New starter

[Finefletch]

Hi just joined I’m looking forward to getting started. Do you all warm up first or is the walk supposed to be the warm up. I was thinking about doing some stretching?

[Jonno1230 Graduate]

I find the walk a good enough warm up. As long as its brisk enough to get the blood pumping. I think you should stretch at the end of the session when your muscles are warmed up.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jonno1230]

See my reply to Finefletch

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome! Do check out the essential post for Newbies

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Warm up walk, brisk walking is great... if you need longer, then take longer than five minutes...some of my warm ups are much longer than a warm up walk!

Stretching post run is really useful, most folk do them ... and there are links in the FAQ... also stamina and strength exercises...non impact on some of your rest days.

Some folk do stretch pre run... but they must be dynamic stretches

Slow and steady is the mantra... keep posting and enjoy!

[prudencepayes Graduate]

I do a few leg stretches - only for about a minute and then the warm up walk. I repeat the stretches when I get home. I found that when I started I was quite achey the day after running but I persevered and by the time I got about half way through the program that had stopped. I understand that is quite normal. Good luck, enjoy it !

[Lifluf]

The brisk walk should be enough to wake up your muscles. Stretching at the end is more important. Take it slow and steady and you'll be fine. Enjoy the journey and well done for starting.

[Julie-Mae]

I have just followed the plan so have never stretched. Guess the walk is the warm up. However I have never suffered with aches in my muscles so the advice works. Good luck, you’ll soon be a runner 😁