I quit smoking 2 months ago and put quite a lot of weight on. I am very unfit, so decided to try the Couch to 5K - Lord knows why, as the only thing I can run is the bath! I bought decent trainers and went for my first run yesterday. I am so disappointed as I only managed three of the six 1-minute runs as I was completely out of breath.
I doubt anyone doing this has failed as miserably as me first time out, but even though I feel like a complete failure, I am not giving up. It may take me longer to get there, but I'm going to keep at it. How do others keep motivated when they feel like a sack of potatoes (IF they feel like a sack of potatoes)?
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JacquiReed
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Your Humour and determination is there for a start and will take you far! Every little try and effort and you will improve just keep at it. Best wishes from someone who has been there too x
I’m no expert as only half way through c25k but I would say listen to your body and take your time with week 1. You might find you will need to repeat a run or two to build up your fitness before you can move on to week 2. It takes as long as it takes and you definitely haven’t failed if you can’t manage all the runs in week 1 straight away. Like I said, just stay in week 1 until you feel fitter.
You are already doing so well and you are already a success with what you have achieved so far!
I found getting my route right and the type of music right really important, comfy clothes, and with warmer weather on the way earlier starts.
Motivation for me is from Joe Wicks who said “You’ll never regret a workout” and however well or badly it goes, he’s right because I got outside and I moved.
We are or were all couch potatoes Jacqui, that's why we are here. Keep at it you'll be amazed in a few weeks of how you progress. My main advice is if you think you are going slow then go slower! Even if you run slower than you walk that doesn't matter. You've done great to get started, trust me the plan works!
Thanks to all of you for your replies and support. It certainly encourages me. Since I didn't manage to complete day one, is a brisk walk recommended on 'rest day'? I feel I should be doing something!
"THE REST DAY FROM RUNNING IS NOT NEGOTIABLE, which means you should not, as a new runner, run on consecutive days, but does not have to be spent back on the couch again. When you run, unlike other exercises, you actually damage your muscles and the rest days are when they repair. Any non impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, weights, Pilates or yoga will be beneficial to your overall fitness and to your running and will aid the repair and strengthening of muscles. The NHS Strength and Flex exercise plan is perfect to do alongside C25K "
A lot of us on here smoked and had problems starting out, you need plenty of determination and will reep the benefits of your efforts, it's a tough road but well worth it!
Go to the pinned posts and look at the FAQ posts..
Well done for quitting smoking, that's on my to-do list...
There's really no such thing as a failed run, just practice runs which will also help to build up your stamina. If you have to repeat a run, it's not a big deal, just don't let it dent your confidence. I read on here that the only "failed run" is the one you don't attempt - everything else is helping you to get where you want to be!
You've probably read it already, but all runs are successful runs, even if shorter than planned. The only one you fail is the one you didn't start.
Take heart from the fact that we've all been there. Also remember that a "week" in #C25K terms isn't 7 days, it's however long it takes to complete 3 runs fully (my longest "week" was from June last year toArch this year). Just take it at you're own pace and you will be amazed at how far you progress, and how quickly.
Ha, well reading this forum regularly you will see that some others only manage one 1 the first time and that is also equally fine. You can do it again and anything you do is progress. Failure is a banned word around here, if you try then you are amazing and doing more than sitting on the couch.Be your best supporter and use this forum which is the best for help, advice anything. It really kept me going. You are going to notice a massive improvement!
Ahh jacquiReed this was me! Granted I still haven’t quit smoking but I feel your pain. That first run was the hardest and I also only managed 3 of the 8. 60 seconds is I long time to run if you’ve never run before. One thing you may want to consider is pace, are you sprinting when you set off or just slightly speeding up? I know I started off sprinting. Soon you will find your stride, just repeat until you complete (x3). You’ll get so much support on here. Enjoy the journey (trust me, you will) and keep posting.
Hello JR! The only run you fail is the one you don’t do - we try not to use the f-word here on the forum! You’ve made a start, the next time you go out will be better. Were you trying to run too fast? Go slow, really slow and then slow down. Take a look at the Japanese Slow Running clip on YouTube and see if it would suit you- I love it! As for the sack of potatoes, well, consign it to the bin - a lot of us here have lumps and bumps in odd places! Good luck and don’t forget to let us know how you get on!
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