Hi guys! New to Cto5K and have completed my second run yesterday. Does it get any easier? I just don’t know how I’m going to finish the course!
I also seem to have painful shins -presuming it’s shin splints. Does this go away on its own or is there something I can do? It’s running with lead for legs 😭
Hi YES it does get easier and there are loads of good tips in the next few weeks podcasts to help avoid those little niggles. Stick with it. I’m only on week three and feel amazing it it surprising how quickly the strength builds. Please search out the beginners guide for couch to 5 k it helped me a lot. God luck. 😀
It does get easier, every run you do makes it easier.
Please make sure you take things slow and steady, when the app/podcast says run, you do a light jog, nothing more needed.
You can worry about speed and distance when you are fitter and able to run for longer.
It does get easier the more you do it, just stick with the course, follow it to the letter (repeating weeks if necessary) and before you know it you will be running for longer than you ever expected.
Are you running too fast maybe to begin with? Maybe slow it down a little more, let your legs get a bit more used to the exertions. I tended to go to fast to begin with and caused myself all sorts of problems ( i still do), but dialing it down has helped me.
Welcome aboard!
It definitely gets easier.
Please do read the guide to the programme, it's invaluable
It does get easier! I couldn't run for 1min without aching and desperate to stop but now running 5 mins at a time (I'm on W4). It still baffles me and I still surprise myself! This is a great forum, you'll see similar stories from lots of people. We can do it!
The shin splints, is it your shoes? The first two weeks I was using some trainers that I would go on walks with so were a bit worn (probably had them for 2 years) and was getting pain in my right calf. I then bought a new pair of the same trainers (£20 on sale woohoo) and the next run I had no pain! Something to think about.
Great for getting started. It does eventually get better as your body gets more used to running. As for your shins , do you have proper running shoes if so try to land lightly and not thud thud, it just takes a bit of practice. Also make sure you drink 2-3 litres of water per day it will help with your legs. C25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here good luck 😊😊
I actually felt the same, but honestly stick with it the programme works, goodluck 
Thanks guys! Will definitely look into the shoes and perhaps invest in some better ones! Potentially am running to quick and just need to slow it down a little.
Definitely looking forward to being able to agree that it gets better!
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
The guide linked to by GoGo_JoJo includes advice on minimising impact.
Enjoy your journey.
Just done R2W7 and I wouldn't have believed 6 weeks ago that I would ever run for 25 minutes. What??? That's impossible! Except that it isn't. If you run SLOWLY and follow the wonderful Laura she will get you there. It will be hard at times but you can do it. Just stick with the programme and you will amaze yourself. You've already taken the hardest step
1st week
1st Week!
1st run of the week
1st week
WEEK 3!
