A beginner

[First-time]

Hello, i am a total novice runner starting couch to 5k this afternoon. Have lost 4 stone with i think 4 more to loose but wanted to start adding exercise in to it. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you

[Crossbill Graduate]

Well done for losing weight - and for getting ready to do the Couch to 5K! I am only on week 4 and am a complete beginner so I don't know much about running but the things I found helpful at the start were: shopping around for good shoes (but not paying a lot for them - thank goodness for web shopping), wrap up really warm (especially your chest) if you are running at this time of year (especially if you get a bit wheezy sometimes), find somewhere you like running (this was really important for me) and don't be tempted too run too fast - take it easy on yourself so you can keep ticking through the runs....good luck!

[Animalscientist]

I just completed my first run, definitely wish I had put something on my ears! And don’t run too fast, I only realised at the end that I could get to the end of the 60 seconds without being in pain if I slowed down a bit 😂 good luck!

[BlueBessie]

I'm on week 4. I have never ran in my life (even in PE at school). I've tried doing c25k a few times before and always gave up in the second week. I think your mind has to be in it more than anything. I really had to push myself to keep going in week 3 but now I feel better than ever. It's definitely worth sticking with.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome. Great job on that weight loss... this journey will take the same skills as that one has... you have to be determined, take the odd setback, and just keep going. So, you have what it takes to do this... which means you will. Enjoy this journey.

A little cautionary note though, starting to do this will slow your weight loss... running will build muscles, and burn fat... so you could be used to losing 2 pounds a week and see 0 loss or even a little gain some weeks... don’t panic, you’ll be toning up. I’d advise using a tape measure if you aren’t already. The scales show a small part of the picture... the tape measure will show a lot more.

Happy running.

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Yes I agree with you I lost 2 stone before starting c25k with brisk walking then starting running and my weight loss slowed down a bit but my body shape is changing and looking really good

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Which I believe is most important... it’s possible to be perfect BMI and totally unhealthy... and some athletes would fall in at least overweight and yet be very healthy. If you’re active and the mirror says it’s going in the right direction then it certainly is.

[welsby1967 Graduate]

Massive congrats on your weight loss and the key is this is your fitness journey take it at your pace and you will do well - getting on here is great for motivation just reading other people’s journeys is so inspiring x

Best of luck

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Just start running and don't be to concerned about what the scales say my weight loss has slowed down a bit but my body shape has totally changed good luck

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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

Enjoy your journey.