Week one, run two. Hoping it gets easier.

[Izadi77]

Well I have completed runs 1 & 2 of week 1. The first run was awe full. Shins were killing me by the end and had to walk the final minute run.

Run two was better thankfully. Ran all 8 runs, although started a bit too quickly so pace slowed right down at the end 🥴. Plus shin didn’t hurt as much.

Legs feel like jelly though. Hoping it gets easier or my recovery time gets quicker.

Can’t say I’m looking forward to run three, but promised myself I will do it.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

The guide to the plan gives advice on pace healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and you need to slow down to a sustainable, easy conversational pace, which will reduce the impact on your legs.

Each week you get stronger and each week the demands increase......but you will be ready for it.

You will find adjusting your mental approach useful too. If you are not looking forward to the next run then you are much more likely to find excuses not to run and will probably not persists after graduation.

Slowing down makes it much more enjoyable.

[Ex-NonRunner19 Graduate]

I wouldn’t say it gets easier because each session is a step up from the last but each session prepares you for the next ... so as long as you’ve completed a session (no matter how hard it was!) you’re body is ready for the next one. I graduated this week and had very few sessions along the way that felt comfortable ... it’s supposed to be a challenge and it was! My advice is to go really slowly, it’s time jogging that’s key, not speed. Good luck 🤞🏼

[Oldishrunner Graduate]

Well done and keep it up. I'd go with less hard at first and then comes the week when you say that wasn't too bad and a bit later still you realise that went OK and then Laura says you're a Runner! It's a journey and boy will you feel proud!

[Izadi77]

Thanks guys. I will definitely be trying to work on pace and after a rest and shower feeling more positive about run 3 ☺️

[Pinkybee Graduate]

The recovery will get faster the first week I only completed all the runs on the 4th attempt I have asthma and thought I’d never do this.

Iv just got back from week 8 Run 1 28mins of running and my breathing was recovered in under a min and I don’t need my inhaler any more except before I go out.

Stick at it you will feel it get better over the next couple of weeks. Week 3 was when I started to settle in more.

Well done for getting this far 😁

[Davyc01 Graduate]

I start week 9 tonight and your post is exactly how I felt on week 1, there is lots of good advice in the other posts. A big difference for me was going to a running shop and getting advice on shoes. They analysed my running style and got the best shoes for me and my budget. Have a look at some of the videos on youtube on running style as not landing on the correct part of the foot can cause shin pains.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Hi Izadi and welcome to the crazy gang ! Sounds like you’re going at this hard and fast. That’ll cause a lot of impact on your knees and shins, which will hurt. This is meant to be a fitness programme, not a punishment ! As is often said on this forum, embrace your inner snail and slow down a little: you’ll find you actually do better for it. Try to run on softer surfaces where you can, which will also reduce impact. And make use of the repeat function at first while you’re building up stamina and muscle strength. Remember the First Rule of C25k: the only run you fail is the run you don’t go for. You can do this; we’re all behind you ! Take your time and enjoy the journey x

[Summernights Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Just found this post really encouraging, thanks, as I repeated week 4 twice before this week doing run 1 and 2 of W5 . So far, so good and had felt a bit of a failure last two weeks. So for any one else struggling in the middle weeks, keep going, I’m so glad I have. As a non runner for over 35 years if I can keep going I think anyone can! Slimming world body magic bronze award is now mine too! I love stickers even in my mid 50s!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Summernights]

Everyone loves stickers ! You’re having a load of success, Summernights, and it’s worth more because it isn’t all coming easily. Be proud of you !