So glad I started this

[Rainbow72]

This is my first post on the forum. I have been quietly sitting back reading others to get advice as I progress. The posts have been very helpful. When I started C25K back in Feb the longest I had run for (actually slow jog is a more appropriate way to discribe it) was 3mins on the treadmill. Being just into the category of obese this was the longest I had ever jogged for in my entire life. Can’t believe that yesterday I finished Week 6 run 1. I never thought this was achievable and now I think I’m hooked. I had tried a few years ago running outside and failed and gave up when I could not get through week 3. I’m going down the treadmill route this time in the hope that when (see I’m being positive) I graduate I will start to go outside. Just wandering if I will then be better to go back to the early weeks runs to almost start from scratch to build up to outside running which seems so much harder. I am feeling so determined to be in a position to give my local park run a try. I just don’t like failing.

[Zaza0309 Graduate]

I would do whatever you feel comfortable with. We, as we runners are just figuring it out as we go. I find that when I’m running outside the time goes really quickly and it’s easier to breathe.

[Rainbow72 in reply to Zaza0309]

Thanks for your reply Zaza0309. I normally find it harder to breath when running outside but suspect that is because I am not maintaining a consistent pace.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Well done you for really going for this. You could try W6 R1 the run you’ve just done, partly as a confidence building exercise? And/or you could also try the technique shown here - m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...(Not working as expected?) - I swear by this and run the Japanese slow jogging way all the time - this could help you transfer to the harder outside running. Outside running is so lovely, and think of it as a real boost to your fitness! But you could build up to a second graduation if that works for you. I’ve been a fairly cautious runner so far (to prevent injury) so I’d probably aim for something like this. As it was I redid the graduation run again and again after completing c25k- I needed the encouragement and the timings. Good luck over the next few weeks - it’s amazing!!

[Rainbow72 in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thanks DiscoRunner. I just watched the link. Certainly worth a try to see if it is for me. My knees have been tender since the 20 min jog. I’ve invested in some running shoes to get proper support to help with this but this might help also. Thanks for the encouragement and suggestions.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

The transition to outdoors may take a few runs before it becomes comfortable, so if you just lower your expectations to avoid disappointment and set out to see what you can achieve, then you will have made a start.

Enjoy your journey.

[Rainbow72 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you for your advice.

[Ethelbert Graduate]

Have a look at my post from yesterday healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[DiscoRunner Graduate in reply to Ethelbert]

Excellent post!

[Ethelbert Graduate in reply to DiscoRunner]

Why thank you DiscoRunner ☺ Seemed rather relevant as I'd been in the exact same position.

[Rainbow72 in reply to Ethelbert]

Thanks Ethelbert, this sounds like a good approach. When I graduate I will give it a go.

[Ethelbert Graduate in reply to Rainbow72]

Good luck with it - it's definitely working well for me ☺

[Kneecreaker]

Hi, you are doing so well 😀 I’ve done all of my sessions on a treadmill at the gym. I’ve reached Wk7 and found run 1 incredibly boring on the treadmill - it was a real mental hurdle to complete it. I had to cover the display with my towel to stop me looking at it every minute! For W7R2 (yesterday) I tried my first ever outdoors run. It was trickier in terms of having to watch the terrain so as not to stumble etc and there were some gentle inclines that I wouldn’t have had on the treadmill, but the time passed more quickly and being out in the fresh air with a changing environment was great. I think I will try to do my running out of doors now. I did cover less distance in the time as I found it hard to gauge my speed and so was obviously slower compared to setting a constant speed on the treadmill. I was still bright red I th face having completed it so felt it was a good enough effort! Wishing you all the best as you progress through the programme 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️

[Rainbow72 in reply to Kneecreaker]

Thank you Kneecreaker for sharing your experience and the encouragement. You are making me think that maybe I should pluck up the courage to try outdoors before I reach graduation. Sounds like you are doing fantastically well.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Why not try an occasional 1:1 outside now, but keep doing the programme on the treadmill ? A lot of us are shy runners so you’re far from alone, but running outside is much better for your mind and spirit. You may find it easier if you go at a quieter time of day. Many folk run in the early morning; my own ideal time is at dusk. Hope you get out there soon x

[Rainbow72 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks ButtercupKid, everyone is giving me such good advice. I am indeed a shy runner. I know I should not worry about what others think but hard not to be self conscious. I think early morning or dusk sounds a good idea.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Rainbow72]

Eventually you’ll get into things and what other people may think will matter less than doing the run. Some people even stop noticing other folk, except as obstacles to get round ! I haven’t done that, but as someone said the other day, the people you pass don’t know if you’ve been running for 2 minutes or 2 miles and are more likely to be impressed than otherwise. Happy running x