Started my couch to 5k today: So I'm 29 and have... - Couch to 5K

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Started my couch to 5k today

Minionmarvel profile image
6 Replies

So I'm 29 and have an 18 month old. I've always struggled with exercise and sticking with things. I've lost most of my baby weight through diet but have the last 4lbs to go. I really want to be fitter rather than getting tired so quickly .

I did my first run today and myst admit enjoyed it although I felt like dying half way through... is that normal Haha? I have had health problems so monitoring that closely throughout.

Any tips to keep going?

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Minionmarvel profile image
Minionmarvel
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6 Replies
LeeU profile image
LeeUGraduate

May seem simply stupid but relax and enjoy it, don't push yourself, slow and steady wins every time, unless, of course it's a sprint race and then it may not be the best approach :D

Totally normal!! I’m on week six and I’ve never really stuck to anything, and I’m so proud. My best tip would be find a time to run that works for you, and try and stick to it as it really helps to build a routine. Also, just jog slowly, as slowly as you can, rather than run too fast and have to stop, so much better for your mental stamina! Good luck and I know you can do it!

Emerrob profile image
EmerrobGraduate

Hi,

You sound like me! I put together an amazing playlist and bought a pair of over-ear headphones. I completed the programme without failing or missing a run and continue to run 10-15k per week.

Good luck, it works!

Read the guide to the programme, come here and chat, run (jog, shuffle!) nice and slowly, don’t make excuses not to go and enjoy yourself 😊👍🏃🏾‍♀️

Well done on completing your first run, that was the hardest part. Everyone on here staggered through their first run!

One of the fabulous administrators will send you a link to the guide to C25K. It is full of great advice and explanations - a must read. In the meantime, make your running pace really slow (it could even be slower than your fast walk) and it should be slow enough for you to jog and be able to hold a conversation. Drink plenty water on both run and rest days, crucial as the weather gets warmer - dehydration is not fun. Stretch well after each run - there will be a link to stretches in the C25K guide.

Warning - don't be surprised if the last remaining baby weight doesn't shift straight away. Muscle weighs more than fat, and you will be building muscle in the first few weeks as you run. The weight will start to come off as you get into longer runs and post C25K, as long as you maintain your running. However you will notice that you tone up and your waist bands will get looser much sooner than that!! 😃

And finally....enjoy! As long as you follow all the advice in the guide you will be finding yourself slightly addicted to running in no time!

Keep posting and let us know how you are getting on! Happy running 😀🏃‍♀️

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

I’m really into the pleasures of slow running - although that started off as necessity! My first breakthrough was learning that my brisk walk could be faster than my run! That helped with not being a panting mess in the first few minutes. About W6 someone posted this Japanese slow jogging technique film

m.youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2...

I still run this way and absolutely love it! It can be useful to have in mind if you need to slow down to complete a run. C25K is really about learning to run for 30 minutes so don’t worry about speed or distance at this point, focus on the duration. You can always address pace later if you want.

This is a great decision - I’ve really noticed a big energy and stamina increase since starting - and you will too!

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