First run checked: Hey. How nice to get the... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,728 members158,738 posts

First run checked

Magga1 profile image
22 Replies

Hey. How nice to get the support of other like minded people. I’m not a social media kinda guy so just seemed surprised that anyone was actually interested in what I’m doing so I just wanna say thanks for the support.

So I just did the first run. Sat around most of the day convincing myself that I may collapse or people would laugh at me or something else awful so getting out the door was the hardest part. The rest wasn’t too difficult. I didn’t take it too easy on myself. A kinda no pain no gain attitude. It’s true I’m not fit and to be fitter is great but what I want most out of this is to improve my mental health. And after just one run I have proved to myself I can do it. I’m so determined to keep it up. Bring it on.

Written by
Magga1 profile image
Magga1
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
22 Replies

Well done Magga! I felt exactly the same when I started a few weeks ago, but I don’t feel that way anymore. For me it got easier, each run challenged me mentally (in a good way) and disproved what I worried might happen (people will laugh at me, I won’t be able to do this, I’ll feel awful and wish I’d never left the house) I’m also doing this for my mental health and the boost I feel after a run is better than any antidepressant I’ve ever been on. Good luck and I really hope you enjoy your next run!

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to

Lovely response. Thank you so much.

SlowLoris profile image
SlowLoris

Most worthwhile things don't come easily but the end target is to run for 30 minutes (not 5K). If it gets to be a struggle then slow down. The program works if you let it. Run like a Loris.

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to SlowLoris

Good advice. Thanks

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Well done, but no need for pain.

The recommended pace for C25K is one at which you can speak clear ungasping sentences as you run.........if you cannot, you are going too fast.

It is all in the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Welcome... and well done.

Do check out this post for Newbies... there is so much information there...Keep it slow and keep it steady.. post often too, for terrific support..:)

Unlike other social media sites.. this one s simply about running... folks encouraging, sympathising empathising and celebrating each other's achievements.

We always say... we may run our own..but we never run alone:)

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to Oldfloss

That’s nice. Thank you for that.

DeterminedLass profile image
DeterminedLassGraduate

I NEVER thought I would be able to run for 30 mins. When I started I thought my lungs would explode but I have completed the plan and it feels amazing. Trust you can do it and when it gets tough, just keep telling yourself you can do it and that you will get there. It is so worth it. Take it slow. It took me ages to learn that and it is so much more enjoyable when you do. You can do this! 😀

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to DeterminedLass

Thanks for that. Yeh I’ll take that advice. 👍

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

you can do it, this is a great forum, I am so happy to have found it

I am the queen of procrastination so I have to stop myself talking myself out the runs :D

apart from the Sunday run, I run first thing in the morning before work so that it's done before I can find excuses during the day!

BUT, you will see, you can do it and everyone here is very supportive and will celebrate those runs with you

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to backintime

Yeh, I gotta figure out best times etc to actually get out there. I am an early riser but just not sure I can fit it in before work. Im a roofer and we start work quite early. Walking the dog, showering, eating and driving to work AND a 30 min run is a lot to cram in before work. No worries. Evenings are fine. Yeh,the forum is great. I feel like I found a whole new bunch of friends just by running for 8 minutes. Incredible!

backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate in reply to Magga1

I run on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. Sunday is the first day of the new week cos I can relax afterwards and I get a 2 day break before the next run. On Wednesday and Friday I am up at 5am (aka the butt crack of dawn - I am not an early riser by nature lol), I walk the dogs, feed them, then head for the run, trouble is the longer I can run the earlier I have to get up :D Guess I must like it!

If I hadn't made a routine for myself I wouldn't do it, that's just the way I am, you just have to find what works for you.

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to backintime

‘The butt crack of dawn’

Oh that did make me smile. I was thinking exactly the same days. Then it’s only one midweek run. Makes perfect sense. Yeh I’m gonna figure out a nice little routine that works. I get a feeling already my groin is gonna hurt tomorrow. No other strains apart from those big tendons inside the legs.

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Magga1

Great start, and I hope you can combat that anxiety or fear. Many of us have/had it.

For the early run, do you want to run with the dog? Two birds...

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to Elisabeth3

I did today and it was ok but had to stop a couple times and double back to she she wasn’t eating someone else’s dog. She does that sometimes. So I’m thinking a longer lead. Seems a shame not to take her with me. I’ll figure it out

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Magga1

Oh, dog eating dog, that's a concern. Any chance to train her not to?

🐩🍴❌

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to Elisabeth3

I think she’s just got a taste for small fluffy things. She catches 3-4 mice a day too at this time of year. She’s wiping out the rodent population of our local Heath. Rabbits. She caught a bird in mid air once. Anyway. I guess I’ll just drag her along on a lead. She’ll get used to the idea of no snacking whilst running.

Elisabeth3 profile image
Elisabeth3Graduate in reply to Magga1

Haha😄

No snacking for her while running. Lol.

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

Yay, you did it! Well done and I totally understand the urge to push yourself hard but the time for that is later on. Use the early weeks to build stamina and confidence, you can focus on speed etc later (if you want to - lots of people enjoy slow jogging, yes it's an actual thing!). If you injure yourself by overdoing it early on, you'll be much less likely to actually stick with it and complete the programme. Here endeth the lecture. 😂

Magga1 profile image
Magga1 in reply to Debston

Thanks. That sounds like very sensible advise. No need to be a hero just yet. Slowly slowly catchy monkey, as they say.

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate in reply to Magga1

That's the spirit! We're all in this for the long haul, hopefully. Will look forward to hearing how you're getting on. The support on here is great and really helped me to stick with it, when I didn't feel the running love.

notquiteretired profile image
notquiteretiredGraduate

well done Magga1, you have made a great start🏃‍♀️👍

Like others have said already, you will find a routine that works for you, get your running stuff ready the day before- one less excuse , I have to run first thing or I will end up not doing it- its a great feeling once its one and you feel good for the rest of the day😇

good luck

You may also like...

First park run, first 5k

left in the tank! I told myself I could walk if I needed to. I told myself just turning up was ok...

First drive to a run...

felt like running along the seafront for the first time. I think in future I might be able to run...

Eat first or run first?

I go for a run when I first get up in the morning, should I have breakfast first or just something...

First week first run🙈

I'm not going to let it put me off, I'll maybe just go week 1 twice to get my body used to the...

First run after injury

force myself to go! I’m glad I made notes about my runs so I could read them to remind myself that I