Hello!

Hello everyone, I started couch 2 5k last week and completed w2r3 today. I’m 46 and very overweight. My Dad died from a heart attack aged 55 and I don’t want to go the same way so am starting, belatedly, to do something about it! I’ve surprised myself how much I’m enjoying the running, even though my legs feel like lead and like I couldn’t breathe much during w1. The best bit is the buzz I get afterwards! Unbelievably I’ve ordered some Lycra running trousers and some sports t-shirts today! That’s a major achievement considering I was sure I would fail at w1! I’m scared at the thought of the longer run sections but hoping that it’ll all be fine and I’ll continue to get a buzz afterwards which will drive me forwards.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Welcome to running Helen. You’ve done the hardest bit by starting this amazing programme. It certainly is the best thing for your health and the buzz continues through to graduation and beyond. This forum is very supportive and you will get lots of good advice from the admins.

[Hidden in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. One day in and I’m so impressed with how supportive the forum is 😊

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It is great, I didn’t discover it unti I’d done week 7, but I was lucky that my OH was my running buddy and mentor throughout. The forum certainly got me to 10k though and I have met some great virtual running buddies .

[angelbetty Graduate]

Congratulations and well done for getting started! You're doing fantastically! I'm due W7R2 on Monday and I wouldn't have believed i could do this either. Yet here I am running up my local hill with Asthma and Hay-fever! I've even run with a head cold and in sub-zero temperatures! You can do this too! You're already proving it! Good luck with your future runs and I look forward to reading all about your adventures xx

[Hidden in reply to angelbetty]

Thank you angelbetty. You’ve inspired me to keep going especially as I have asthma too! I’m too scared to go out without my inhaler although I think it’s more of a comfort thing than actually needed! I’m so impressed with how supportive the forum is 😊 xx

[angelbetty Graduate in reply to Hidden]

It really is a brilliant place here.

I use my reliever 30mins before I leave and carry it with me during the run every time. It's too risky not too. Better safe than sorry xx

[Hidden in reply to angelbetty]

That’s a great suggestion, I’ll give it a go x

[Sniff]

Well done Helen. I’m part way through. It’s not a breeze but you will be amazed what you can do. X

[Hidden in reply to Sniff]

Thank you for your lovely reply Sniff x

[Hidden]

Well done👏👏👏👏

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Enjoy your journey.

[Hidden in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi IannodaTruffe, thank you for your lovely message and for the link. I read it last night then couldn’t work out how to get back to it so it’s really helpful. 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome along ! You can do this. Take it slow and steady. If it hurts, slow down. If it still hurts, slow down again ! I’m carrying an extra person in fat (I call it Ethel) so if I can do this, you can. Always remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! Enjoy the journey x

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupKid]

Hi ButtercupKid, thank you for your reply which made me laugh, Ethel, brilliant! Thank you for the advice and inspirational words. I’m so impressed with how supportive the forum is 😊 xx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Isn’t it fab ?! I love this forum 💕😄

[Size4]

You certainly will continue to get that buzz afterwards, just stared week 4 today and it was a struggle but it felt great to finish.

But to be honest the struggle doesn’t seem to get worse each week it’s about the same, but I’m running for longer so just keep going. 👍