First time runner: Hi I completed my first run... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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First time runner

Chunkyrunner43 profile image
22 Replies

Hi I completed my first run today having down loaded the app about a year ago!

I’m very over weight very unhealthy and have various health conditions so decided to take the plunge.

I went in hard on my first run and thought I was going to die particularly as recovering from a chest infection, the next couple runs I went very easy but found a rhythm that suited and I completed it, I’m incredibly proud of this as I’m full of excuses to put off till tomorrow.

For now doing this is my secret and my family’s I don’t want people to ask me how it was in case I fail, the only draw back is my 12 year old son offering his company, he’s an incredibly sporty kid and I fear my slow wonky run will make him fall about laughing lol.

Anyway next run is booked in for Friday evening after work, wish me luck lol.

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Chunkyrunner43 profile image
Chunkyrunner43
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22 Replies
IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes advice on the recommended easy conversational pace which makes it all possible.

Enjoy your journey.

Hi and welcome to the forum. The first run of week 1 is always the hardest, but now your are on your way! Yay! 😃

Do read IannodaTruffe's post and guide. It is full of great advice and a useful reference point to use throughout your journey.

Take your time on your runs, run slowly - your brisk walk might be quicker than your run, and that's okay. Make sure you stay well-hydrated on both run and rest days and that you stretch after each run. Trust the plan, it works and enjoy it!

jaybrass73 profile image
jaybrass73Graduate

Well done for starting and good luck for Friday!

Katem264 profile image
Katem264

Good luck and a huge well done you have every right to be proud of yourself! I have today done week 1 run 2 and can really relate to your post. The first one was harder than the second but probably more for the mental and emotional aspects than the physical. I've just read the link above and found it very useful so thank you.

Crestagirl profile image
Crestagirl

You are doing a great job.

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

Well done getting started! Your comment about downloading the app a year ago made me smile. When I started C25K a few weeks ago, I wore my never-worn-before running shoes which I had bought, optimistically, back in 2016... Getting started is definitely the hardest part, stick with it and you'll be amazed at what you can do.

paul1960 profile image
paul1960Graduate

well done trust the program it works and dont forget slow and steady and you will get there

Astra5 profile image
Astra5Graduate

Congrats - you have joined a great programme and a fantastic forum. Take all the advice given before me as I did all that and am embarking on Week 9 tomorrow. It has taken longer than that to get here but really, really chuffed. Keep going and remember that it is “your” pace and no one else’s. The most important thing is to slow down even more if/when it gets difficult as ot will get you through the run. My daughters laugh when they remind me about complaining about having to run 1 minute without stopping (struggling). Have fun as you run.

Evol profile image
EvolGraduate

That sounds fantastic. I'm similar. I started with my husband who is fitter and a foot taller. After the first run I new we could not run together. Now we start together with the walk and end together with the walk. We are supportive of each other but no running together. Maybe you and your son could do something similar. Good luck

Jonno34 profile image
Jonno34Graduate

You go for it. Very similar to my story, overweight looking at a lifetime of supportive tablets, BP, Cholesterol etc. Did C25k great program now on the next step but don't worry about that now. What you are doing is amazing, you are taking steps to take care of yourself just go as slow as is necessary. No tablets for me now, my circulation is better and even my toe nails grow quicker! I am probably fitter than 90% of the population and when you complete c25K you will be too, think of that! Keep at it, it is as much mental as physical but really, if I can do it anyone can, I was the kid that skived off sports at school! When you look back in a few weeks (you will have ups and downs) and say "I did it" you will have the biggest sodding grin on your face! I had tears! :-) Good luck and keep us informed as to your progress!

