New runner

[Fuzzotter]

Hi guys, just found this community. I'm almost 50 and didn't think I'd be able to run but I'm on w5r2. I'm not looking forward to R3 which is 20 mins straight! I'm running on hills so struggling with that a bit.

[Khobarrunner Graduate]

Hi Fuzzotter, I’m a couple of years behind you and was really worried about the 20minute run. It just seems to come from nowhere compared to what has been done previously. Just go at a pace your comfortable with and I’m sure you’ll be able to do it.

I’m now on week 9 with just the last run to do for graduation. If I can get here anyone can.

Keep at it!

[Fuzzotter in reply to Khobarrunner]

Congratulations on reaching graduation! Thanks for the advice I am looking forward to it now!

[ItstheMarchHare Graduate]

I remember lying in bed on the morning of W5R3 thinking I might just give up, but I went out anyway - and it turned into my favourite run! Now on W7 and loving it 😊

[Fuzzotter in reply to ItstheMarchHare]

I am enjoying the program too and the more I read the more excited I am about 20 mins!

[blackcatgib Graduate]

I kept putting it off and thinking it was too hard , then I did it and realised I was a runner after all !!

Trust your body and trust the programme- you will be amazed and delighted I bet xxxx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’re letting the brain think too much... it’s the first double digits run, and it should therefore start with a 1 right? You just did a longer workout, two 8 minutes with a brisk walk in between... your heart rate was raised for more than 20 minutes, your legs and lungs worked for more than 20 minutes.... they have 20 minutes no problem. It’s a mental test. Kept the pace down, and be ready to dig deep in the last couple of minutes, and tell yourself how far you’ve come and that you can and will do this.

Edit: just noticed you’re doing the one before still. Only think about the next step, that’s how your legs work, one step at a time.

[Fuzzotter in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you, I am actually looking forward to it thanks to you guys. I did enjoy the 5x5x5 mins last night.

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

And forget the age thing too. I am 14 years ahead of you and only started in May this year. On track for my first 10k now. Big thing is keep the pace really slow. Running for the stated time, however slowly you do it, gives confidence. You can gradually pick up the pace when you are ready. 😊 Apologies; I am 16 years ahead of you ; clearly my brain is slowing more quickly than my legs 😉.

[molly1973 Graduate]

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

This was shared recently and I think is a pinned post by IannodaTruffe: it’s excellent and really helped me rationalise my worries about week 5. I am one run behind you and looking forwards to 2x 8 mins later this morning 👍

[Fuzzotter in reply to molly1973]

Thanks Molly, that was inspiring. Good luck with your 8x2 later, mine will be tomorrow or Thursday, I want to do 20x1 in daylight at the weekend!

[Nita49 Graduate in reply to molly1973]

Agree, great post by Iannodatruffe (c25k's yoda in my book 👍)

Really helped me think about Wk5 R3, and I loved every minute of it 💪👏🏃‍♀️

[SarahBrown Graduate]

I’m 52 and never, ever thought I could do this. I’m now on w9r1 and feeling so good about myself. I’ve also lost over a stone in weight since starting c25k. Run 3 is a bit of a shock, but the feeling you get when you’ve completed it is amazing. Good luck and push through it! X

[Fuzzotter in reply to SarahBrown]

Hi Sarah, thanks for the encouragement, feeling good about yourself is what this is all about. I am looking forward to being able to pull on a pair of trainers and just run for an hour.

[juliet2018]

Hi there, I just completed w5r3 and it was easier than I thought and I’m also running on hills. I really didn’t think I would manage it but I did! I was dreading it and thought no way can I run for 20 mins! The thought is definitely worse than the reality. The program really does work! Good luck and don’t believe your mind.

[Fuzzotter]

Thanks Juliet, I do trust the plan, it is working for me. I am thinking the first hill is going to prevent me from keeping going with no chance to rest by walking. I am planning (for this one) on going somewhere flat to run.

[Bloodhound1]

Look forward to the 20 mins. It’s an anticlimax - all mental -as physically you will not find it that difficult after what you have already achieved. And if I, as an overweight 68 yo, can get through it so can you. Just go for it and don’t worry just enjoy

[Fuzzotter]

Thanks Mr Dawg, I have had so much encouragement here I want to get out and do it now. Alas, I am in work, still aching from last nights run and I sill have one to do before 20 mins!

[quirkybee Graduate]

Hey Fuzzotter welcome to this wonderful running world of ours. You're doing great attempting those hills, so we'll done to you. Hope you enjoy our friendly banter and look forward to hearing about your running stories 🏃🏃😁👍

[Fuzzotter]

Thanks for the friendly welcome Quirkybee am loving the banter and encouragement on here. I am inspired to get out and run even though the dark nights make you feel like curling up & watching TV. I don't really have any stories yet but I've discovered how much better I feel be keeping hydrated.

[Nita49 Graduate]

Welcome 🖐️

Let us know how you get on 👍, good runs and not so good runs...

Enjoy your running journey 🏃

[Ceri1969 Graduate]

Yes listen to unfitnomore, R3 is a mental test, you’ve already run for longer already. Xxx

[Fuzzotter in reply to Ceri1969]

Thanks Cerri, I will be mentally prepared and physically advantaged by keeping away from the hills!

[Ceri1969 Graduate in reply to Fuzzotter]

It just felt odd to run for longer than 8 mins. Actually it was easier than running and then stopping and then starting again . Definitely more of a mental challenge than a physical one

[Fuzzotter in reply to Ceri1969]

Well I have the 8x5x8 run tomorrow night then the 20 minutes run for Saturday - unless I get too excited Friday evening!! 😁🏃

[Ceri1969 Graduate in reply to Fuzzotter]

😂😂😂