Struggling

[BettyBoom]

Still havent managed to get out and do my first "run"

Anxiety, back ache.... I just need to go and do it!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Don't over think it just go out and do it you might even enjoy it. Come back and let us know how you get on 😊😊

[Redellie65]

Go and do it .... u will be so pleased when u have 😊

[Debston Graduate]

Understand the anxiety thing. I find just not thinking too hard helps me, sort of tricking myself... Could you try putting your running gear on and telling yourself that you're just going to do the 5 minutes warm up walk and see how you go? Then start running if you find you want to. And if you really don't want to, just enjoy a nice walk, checking out a potential running route?

I reckon once you get outdoors, in your gear, that's half the battle done.

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

What are you worried about? That you might not complete the first run? So, have a rest day and try again. That someone will notice you? So, you’ll be gone by in a second, and maybe you’ll inspire them!

One of the many (and there are many) benefits to c25k is that very quickly you start to get the mental wellbeing benefits of running - if really does help to lessen anxiety. You will also notice lots of physical changes too - more stamina, more tone & strength.

Key tips from me - learn to run slowly- your brisk walk can be faster than your run! If you’re getting out of breath - slow down some more! Drink plenty of water on rest days and run days. We all had fears to start with - but just as c25k changed me, it can change you. I was about to hit 53, was really unfit - if I can do it, you can do it. It’s such an incredible journey - join us! Do your first run and then come and tell us how it was (and then I can post the youtube film of the Japanese slow jogging technique to help you run even slower!!) x

[K9jam]

Got mine tomorrow, I'm not thinking about it. Just going to give it a go.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read this post about mental approach healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this.

[Algernon_Moncrieff]

It’s a cliche but the hardest thing about going out for a run is to fight the urge not to it your trainers on.

If you don’t feel ready to do it then why not get your trainers on and go for a 20 min brisk walk 2 or 3 times a week that gets you out there and mirrors the sort of times that you are out with the early C25K runs.

If it helps listen to some music or concentrate on a podcast, do something that makes the walk enjoyable and makes you look forward to doing it, once you find yourself looking forward to the whole 20 mins of pure “you” time the you can introduce the C25K runs into it.

The week by week escalation seems frightening and impossible if you’ve not done it before, but you’ll be amazed of what you would be able to achieve each week, if a week seems a struggle then just repeat it before until you are comfortable to move to the next, there’s no rule to say you have to do it in 9 straight weeks.

If you are worried about aches and pains, then get yourself a reasonably good pair of running shoes as they’ll help cushion some of the impact, if you are lucky enough to have a specialist running shop near you then get them to help you fit them, they don’t have to cost the earth when you are starting out.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I took nine weeks of repeats to conquer week 1, and you won’t be as bad as that ! Just remember the First Rule of C25k: The only run you fail is the run you don’t go for ! You can do this - but only if you get out there. We’re all here cheering you on x