Percyp73 profile image
Percyp73Graduate

A massive well done to you for taking the plunge! Like you I'm very overweight and I didn't tell anyone as I thought I'd fail. I'm just finished week 2 now and have told my family,not friends yet though! I have found it hard. but I keep holding onto the fact that I've done it after every run. Keep thinking how easy it must be to run for slim people. Like if I was 5 stone lighter that would be so easy!!! Anyway with sensible eating, walking and running am hoping that the weight will drop off soon! Keep going, you can do it! X

Serenity0365 profile image
Serenity0365Graduate

Fantastic, welcome aboard, just take it one run at a time. You are amongst friends, we will be pulling for you 😊

Madwife60 profile image
Madwife60

Well done. I was in exactly the same position as you this time last year. Completed the programme but didn’t keep it up during the summer heatwave so had to start again. However back st it 3 stone lighter and just one more run to graduate again. Planning park runs now to keep going. Good luck you can change your life just need the right head space

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate in reply to Madwife60

Well done for getting back on it! Now you're 3 stone lighter, does it feel easier? I have lost almost 2 stone since the new year but still a long way to go until I get to anything like a healthy bmi. Would love to hear that running is easy peasy when you are slimmer!

NetballKitty profile image
NetballKittyGraduate

Good luck! I'm doing W8 R3 today, and nobody knows that I'm doing this - except for a neighbour who caught me coming back the other day...

As to your son laughing at you - unfortunately as a parent you're signed up to being mocked for the rest of your life... :-) You're doing this for you - you can do this... Keep us posted!

Stevieplink profile image
StevieplinkGraduate

First of congrats for finally starting. I started it 3 times and now on my 3rd time I'm just about to start w5r1. My 8yo who has just done his 6th 2k park run and is a natural decided he wanted to come out with me on Sunday. I just told him to do what he wanted and ignore the fact that I would be going so much slower than him. Thats exactly what he did. He either sprinted ahead of me and waited or let me.go ahead and then ran to catch up. Then he made me laugh by copying my breathing. Enjoy the time together if he laughs he laughs you're making such a wise choice starting c25k that in the end it won't really matter

Well done for taking the plunge; you are on your way to changing your life for the better. You've already got some good advice here so I won't repeat it but I will say a couple of things. Having been very overweight myself I can relate to the embarrassment and it takes courage to wobble around the streets or the park in public. By starting on this you are proving to yourself that you have that courage, Stick at it, it's your fitness journey, not anyone else's. You might want to consider a weight loss group. I've been going to WW and I highly recommend it. That takes a bit of bravery too but new people join up every week and you will be made very welcome, I'm sure. In any case you're already doing something brave. If you haven't got them a good pair of running shoes will help. If you stick with it, and you will, you'll find yourself getting all the gear, I did! Finally, I don't want to sound like an amateur psychologist but your sporty son's offer of company might be worth taking up. Any shared stuff with kids is great; they grow up so fast and soon will come a time when they might not want to do stuff with you. All the best.

Philra profile image
PhilraGraduate

That’s terrific - keep at it and stick to the program and you’ll find that your stamina gradually increases significantly . I also discovered that my weight dropped too which was a bonus. 😊

Sheilapreece1950 profile image
Sheilapreece1950

Well done you keep going it's amazing how you feel when you get into it

Lazyme profile image
LazymeGraduate

Well done on starting this programme. The first week is hard but gradually it will start to get easier as your stamina improves. Take it slow and easy. You can do it!!

nif100 profile image
nif100Graduate

Good for you and you have made the right choice. Speaking as someone that needed to lose weight for health reasons this is 100% the right thing to do. The first week is the start of this journey and when you start it you cannot imagine getting to the end. I know I did, but there is some fantastic people on here who will help you throughout and advice is always here. Good luck and keep the faith

Chunkyrunner43 profile image
Chunkyrunner43

Thank you for all the words of wisdom and messages of support I completed run 2 tonight and found it harder I still ached a bit on Thursday I ached in places I didn’t know could hurt 😬

I was left to my own devices it was cold and raining what 12 year old wants to accompany his mum on a slow waddle in the rain! I found the final one min run hard, I’m still suffering with my chest so I paused coughed and coughed caught my breath and carried on and you know what I feel fantastic for it, next run Sunday I’m hoping it will be a bit warmer lol.

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