Looking for Tips

[Mrs_James_to_be]

Hi everyone. I've never ran or exercised properly since I left school in 1986. I'm going out today to complete W1R3 of C25K. I'm getting married next May and need to lose weight. I've suffered from depression most of my life and so, would welcome any tips from those of you who were absolute novices... Tia. x

[Stephen_UK Graduate]

I don’t have any tips but as a fellow non-runner who never ran until this year I promise that doing this course will be one of the best things you ever do. Stick with it and you will feel better, mentally and physically.

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thanks so much Stephen. I'm determined. I'm sure I feel different already... x

[Stephen_UK Graduate in reply to Mrs_James_to_be]

And congratulations on the impending nuptials!

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to Stephen_UK]

It's never too late... so I'm told... x

[SpeedMaQueen Graduate]

Well done you on getting going! That’s the hardest part done and dusted! I am constantly amazed at how this programme works- do what it says, don’t push yourself to be like anyone else and take it at your own pace. If that’s slow and steady, that’s fine- it’s completing the run that matters. And always wear the “correct” socks 🙂🙂- or maybe that’s just me....🤔Happy running!

[Fatgirlslim19 Graduate in reply to SpeedMaQueen]

No, my socks matter too...

[Jell6 Graduate]

Well done for starting this brilliant, life changing programme 🤩

I had never run or done any exercise other that walking.

Drink plenty of water the day before you run (at least 2 litres)

Go slowly 🐌🐌, it's a gentle pace, and may even be slower than your brisk walking pace.

On it's own it is not going to cause weight loss, but with a healthy diet you should see improvement in your body shape.

Always take your rest days.

Enjoy it 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[LeeU Graduate]

We were all absolute novices at one point, you aren't alone in that. Congratulations on both starting the program and the impeding wedding.

Just take it slow and steady, control your breathing and you will be fine.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Brilliant information. Thank you so much. I opened my eyes today and got straight onto this Forum... I'm loving reading people's journeys and advice. X

[Hufflepuffandproud]

I’m going to be doing Week 1 Run 3 later this evening! I’ve found this group really helpful as I pick up tips from people doing runs later on in the course as well as being motivated. It’s also useful finding others who are at the same point in the C25k

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to Hufflepuffandproud]

How did you get on? Mine went well. X

[Hufflepuffandproud in reply to Mrs_James_to_be]

Mine went well, think I’ve found my rhythm now ☺️

[Julia187 Graduate]

I left school the same year as you and did nothing for the following 33 years. Started C25K at the end of February, I'm still running 5k 3 times a week, come rain or shine. My advice would be slow and steady, don't worry about speed or distance covered, just follow the program and you'll get there, enjoy your running

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to Julia187]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. X

[jmd104 Graduate]

Trust the program, it works and develops you well. Don’t examine the weight too closely, I’ve actually gained a few pounds according to my scales, but I’ve also dropped 3 dress sizes since I started this journey 6 weeks ago. You will have bad runs and days when you lack motivation, that’s what this forum is here for. I found I had to be very strict with myself and make myself go out for a run In the first few weeks because the little voice in my head would make all sorts of excuses. Now I find I plan my week around my runs and I am always looking forward to them even the ones in the wind and the rain. Don’t push yourself to go too fast, my running pace has only just got slightly faster than my walking pace and to begin with I was slower when I was running than I was walking. It will all come with time so just remember to be kind to yourself and enjoy the journey.

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to jmd104]

Thank you so much. I've had no negative voices... yet but when they do pop up, I'll remember this wonderful advice. xxx

[Comfortnotspeed]

Hi, I really am a novice too. With about a decade before you that I left school, never having run. Mainly because I obsessed over my weight and didn’t eat enough to ever have energy- what a waste of those years.

I genuinely felt I couldn’t run. Reading the posts here helped and I feel happy when I complete a week. I guess that’s the thing. Being outside even in the rain with niggly knees and a constantly weeing dog is amazingly happy making. Good luck!!!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I started c25k in October 2018 and had never run before either, apart from being fitter believe me it works great for mental health. Good luck 😊

[Mrs_James_to_be]

W2R1 done today! I felt it in my shins but got over it and thoroughly enjoyed it. I walked 8 miles yesterday in 2 stints... I'm loving this forum for all your encouragement. Thank you each and every one of you. xxxxx

[Bluepup1 Graduate]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

Well done on starting your journey and glad to read you’re now on W2 🤗 x

We all have ups and downs with the programme but try not to ‘worry’ about them, shrug them off and try to turn them into positives x

[Mrs_James_to_be in reply to Bluepup1]

Thank you. I've just won a pair of Asics running shoes on EBay. What are people's thoughts? xxx

[Bluepup1 Graduate in reply to Mrs_James_to_be]

Totally your call imo as you need to make sure they fit and feel comfortable etc. If you can return them with a full refund go for it, if you can’t return but they aren’t a lot of money then could you wear them for walking, cycling, driving, the gym...? x

[_wayneLad Graduate]

Hi well done for getting into week 2 ! I left school in 89 and I too never jogged or ran since ! Now for blood pressure reasons I gave C25K a try in February and now im jogging 5k 3 times a week which I still find amazing ! I would strongly recommend gait analysis at a running shop if you have one near you just to make sure you know what type of shoes to buy. One of my previous posts has some details on my experience of having it done. I've had niggles with both knees during my C25K journey and although it just turned out to be my knees getting used to the mileage I was doing it will hopefully prevent you doing any damage to your knees . Best of luck with your journey !