New here

[seasonsbeauty]

Hi, I’m new here & starting day one tomorrow. Wondering if anyone has any hints and tips please? All advice greatly appreciated ☺️

[Dudwee]

Same as me ..... ready to start week one tomorrow. Good luck

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Dudwee]

Thank you & good luck to you too xx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome.

Most importantly you can do this.

Run this plan comfortably... there is no too slow... but too fast does exist. Check your pace by speaking in full sentences... if you can’t do that, slow down. I learned the hard way that it doesn’t have to hurt 😂

Keep an eye on hydration... I sip water all day every day alongside my normal drinks. Ideally you’ll never be thirsty. You’d be surprised how much hydration makes a difference. If you get it right, you won’t need water on a run during this plan, so it’s one less thing to carry/worry about.

Sometimes we get a day where it’s just not great... maybe we don’t even complete the run... happens to the best of us... don’t be discouraged if/when this happens... it’s not a failure, it’s a practice run that makes us fitter and stronger for the real run.

Always take the rest days... don’t run... don’t do anything that means both feet leave the ground together... but, do some exercise... swim, walk, do strengthening and flexibility exercises (join the strength and flex forum on here) and keep those legs loose.

Believe in yourself... relax before you run. You’re in a position where 30 minutes of running is impossible... it will take a couple of months to be merely challenging... you’ll amaze yourself lots.

Stick to the plan... if you have some left in the tank at the end of the run, that’s cool but still stop.

Enjoy your journey.

[seasonsbeauty in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thankyou, I currently drink a minimum of 2lt water a day & am doing SlimmingWorld along with walking my dogs daily but can’t run even for a full minute.

Now I’ve lost half my excess weight I want to start running with the aim of running 10K eventually.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to seasonsbeauty]

Cool... hydration won’t be an issue then! Congratulations on being half way to your goal on the weight loss. There could be a slowing of that as you start this plan and building muscle... take a tape measure and measure yourself all over. Some weeks the scales may show a number that you’re not happily with, but the tape measure will show you the whole picture... if nutrition is right and you have fat to burn it’s possible to run all week, and gain a pound or two, but be smaller.

If you get the pace right you will most likely be able to do the minute runs. If you can’t this plan will have kept you in cardio for 20 minutes or so tomorrow, and that will make you fitter. Repeat any run you don’t complete... one of my biggest inspirations here took a few weeks to get past week one... and she graduated. Don’t put pressure on yourself... it’s 27 runs... it can be 54, it could even be 270... so long as you don’t quit, you will succeed. As you’ve hit half your weight loss goal while visiting supermarkets and seeing adverts for food that will derail your journey, you obviously have the mental strength to do this.

[seasonsbeauty in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you so much for your tips and advice, your right I CAN DO THIS ☺️

[Sandy2404 in reply to seasonsbeauty]

I’m the same, on slimming world( lost 2 stone) walk dogs, go to gym and swim. Can’t run- I”m on week 2 - runnIng 90 secs- never thought I’d make it to week 2- but I have done. Made the mistake of running in my gym shoes- not good. Been out this weekend and bought some cheap running shoes- what a difference. Didn’t want to spend a lot in case I don’t stick to it but I could see a big difference straight away, Keep going, it will be worth it.

[RunPops Graduate in reply to Sandy2404]

If you can afford it... invest in yourself (not just physically but mentally!) get yourself a decent pair of running shoes, fitted by a proper running shop... they will protect your knees and will keep you running! I’ve never run in my life but am now on Week 7, I bought some expensive shoes in Week 2 - as advised by other runners and physios - and its a joy to put them on every other day. You can do it! You will do it! You are worth it! Happy running to you.

[Tracymed in reply to seasonsbeauty]

I’m exactly the same I joined SlimmingWorld on line and walk my dogs I signed up to the couch 25k in January I walk the dogs then do the run in the beginning it was really hard, but I’ve completed the challenge now and have lost 20lb still have another stone to lose I’ve surprised myself never thought I could run to keep motivated I signed up to a 5k in May and hopefully can do a 10k in September keep thinking I’m smashing it and you will good luck

[Jundal Graduate]

Keep it slow, don't rush and remember that yes, it going to hurt. This is because you're not used to physical exertion yet, like the rest of us when we started, it just takes time. Stick to the programme, trust it, and more than anything else, trust yourself. Your body will adapt quickly, but your mind will try to hold you back. Don't listen. Your body knows better.

And you can do this. But remember: you're a walking self fulfilling prophecy.

You think you can't do it? You're right.

You think you can do it? You're also right.

You're your own greatest ally and worst enemy. Decide which to embrace.

And when you do, run with them by your side, each step of the way.

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Jundal]

Thankyou so much xx

[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.

[seasonsbeauty in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you xx

[Danih82]

Me too we can do this. I’ve never run and I gave up smoking 16 days ago

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Danih82]

Yes, we can definitely do this. Good luck xx

[HuwC Graduate]

Above anything, respect the rest days.

[PocketPA Graduate]

Welcome to this fantastic plan. Take each day as it comes, try not to look forward to your next ‘run’ and keep things nice and steady. I’ve just graduated and have always struggled to run in the past. Trust the plan, it really does work but do try to keep up with it each week as the fitness does build slowly but surely. Enjoy your journey

[Islesrunner Graduate]

Good luck!

I’m on week 6 now.

I found the first run a challenge but the fact that it’s only 60 seconds feels doable.

The feeling of completing the first run is brilliant!

