First timer

[Justdoit123]

I’ve just completed run 1. I am really overweight and unfit and have buried my head for far too long. I used to be sporty but never been ‘a runner’ and am heavier now than I was after any of my 3 children.

Doing it on a treadmill, and had to pause half way through. 13 mins left and I almost gave up, until it said the run wouldn’t be saved, so I got back on and finished it.

For 2 of the runs I had to do the fastest walk possible instead of running, then I ran the last one (I had run the first ones too) Is this ok to count as completed? I don’t want to feel like I’ve got to start over again but also don’t want to move on if I’ve not done it properly.

Never really posted on anything like this before either - must be having a brave day! Thanks in advance!

[Newlyfoundenergy]

Well done you, i have recently started couch to 5k.. never ran before and have recently given up smoking.. i suffer with fibromyalgia so have always struggled with hard exercises.. I completed week 1 twice as i really wasnt ready for week 2 and glad i did as im now on week 3 and really feeling the benefits of doing that extra week twice.. your doing great dont give up its hard just do the weeks again before moving on untill your ready its all exercise xx

[Justdoit123 in reply to Newlyfoundenergy]

Thank you. I think I’ll try that. Do the other 2 runs this week and repeat it if I still have to pause etc. You are right it’s all exercise!

[jmd104 Graduate]

You’ve done the hardest run by starting, the beauty of the plan is that you can repeat as many runs as you feel you need to so do t feel pressured to move on before you’re ready, it doesn’t matter whether it takes 9 weeks, 12 weeks or even longer. Having said that trust the plan and follow it, if you look at the weeks ahead it will feel like you’ll never be able to do that, but each run improves your fitness and you’ll be surprised how quickly you are able to see progress. I graduated last week and ran 5k this morning. It wasn’t anywhere near close to 30minutes, but I enjoyed the run, felt like I could have kept on running and also made a new friend along the way. When you feel ready look for your local parkrun. They’re really friendly and welcoming, you can walk or run as you feel the need and it’s not a race, but it’s quite a nice way to see the progress you’re making and meet new friends.

[Justdoit123 in reply to jmd104]

Thank you. It’s funny isn’t it. I finished and didn’t get that feeling I expected like I used to, the rush of endorphins etc. Felt a bit deflated and disappointed that I’d had to pause half way. Fast forward an hour or so and I’m now telling myself hey at least you’ve started, I downloaded the app 3 weeks ago and kept making excuses! So onwards and upwards! I’m not going to move onto week 2 until I can complete week 1 properly, without pausing and running every run. Don’t know why I didn’t just tell myself that earlier?!

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Good for you ! I was massively unfit when I started here. I began the programme only able to do two walking paces and had to build up to jogging very gradually - it took nine weeks before I was able to fulfil the requirements of week 1 ! But it was worth all the frustration and despair later on, because by week 5 of the programme (which was my week 15 or 16) I had built up loads of stamina, which made the rest of the programme much more straightforward.

So two requests for you: first, don’t skip on ahead, because it will make things harder and more depressing in the long run. And second, maybe reconsider your username ? Focus on where you’re aiming for and you’ll be more likely to use the forum ! We’re all glad to have you along, and we’ll all be right here cheering you on x

[Justdoit123 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Very good advice on both points! I created the user name in haste while feeling negative - have changed! It’s really good to know people haven’t just all done the 9 weeks in a straightforward way, and I really admire your determination for sticking to week 1 for so long! V inspiring! Have you completed the programme now?

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Justdoit123]

Loving the new username ! Yes, I’ve graduated now - started at the beginning of September last year and graduated in mid February this. So not the quickest 😂 I’ve still never run 5k but I’ve learned a lot about being fit and healthy and my body and I are on much better terms now ! Stick with it, JDI - it really is worth it. And keep me posted ! Looking forward to seeing your progress x

[Justdoit123 in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you so much!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Justdoit123]

You’re welcome ! We’re all in it together here 😄