Really enjoying the start but worrying that I won’t get any better, feel so unfit
W1R2: Really enjoying the start but worrying... - Couch to 5K
W1R2
![Audreyxxx profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5c14a0d7f348e40e20166e5b29026e1b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Audreyxxx profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5c14a0d7f348e40e20166e5b29026e1b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
![Buddy34 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/e08785ae53ff79fd7e4b23dae08aa3f3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You will get better the more practice you have 😊
![Trying83 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/985d6ec7618cefd01248bea73ba63b4b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You really will get fitter, I started week 3 today, and I amazingly got through it when alls I kept thinking today was "how am I going to run 3 minutes straight". I wouldn't say it was easy but it wasnt horrendous, take it one run at a time, dont think too far ahead, totally can do it
![Twinkle_toes1 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/86e56b1d19964ff39e52388aa0d033bb_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Hi Audrey, i just had exactly the same thought after doing wk 1 run 2. So many people have successfully graduated so we must just put our faith in the process. We can do this 👍
![AndyB73 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/fb8f309be784400bba08b5071d054c70_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
It's very common to feel like that. I certainly did. You've taken the hardest step of all by starting though. Stick with it, you'll be fine.
![Jonno34 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/7d28686373300561c78e13fb0db2f9a9_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Give it time, do your best and if you have to consolidate by repeating runs. You are getting fitter and every run you do us an achievement.
![Lib75 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/01ebb859988e426ab9117e3fe217c8a3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I felt exactly the same as you and now I run 35 minutes 3 times a week. You do feel fitter I promise ☺
The hardest part of the run can often be getting to the front door. Trust the process and repeat a week if needed. We believe in you 😀
![Audreyxxx profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5c14a0d7f348e40e20166e5b29026e1b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Thank you for your kind words
![Scojac profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/d590fee1917e48c68ac5f202bb2fadc4_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I felt like that too. Am now on w5R1. U can do it keep going
![JennyB48 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/12c10ea35d833b667c9bbb5a70461f9d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
It will get better. I am at the end of Week 4 and in Week 1 I was struggling to run for 60 seconds let alone 5 minutes. I never thought I would be able to run for 16 mins but now I can. Stick with the plan and remember not to go too fast. I can walk faster than I jog but it's about pacing yourself and managing your breathing as that makes it so much easier. Keep going!
Morning Audrey.
Don't listen to the naughty gremlins in your head!! They need to be squashed flat!!
I'm in Week 3 and listen to the calming voice of the lovely Laura on the NHS app. She encourages me along and keeps telling me I am making progress - I believe every word she says!
Trust the process and keep posting your progress on the forum. Everyone here will cheer you on! You can do it!! 🤗
![Audreyxxx profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5c14a0d7f348e40e20166e5b29026e1b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Thank you! I went for Sarah, who I quite enjoy at the moment thank you!
![itshelsbels profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3b491f75fa6bc1c7efc09359ffdd5618_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Hi. I did W6R3 yesterday (won’t spoiler alert but it sounded like a loooooong way to me!) I had the same fears as you (and still do from time to time) but the programme really works. Just enjoy each run as it come along without getting too far ahead mentally. You can do it!
![glentoran99 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/64c29e19be01ed6df68318ddac50927f_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
When I started I couldn’t get to the end of those first minutes.. I started July 2018.. last week I ran 5K in 25:36 trust the plan. Your doing great and ignore gremlins telling you that you can’t do it
![ArthurJG profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/6a5ea443af0a257f8c90db9fd9596dd2_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You will get better. That’s exactly the point of the training you are doing. Each week prepares you for the challenge of the next which is why the advice above about not thinking too far ahead is so sound. If week 5 for example looks beyond you that’s because you wouldn’t be able to do it today but you’re not expected to do it today - you’re expected to do it after another month of training and both your body and your mind will be stronger by then. You can do this.
![IannodaTruffe profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/3f4bb9be0d77359f644e07c022a99698_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
C25K works.......... so believe it!!
