Week1 complete

[Real_Couch_potato]

After my first run I was walking on air and felt so proud that I didn’t keel over! But just now I found wk1 run 3 harder than wk 1 run 1! I was limp running half way through! Does it get harder before it gets easier? When did it start getting easier for other exercise newbies?

[Harleysfield Graduate]

Just completed week 2 run 1!!! I repeated week 1 run 3 as I stopped just before the last 1 minute run due to nausea. Found that really hard and harder than the first two. However, the repeat on Tuesday went well and I have been chomping at the bit to move to week 2. Due to other commitments I had 2 rest days and have just been out and feeling great, although it was hard at the time ... onwards to W2R2! And this is someone who has not run for 30 years and hated it then in my school days!

[Real_Couch_potato in reply to Harleysfield]

Well done you for feeling so positive about wk2!! Yeh I guess there are just some runs that are going to be challenge! Onwards and upwards! Time to get game face on for wk2!!

[Scarlet48]

I think it can just depend on the day. I found my second run horrendous, barely finished. But seem to be recovering a little quicker each time.

Trying to stick with healthy eating too so hopefully that will help.

[misswobble Graduate]

Week 1. It’s no surprise you find it difficult. It’s new. Your body isn’t used to the new exertion

As you go carefully through the sessions you get stronger, and your body starts getting used to it. going slow is key! Slower is better for this caper 💪😃👍

[Real_Couch_potato in reply to misswobble]

Thanks!! Slow and steady wins the race!!... 💪 (😭 lol)

[misswobble Graduate]

It absolutely does. It keeps You injury free hopefully as well 👍

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Week one is hard... run 1 isn’t something the body is expecting, it’s a tough run... then a rest day and another run! I was 30 years between runs up to run one... and yeah, run 3 can be tougher... we are starting to build fitness and part of fitness is a lowering of recovery time... I think week one is the hardest week in that respect. The other thing if you add up the time from start to end of the session, you’ll see very little change throughout the plan, sometimes it goes down... but then the jump from 0 to week 1 is huge, by far the biggest jump in activity you’ll ever do on a running plan.

You can do week 2, and it starts to get easier soon, depends on a few factors, but it will come.

[Real_Couch_potato]

Thanks!! True biggest jump in activity levels since forever! Trying to keep a positive mindset and injury free! Going to start doing some stretches to see if that helps!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

There are many variables that can affect your running.......... restedness, hydration and nutrition being obvious factors.

Enjoy your journey.

[Kalabria Graduate]

Hi there . I have just finished wk 2 run 1 . I found it quite difficult but slowing down made it much easier (not that I run fast ... it’s going from jogging slow to jogging Very slow) . Just remember it isn’t a race and don’t think you have to look like a pro. I found I would speed up if I saw someone !! And that made it difficult. So now (on only my fourth jog) I ignore everything that is going on around me and go at a pace that I can cope with. I’m loving it because....... I don’t know ..... I’m doing it for me . I smoke drink and I’m overweight. Since I started I smoke less and drink less and I’m feeling really positive. Good luck and keep me up to date! And when I’m needing encouragement...... HELP 😂

[Real_Couch_potato in reply to Kalabria]

Argh so now I know why the 3rd run was so hard... i am so unhealthy my poor lower legs buckled under the weight of everything north! I gave myself shin splints... 🙄 buying compression socks to use when running and working on leg exercises!!

You should feel positive sounds like you’re doing great and most importantly keeping yourself injury free 🙈

Onwards and upwards we can do this 💪

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hi!! Well done you for completing W1!! Brilliant!🤩 It will get easier I promise you! The main thing is to take it slow and if you think your slow or even too slow, you’re doing it exactly right!!

Dont push, it’s all coming together perfectly. Your body gets stronger as you go through the programme. Relax and have fun!! You’ve got a lot of great runs ahead!! ❤️

[Real_Couch_potato in reply to Fabulous450]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement 💕

[Chris141 Graduate]

I too have completed W1R3,this morning, and found it the hardest of the three! I found myself running faster earlier on, my bod was just moving naturally BUT suffered for it later in the run! Finished OK but thighs are screaming at me now! Slow and steady is definatly the way!

[Real_Couch_potato in reply to Chris141]

I didn’t do any stretches before hand, did you? I thought the 5 min warm up walk would be enough... I feel awful for getting shin splints! Waiting for my compressions socks to arrive!! Stay injury free unlike me and good luck on your journey!!

[Chris141 Graduate in reply to Real_Couch_potato]

Yes I did a few stretches but like you the 5 min walk is supposed to be the warm up!