1st run on the C25k, any tips!? :)

[1708Bowie]

I'm wanting to get into running for fitness and health reasons but struggling to make that first run! Would love to hear from anyone who has also struggled to make the first step but who got over it!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Everyone has struggled to get out for the first run. Normal. Just decide when you’re going to do it and don’t back out.

[Blackcat66 Graduate]

Hi there. I completed W1R1 at 11.30pm with my hood up. I have never, ever been a runner and my ankles felt so stiff! I did W5R3 yesterday, and it was fab. Everyone says this, but honestly, trust the programme. The first run is all about pushing past the mental block, but if I can, you definitely can! I can run for 5 whole minutes at a time now, and it's brilliant. Go for it!

[MrsCDN Graduate]

I just did it if that makes sense, just over a week ago, I was full of self doubt, I’ve never run before and always told myself I couldn’t. I’m overweight and recovering from being unwell for a few weeks which included three hospital stays, this had knocked my confidence and every twinge I had a slight panic set in that I was going downhill again. So I decided I needed a challenge to help change my mind set, and now every time someone asked me how I’m doing I tell them I’m great and doing C25K and explain all about it. So if I can do it anyone can. Good luck, it’s a great feeling after finishing that first run.

[backintime Graduate]

That first run is probably the hardest step.

You've downloaded the app, you're talking to us. Next step is to start.

We've all been there, it wasn't so long ago that we've forgotten, it's hard deciding to start. Do what works for you...treadmill, streets, park, your neighbourhood or somewhere an hours drive away so no one recognises you, just get started. After that, it all falls into place and you get slightly hooked : )

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and is full of general tips.

C25K works, changes lives and makes you invisible............ nobody is going to notice you..........and if you are doing something so great for yourself, why would you care what others think.

Be brave and you will reap the benefits.

Enjoy your journey

[Curly44 Graduate]

It’s fantastic that you’ve decided to start running! You need to just get on a pair of tracky bottoms and trainers and just do it. I decided to start in April and went to the woods near me with my dogs and got Jo Whiley on the podcast and just went for it. I ran every other day and some runs felt amazing and others made me want to fall on the ground like a toddler who is overtired and start crying but you will feel so good for the rest of the day.

This support forum is incredible and will help you. But for now just go for it.xxx

[jmd104 Graduate]

I just had to shout at myself to stop being so daft and get out there. What’s the worst that could happen? You struggle to run for 60 seconds, that’s fine, the next time you go it will get easier. Trust the programme, it works. You’ll be surprised how quickly you change from forcing yourself to go out the door to looking forward to it.

[NewRunner4 Graduate]

Believe in yourself. You’ve made the decision to get the app, go for it. What’s the worst that could happen? Once you’ve done the first one, you’ll be hooked and then amazed at how quickly you start to feel the benefits.

You can do this!

[bananahead Graduate]

I had the app on my phone for a month before I started! That was back in February, and I did my 3rd ParkRun today.

Trust in the programme, it is not a quick fix, but that's good because it gets you into a habit of running.

You can do it! The forum has loads of virtual support. Good luck and post your progress when you are ready.

[Sp81 Graduate]

Hi there. I downloaded the app and then like you couldn’t quite get myself to get changed and start. What I did do was planned a start date ahead of time. I promised myself I would start at the end of my schools easter holidays which gave me some time to mentally prepare and enjoy some of my couch potato bad habits before committing.

I also worked out which 3 days I would do the runs rain or shine.

Seems to be working for me so far.

[1708Bowie]

Thank you all so much! It really helped to hear about other people's start/journey on C25K, and it helped to give me that boost and make a start!! Ive since started my first week, and surprised myself at how much I enjoy it...but, in my second week I really struggled to keep it going. Blaming being tired from work, the heat or just feeling a bit self conscious. Soooo ive re started the first week and feeling determined to stick to it! Although I definitely feel my 'brisk' walk does slow down at times. Thanks again!

[Sp81 Graduate]

Well done 👍🏻 that’s fantastic. Repeating a week is fine, this is your journey. Must admit some of my ‘brisk’ walks have been more of a dawdle. The heat has definitely been tough this last week. Keep going