Hi everyone

[Tcbob22j]

Just got the app.

Gonna do my first step on Saturday.

Any advice to keep motivated

Hope everyone is okay.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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

Once you start you will be motivated..........it works!

Enjoy your journey.

[Laurzmum Graduate]

Try music. Make up a playlist of songs of motivate you along. Try to set days to run and stick to it if you can. If i can do it anyone can !! 🏃🏻‍♂️

[JaoJao]

My only advice is to read the FAQ blog post link and you will be all set! This is a wonderful place to get support, advice and everyone will be cheering you on!

[Katiepops Graduate]

Keep checking in on this forum. There’s so much knowledge, advice and support here, you can’t help but finish. You’ve picked a good time of year with the weather getting better.

My advice is don’t try to do too much too soon. The programme works. We’re all living proof. The hardest part is starting.

If you have someone to run with, great but not essential. Some people like music. I couldn’t keep earphones in!

Find nice places to run. Ignore spectators (unless they’re supportive) most people won’t notice you. Most of those that do will smile.

Don’t look too far ahead on the programme. It makes you nervous. Believe in it, it will build you up. And seriously don’t worry about w5r3. It’s a piece of cake when you get there. Repeat weeks if you need to, but you probably won’t. Take your rest days. They are important. But you can do low impact stuff (swim, bike, yoga or whatever) on those days.

Sorry about the ramble! Good luck.😊

[Fatfred2slim]

You're going to doubt your sanity at times but keep going.

Push it that last little bit when you feel you want stop and cry. Prepare yourself for bad days when even the walk seems to much.

Now you're prepared, go and enjoy it.

I found all of the above to be true BUT when you're struggling distract yourself, use different music, fiddle with your watch whilst running, do anything to distract and you will find it easier.

I listen to heavy guitar based music with a heavy rhythm. I can then run to the music whilst singing not just listen to it.

Look at something in the distance and be amazed when it gets closer quickly.

Take your rest days seriously, they will help. Don't do more than the course.

Enjoy and keep telling yourself that your benefitting from running.

Above all ENJOY IT.

[Kashaw]

Listen to your favourite music and dont change the style if music half way through. It loses yiur interest and focus. If you have a favourite type of music or playlist it really keeps you focused and in time.

Also, position your body properly, by that I mean keep your torso upright, shoulders back and relaxed and head up looking straight ahead not down. Imagine there is a rope attached to the top of your head pulling your entire upper body upwards to keep it all straight and in line. This really helps me to keep a steady pace and to not feel out of breath, it makes breathing easier and allows you to focus on the road ahead as if you are running into something good if you get my drift. Dont overstride either, dont try to go too fast cos you'll get tired and your legs will hurt too much. Short strides and slow. Over time you will get faster and longer strides but if you overdo it to begin with you'll regret it and will revert back a week or so. Last thing, enjoy it. It's pretty addictive once you start. Make sure you set out days beforehand to make sure you stick to your 3 days a week. From setting off, doing your run and doing the stretches you're looking in total at around 45 mins including stretches. So not too bad. Make sure as well that you've not eaten for at least an hour and a half, unless it's some fruit or something light. It will slow you down and will make you feel sluggish. Good luck with it! And well done for starting. 👍🏼

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

One run at a time, slow and steady, repeat runs/weeks if you need to, take the rest days and follow the programme exactly as written. As others have said, music, podcasts or whatever you need to keep you going, even if that is the sounds of the streets or countryside around you to give you headspace. That way you will finish without injuries! If you look at this forum there are loads and loads of us who never believed we could do it, but we have and have discovered an unexpected love of running. Good luck!