Starter

[Chunkybutfunky]

I have just started this programme and I thought the first day of the week was horrendous!! I was so out of breath and my legs were shaking and that was only day one. Is this normal and will I get better? Thanks x

[Genealogist Graduate]

Well done for starting! I started five weeks ago... now on week four ....and I could only run for 20 seconds at a time. It does get better!

[Sybilw Graduate]

Short answer is yes and yes!!! Lots of us start as complete non runners and struggle at the start but fear not! This is a gradual plan that is proven to work. You need to do your bit by believing you CAN do it (a lot of the hurdles are as much mental as physical). You’ll have good and bad runs but that’s what happens. If it feels too much just repeat a few runs. That’s fine. Do it at your pace (as slow as you need). That is both in terms of running speed and weeks spent to get to the end. Share successes and problems here and you WILL do this. Good luck.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome and well done. Shaking legs after a run are often a sign that hydration isn’t quite up enough. Could be a lack of electrolytes too, and maybe glycogen.

Can you run slower? That should help with the breathing.

[Tartancat Graduate]

The first run is the hardest! It's a huge shock to the system.

Make sure you're well hydrated all day every day, and run really slowly - I mean really really slowly.

Hopefully your next one will be easier 😊

[emct64 Graduate]

Totally mirrors my experience. But I’ve just finished W8. Stick with it - it works. It’s not easy, but it is doable. All the best for next run

[Gonnatri Graduate]

As others have said the short answer is yes and yes.

You may be going too fast this will burn your legs out very quickly and leave you shaking. Try increasing your walking pace to the point where you can only go faster by starting to jog... that’s probably the sort of pace you need to start running at.

I’ve never been able to run for long but 3 weeks in the program feels like it’s working for me. Stick with it, if I was to try the week 1 runs now they wouldn’t faze me at all.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes it does get easier I started 6 weeks ago and had never run before just slow down and take your time and your body will adjust to your new exercise . Good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

I would bet that you were going too fast. Read the guide to see what pace you should be running at.

Enjoy your journey.

[Jell6 Graduate]

Yes, at least that was my experience.

Great that you have started. Drink well especially the day before a run, and go very slowly 🐌🐌🐌🐌