W3R2

[charlmac]

I'm a classic case of all the gear no idea. I have always wanted to be able to run and am so pleased to have made it this far. I've done 3 5k races in the past with no training and all of them have left me with knee pain. This time I'm determined to do it slowly and carefully. I treated myself to a flip belt as the bum belt I was using to hold my keys and phone was doing my head in. WOW! what a difference not to feel encumbered!! I've also downloaded a 155 bpm playlist off Spotify which matches EXACTLY my (slow) pace and breathing. I'M SO HAPPY!!!!!!

[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.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You seem to be finding things that really work for you. Well done you 😊

[charlmac Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks! It’s all trial and error isn’t it? I realised I was tying my laces FAR too tight as well and was getting pains in the bridge of my foot. I loosened them on recommendation from a friend who’s an experienced runner and it made a massive difference! Well done to you too 😊

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to charlmac]

Me too! Only I didn’t realise until I have inflamed the tendons on my foot 🙄 So well done for realising in time!

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to charlmac]

Yes, it's all about trial and error. I now make sure I loosen the laces all the way down as before I didn't and it made my socks very tight at the toes. It's the little things that make all the difference 😊

[Slonsteady]

Is that the 'Just Get Going' playlist? That's the one I use every time, I'm just getting a bit sick of Holding Out For a Hero, it somehow makes it on there every run. It's 5 minutes long and it feels like it's getting longer with each run. Keep going, I'm on W5R3 which I never would have imagined getting to. You can do this!

[charlmac Graduate in reply to Slonsteady]

That’s the one! Why don’t you shuffle it so you get a different mix of tunes? Just an idea 😊

Well done on getting to the end of W5! That’s amazing 🙌🙌🙌

[Slonsteady in reply to charlmac]

I do shuffle it haha it just keeps popping up, almost as insistent as Jo Wiley's encouragement!

[Seaside22 Graduate]

I love "all the gear no idea"!

Your new gear idea sounds great, actually. Will have to look it up.

I had a similar breakthrough when I realised I didn't have to worry about where to stow my iPhone but could just carry it in my hand. Not rocket science, I know, but it cut out the annoying faffing about and untangling.

Best of luck with the programme.

[charlmac Graduate in reply to Seaside22]

I’d really recommend the flip belt, it was pricey at £20 but I’ve seen cheaper versions on Amazon for around six quid. Good luck! 😊