The programme is very clever, it builds your strength to cope with each step up. I felt daunted by each step up until week 4 but each time it was totally fine and by week 4 I was massively enjoying the runs, not just the feeling of finishing a run.

You can do this.

💪

Xx

[Rebounder]

Welcome to this forum and well done on your journey so far. When you have your down days, as you will, a few minutes spent on here will inspire you to get back out there again. People are so supportive - I know it’s helped me. Good luck!

[DellBoy8100 Graduate]

You've probably taken the wisest first step, joining this group! I joined after I started and because I was struggling a bit and wondering if others had the same issues. Of course they did! There is sage advice here and it has really helped me. I'm due to do W9R2 today and I seriously doubted I would get this far at times, but here I am running for 30 minutes. People clearly have different goals, but mine is more about time than distance, that is focusing on running 30 minutes rather than 5K. Having said that, I am covering 5K in total with the walks at either end. Maybe in time the 5K in 30 minutes will come but personally it's more about the exercise.

Most of all have fun. You will succeed.

[Hatman Graduate]

Do read

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It took me a week to find this very helpful page of “Notes to someone about to start c25k”

Take it slowly! Gentle jog is fine to start with. It is worth it!

[Laurzmum Graduate]

Im on week 9. I started with absolutely no fitness at all and about 3stone overweight. If i can do it Anyone can ! Im so slow and i’m not going to ever win a medal. I dont yet love the process of running but each time i run i get more confident and my mind begin to wonder more from how many minutes are left. Go at your pace and follow the plan youll be just fine !

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Laurzmum]

You're a winner to us so here's your medal 🎖

And in a week you will get a nice shiny graduate badge 😊

[Laurzmum Graduate in reply to Jogunlikely]

Thank you. That is such a lovely reply ❤️❤️❤️. 🏅

[Longdog27]

My 1st day today too, good luck x

[YellowBlackBumblebee]

I did week 1 run 1 last week, annoyingly haven’t managed to fit in run 2 yet! I’ve signed myself up for a fun run at Easter to give myself a goal! Go for it!

[Myzinnyboy Graduate]

Well done one giving the plan a go . I’m on week 2 just done run 1 and it does get easier

My tip is get your gear ready the night before . I go early so can’t cope with rushing around looking for shoes dog lead phone etc!

[Jogunlikely Graduate in reply to Myzinnyboy]

I have a special draw in my hallway with my running gear in it. Not being naturally organised I have found this a tremendous help not just in terms of knowing where everything is but also treating my gear with respect makes me value myself and the running more. I can't articulate it very well nut I hope you get the drift

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I started recently - take it slow, slow, slow! And enjoy it!

[Pianism Graduate]

Congratulations on making the decision to start. This programme is so amazing!

I'm sure my advice echoes everyone else's - stick to the programme, repeat runs or have extra rest where necessary but don't give in to excuses. Slow and steady. Don't doubt yourself or the programme - certain weeks may look daunting but the programme has ensured you are ready for them.

Why not set a date for graduation now and tell people around you - I found that very motivating.

Proper trainers... and some nice dayglo socks!

The main one - enjoy yourself.

I'm looking forward to seeing your updates as you go on this amazing journey. Good luck!

[Munchbunch7]

Agree with everyone already replied- invest in some decent trainers (and padded socks) - you wont believe the difference and cheap trainers will result in sore knees, back and ankles. Good luck - this programme really works

[ThermoWoman]

Wear layers, good upbeat music and enjoy the scenery, keep a smile on your face and before you know it you will be cooling down. Good luck x

[johnt46 Graduate]

Well done for starting this program, just take note of everything that every one else has said. They know!! They've been there! But "slowdown" is the keyword

[Snailspace03 Graduate]

Hi. Congratulations. I start week 9 on Wednesday and can't believe that i can actually run for 28 minutes. My advise would be believe in the plan and in yourself and take it a week at a time. Just focus on one run at a time and it will all come together as the weeks go by. Good luck and happy running.

[Sweatylady Graduate]

Well done for joining you will do more than you ever thought possible!

[seasonsbeauty]

Well I did it and surprised my self by running the full amount each time ☺️

[Anna675 Graduate in reply to seasonsbeauty]

Woohoo 🎉 that’s fantastic!! And you’ve just done the hardest part ...actually going out and doing the first run! Well done and enjoy your journey 😊

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Anna675]

Thank you, really enjoyed it too

[Nonrunnerep in reply to seasonsbeauty]

Well done! When I did SW my consultant always said you get a gain when you first start exercising, so if you do don't let it out you off, I saw someone else said measure yourself, this is great advice. Also don't make the running about your weight loss x

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Nonrunnerep]

As long as I get to my target in the long run I don’t mind a gain heart & there ☺️

[Katnap Graduate]

Keep posting as you progress. Good day / bad day.... it doesn't matter.

Try running mornings and evenings to see what feels best for you.

Enjoy!

😸 Katnap 😸

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Katnap]

Thanks, mornings are better whilst kids are in school.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to seasonsbeauty]

That little bit of time for yourself!? Excellent. Good luck!

[seasonsbeauty in reply to Katnap]

Yes definitely 🤣 I take one of the dogs to, couldn’t do it on my own due to anxiety

[Katnap Graduate in reply to seasonsbeauty]

Oh bless you. Running for exercise also has mental health benefits.

Use the advice from the earlier posts from UNM and Ian on how to do C25K.

You can and WILL do it. Go girl! 😁