This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
You can do this.
I’m definitely not the fittest by a long way but have just finished week 2 - week 3 is scaring me a little but just taking it one run at a time! As the App says “your doing great!!”
Week 3 is just week 2 with shorter walks - you still only run for 9 minutes in total. You’ll be fine.
I started 12 months ago like you. Now I’m doing my first half soon, stick at it, you’ll be amazed.
![Serenity0365 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/91e00765d4df1d8140a67d67f83ad94b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Yesterday evening I also completed W1R2 and yes gremlins in the head were chattering. Fears of falling over, getting run over by a car when crossing road, all remote possibilities. So I am planning to focus on looking at the ground on bumpy terrain and wait, jumping up and down, whilst cars pass before safe to cross. I will push through this and go on to achieve 5K and graduate, as you can and will Audrey.
![Laurzmum profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/912feba42edb4809a8f05bc44e2fd565_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You will and you can !! Slow down. I know you might think you cant go any slower but you can. I didnt even own trainers when i started and graduated a few weeks ago. Alot of this challenge is a mental one. Slow and steady and you can defo do it !!! Keep going girl 🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️🏃🏻♀️
Thank you so much it’s definitely a mental one which sounds silly but it is!
Totally mental challenge. I did 5.5k on monday night. Last night i had a short 2.5k run but when i got to the end of it i thought i couldnt have run a minute longer ,, same pace but different mindset !!!
![Fingersx profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/92812cc3ad914178b9ca3e57bf26be74_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You CAN do it ... I could barely run the 1 minute when I started out so please keep with it you will surprise yourself. (I cant believe I managed to graduate but did & I’m still going 💪🏻 !!!
🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️🏃🏼♀️
😊
I have w1r2 to do this evening, I had scheduled it for yesterday but had awful headache after work. I enjoyed being out, but I'm still a little achey. I too feel like I'm never going to be fit enough to complete the course, or even comfortably run for a 60 seconds!
That’s exactly how I felt, but it does get easier. I went out this morning and did 25mins without stopping. If you had told me I could do that 6 weeks ago I would not have believed it. Just keep plodding and enjoy each run as best you can, and remember to say well done to yourself with each run you complete. It’s a wonderful journey you have begun.
![ReturningRunner profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ece007ea5823cd2b1fcf8444367a559b_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Stick with it, consistency is key. Everyone has felt like that at some point
![Stevieplink profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/343b40125f980b6a3f8d9a2294441edf_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Pretty much what everyone is saying. I did wk2 r1 today the thought of running that extra 30 seconds filled me with dread, but here i am having completed it and surprisingly I don't feel too bad physically. Take it easy and if i can get my 16 and a half stone through it you will be fine
I thought the very same and guess what I’m on W3R3 tomorrow and it gets easier and you’re stamina will improve trust the program it works and take different routes 😉🏃♀️
![Lovemyrun profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/ab252107af98cb029b023d876e3d0159_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I found the first week the hardest but trust me it will get better as u get fitter and of course the weather will hopefully get warmer which makes it nicer to go out. Good luck with the programme. It works. I graduated on Tuesday!
![Pianism profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/d1b7764df32f951b1738aac7254d4077_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
I felt like a complete fraud in week 1 (and still do now to some extent). My only advice, is to take it slow and look after your body - the main thing is to just get through those runs without injury, no matter how slow or ungainly or unfit you might feel. In no time at all you will be getting your graduate badge and thinking of anything under 30 minutes being a short run! I know it sounds impossible now, but this programme is simply amazing, as are you. You've got this and we are so proud of you.
Don't worry, Audrey , you've made start and that's good. Keep going and you'll find yourself getting fitter.👌
It definitely gets better. Every new week I find myself being less out of breath even though I run for longer! Stick to it!!
![TigerBiscuit profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/217c4e0e04c953640a815f6af9697ca7_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done for starting, Audrey. You will get better and you will start to enjoy it more. Every week is a new challenge, but the program is designed to build fitness and stamina, so trust and enjoy