Newbie here!

[Healthychickpea]

Hi, I started my journey yesterday and admit it was tough even running 60secs. I can walk at a brisk pace forever but running is a whole new thing. I dragged my 12YO daughter out with me but I’m not sure how long her enthusiasm will last. I’m considering joining a gym as the evenings will soon be getting darker so I can keep up the training, what are people’s thoughts on this? I could try and run outside at the weekends.

I don’t get much encouragement from my fit and active partner, he said it would be a waste of money so I’m looking to a supportive community to keep me motivated!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Your fit and active partner may be correct on saying that joining a gym would be a waste of money, they are expensive but if you really want to join, don't let him stop you. Find out the price and times the gym is open, some have reduced prices at certain times of the day.

[AnnieW55]

You’re first 2 sentences were me before c25k, 6 years ago. So no worries, you can do this, just take it slowly - channel you’re inner 🐌 and you will get there. Some useful info below

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

As for the gym, it’s your call, you know how likely you are to get your monies worth. Doing this on a treadmill is fine, if that’s another worry. It’s different to outside obvs😀, but is just as valid. However, if you can get outside you will benefit from the fresh air. You just need to feel safe where you are going: a headtorch may be needed if you are away from lighting.

Another thought that may seem scary is joining a local running group or club. There are lots of good ones around that help with new starters. I’m not a joiner so this is a bit of advice I can’t back up though.

Enjoy the journey and let us know how it’s going.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

If you are only available to run in the dark hours, then a gym may be a good idea for you.

That said, running outdoors does toughen up your ankle muscles in particular, so outdoors always gets my vote.

PS. I hate gyms.

Enjoy your journey.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome... that first run is the hardest... very well done completing it.

If your daughter likes bling, there’s a website that does medals for cumulative mileage each month... it’s £7 for under 16a and they start at 10 miles... maybe a collection of medals will keep her motivated? raceatyourpace.co.uk/

As for the gym... it wouldn’t be a bad idea to get used to indoors and outdoors at the same time, they are different so can be difficult to switch between when you have weeks of running done on one before you try the other. Value? Depends how much the membership is compared to day passes (if they’re available for your local gym) I’m going to go the day pass route as my local gym is £35 a month on a two year contract and I’m not going to use it at leat half of the year... it also depends if you’ll do anything other than running in there... we have rest days from running but other exercise is recommended on those days.

[Healthychickpea in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks, I can get a discount so it would only cost me £20 a month with no contract and I can do classes, use the pool and sauna etc. I was just thinking about the dark, cold evenings ahead. I live in the middle of nowhere! But I’d try and get outside at the weekends.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Healthychickpea]

I’d say it’s gonna be worth it then... swimming is excellent cross training for this.

[glentoran99 Graduate]

3 months ago I couldn’t even run the 60 secs.. today I ran 5k in 29 mins. Guys on here are brilliant

[Healthychickpea in reply to glentoran99]

That’s amazing! Well done, that’s my goal too 😊