Week 1 - Run 2: Hello all! I just started the... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Week 1 - Run 2

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
18 Replies

Hello all!

I just started the using the app last week - I found the first run tiring but really enjoyable and I was super proud of myself for completing. I decided to start running to try and lose some weight - I'm not massively overweight but I have just had to buy a whole lot of new clothes as I'm too big for the ones I had. I'm also hoping it'll help me to sleep better and help boost my mood.

I did my second run last night and I found it a lot more challenging and did have to run a little slower than I did the first run. I was VERY close to packing it in at the half way mark (I'm glad I powered through and finished though).

Has anyone else found this when just starting out? I'm aiming to do my third run tomorrow so I'm hoping it's not going to be as difficult as last night's.

I'm a complete non runner and I'm doing it on a treadmill (it's more practical for me at this time of year as I'm not keen on running outside myself in the dark).

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EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning
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18 Replies
jiggles7 profile image
jiggles7Graduate

Hi EmmaDoes, you will find some runs harder than others for no apparent reason, that's just a fact of the program. there will be good runs, bad runs, and some you just have to grit your teeth and get through. Well done completing the second run despite it being hard :) good luck with tomorrow's run :)

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to jiggles7

Thank you! I figured a lot of it has to do with mindset and maybe I just need to tailor when I do my runs around avoiding a Sunday night when I'm already dreading the Monday morning anyway.

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Welcome. Running can certainly deliver your goals, though Weight Loss isn’t something running is good at... it should tone you up and make you smaller though, don’t get upset if weight goes up a couple of pounds as the muscles develop, this is common.

Great job so far. I’m guessing you may have run slightly faster on run two. Slow and steady is the best way to go on this plan.

Enjoy your journey.

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to UnfitNoMore

I guess I should have clarified that when I say 'weight loss' I'm probably talking more about inches. I made the decision not to weigh myself before I started as I know that building muscle would likely change the scales in a way I wasn't looking for but if I gauge by how differently my clothes fit I'll be much happier (and I'll be less inclined to get obsessive about the numbers and enjoy the process of getting fitter).

Thank you for the support!

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate in reply to EmmaDoesRunning

Yeah, spot on thinking... you’ll be surprised how fast the fitness comes and my daughter lost two dress sizes on the programme.

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to UnfitNoMore

That's fantastic!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning

Thank you!

steviej99 profile image
steviej99Graduate

Hi Emma welcome and well done for starting. Keep posting on here because the support and motivation from this community is amazing so share your highs and lows! As you said your self you "were" a complete non runner so yes this journey will be hard at times. Not exactly no pain no gain but the programme will steadily increase the workload so that you can go further and for longer each week. You should find the runs challenging and you'll probably have some muscle soreness. But trust the programme its amazing and thousands have successfully graduated. I was in your position a few weeks ago and now I'm running 28 minutes non stop - I cant believe it myself. Take every run slow and steady, this programme is all about time not pace and you MUST take all your rest days. You'll soon be hooked like the rest of us

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to steviej99

Thanks Stevie! I've been reading some posts and it's lovely to see such a positive and encouraging atmosphere. I completed my third run last night and it felt amazing! I've been very careful to take my rest days though I think I've definitely been bitten by the running bug as I can't wait to get back to it each day I take off!

Congratulations on how far you've come!

steviej99 profile image
steviej99Graduate in reply to EmmaDoesRunning

Thanks and keep up the great running!!

Hi Emma .. I feel the same .. I’ve done week one too.. also on a treadmill .. don’t fancy outside .. not brave enough to run in public! I do feel it’s a bit mind over matter .. if I get up and run first thing ( before I’ve had time to give myself excuses!) I run better then I’m smug all day !! Keep at it ! I find this forum helps motivate me too.. here’s to losing inches !!!

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to

Yes! Aside from the fear of running by myself in the dark, the thought of exercising in front of people (even at the gym) was enough to put me off!

I tend to do my run in the evenings (mostly because I like my bed too much to get up early haha) but running in the morning is something I would like to try.

Pinkybee profile image
PinkybeeGraduate

I am on week 5 and I struggled with week one and didn’t complete the whole run until my 4th attempt.

Just keep going it’s amazing how you progress I promise you if I can run and I’m asthmatic then anyone can.

I run outdoors I can’t run on treadmills and it means I can vary my route then which helps to keep my mind of it. After a couple of weeks when you settle in you won’t care who’s around no one pays much attention any way.

Good luck happy running 😊

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to Pinkybee

Congratulations on reaching Week 5 - that's a fantastic achievement!

I would definitely like to get to the stage where I'm comfortable running outside. Maybe once I'm running for longer periods of time I'll feel better about doing it!

Pinkybee profile image
PinkybeeGraduate in reply to EmmaDoesRunning

My advice would be just do it. I started in very quiet areas like small housing estates or even just a field when it’s not dark then your confidence builds. I’m lucky I live 5 mins from the beach and a nature reserve opposite so I go to either depending on time of day which is quieter.

Kabamalam profile image
Kabamalam

Good for you! I just completed my first run. I heard that the second is a bit more of a kick, as your body is a little fatigued, but it gets better. At least I hope it gets better ;-)

EmmaDoesRunning profile image
EmmaDoesRunning in reply to Kabamalam

I've just finished week 4 and I can definitely confirm it gets better. Keep at it and good luck!

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