner than you think too... and that 31 minutes is a nice target.

Times have changed a lot... I remember being told that I wouldn’t always have a calculator with me... they lied 😂

Great that you’re enjoying this, and good job so far.

[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.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for the link. Really useful info. Pity it isn't incorporated into the app. I had read somewhere (on desc of app in store, I think) that we are told when halfway to enable turn round to go home. I haven't heard this with Laura on the NHS version with incorporated music, but it works be really useful.

Yes Laura still says, in week 2, to use heel strike first. I'm amazed that the NHS haven't amended that as surely it is better to avoid injury.

Thank you again for the helpful info.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

I believe there is a bell at the halfway point.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I haven't noticed one. Laura doesn't refer to it. Is it very quiet?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

I can't remember, it is a long time since I listened to the podcasts and have not fully listened to the app right through.......so can't answer that.

[Sandie1961 Graduate in reply to Circle_On_Legs]

I did mine with Sarah Millican rather than Laura and there is a bell halfway through but, as with Jo, you need your own playlist if you want music. Well done on getting to week 2!

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Thank you. The NHS (Not One You) doesn't have way bell 😥 I dont have music on my smart phone so don't use the One You.

[misswobble Graduate]

Great stuff! Dog walking - and walking in general - is ace and really helps with fitness and stamina. Your running will definitely benefit from it. 😃👍

[Silverfox1943 Graduate]

I listen to Michael and there is a halfway bell. I havnt repeated any of the runs and onto Wk7 r2 tomorrow: over aged 75. Stick in youll do it.

[Circle_On_Legs Graduate in reply to Silverfox1943]

Great achievement. I dont have music my smart phone so i have the NHS version not the One You version.