Newbie and 1st run completed!! Need some advice from the good people on here

[JD73]

Hi guys,

I just completed my first run of Week 1 and feel great, exhausted but great! I logged onto this forum a lot prior to going out to get some courage so thanks! I have some questions which I hope you guys can help me with.

1. I chose to wear a zippy top because I needed to put my phone into the pockets, but the zippy top flapped around a lot while I was running. What do you guys use as I don't want to hold my phone in my hand and run. I don't mind buying a good running top which can hold my house keys as well (today I had to hide them in my garden under a stone!!!)

2. Are there any good music running tracks/albums that you'd recommend?

3. Is there anywhere to get diet/food advice to go along with the Couch to 5k app as I don't want to undo the work I've just done?

4. What do you guys do when you get thirsty on a run as I don't want to run with a water bottle in my hand?

Thanks guys! Can't wait for run two on Sunday!

Kind regards

J

x x

[Hidden]

Hi, Welcome to the forum. Glad you enjoyed the first run. If you look at the pinned posts there is a really great guide to the programme that will answer all of your questions. I have a flip belt, which is a stretchy belt with various slots for whatever you need to take with you and a clip to attach your keys. Have a look on amazon.

You don't need to change your diet at all (unless you want to of course) ay=t this stage. There are for a on Health Unlocked for weight loss and healthy eating.

The trick with water, is to make sure that you are well hydrated all the time, you won't need to take water until you are going way further.

As for music have a look at spotify maybe. I also like listening to audio books for longer runs as I get bored.

[JD73 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen. Really useful. I'll look into the belt on Amazon.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Hey welcome to an amazing journey!

1 I use a money belt that I had, that works fine.

2. I run slowly and found a lot of music the bpm were too fast and I was getting really puffed out. So I got a Disco Classic album (hence my name!) and it’s uplifting without being too fast.

3. As helenwheels says you don’t need to change - you certainly don’t need extra calories to do this. Just start making healthier choices where you can and a lot of us have found the more of this we do we start making better choices about portions and healthier options.

4. You shouldn’t need water on this but still well hydrated on run days and rest days. A side point rest days are essential not optional! All the good work of muscle building (and most of the other benefits) is done on the rest days. You can do other exercise though, just not running. I’m currently adding durations to one run a week and have a small hand bottle for hot days (but like a donut) but it’s small, and I don’t fill it up as the weight can effect your arm position. You won’t need this for awhile.

Well done on your first run - that’s the hardest one. And as you progress don’t be worried about slowing down - your brisk walk can be faster than your run! Good luck!

[JD73 in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks! Some great advice especially about the rest days in between. I'll make sure that I don't overdo it.

[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.

[JD73 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That's great! Thank you.

[ChiMum]

Hi JD73,

I have a Velcro phone holder which goes around my arm and I slip my door key/bank card in it too if I need them. It’s closer to my ears so I can here the directions especially road side, I don’t use head phones as run with my son.

Clothing tends to be a running top, long sleeves so the phone holder don’t irritate my arm (Aldi current selling some at £6.99 and really comfy).

I’m on week 6 run 3 and as yet haven’t felt the need for any water, I make sure I drink plenty throughout the day, always have a bottle to hand and so far haven’t needed to take with me or get any stitches while running.

I’m currently a member with Slimming world, I want to lose a stone as well as get fit, the losses are small and steady but the inch loss is definitely happening.

Music I have is just my favourite music which puts me in a happy place and takes my mind off the runs, I download from Spotify and use that.

Good luck moving forward, it’s a great app and I never thought I’d be running the distances I am now 6 weeks ago. I feel so much fitter and energised.

[JD73 in reply to ChiMum]

Thanks ChiMum, that is some great advice and I'll definitely check out Aldi's range. I have lots of gym gear, but nothing suitable for running. I hadn't considered that there was such a thing as a velcro phone holder so I'm excited about that. I'm hoping to lose a couple of stone as well and have considered Slimming World (heard many good things about them), but I thought I'd see how much weight I am able to lose with just running first. Thanks again.