Newbie, advice please

[martysparty99]

Hi all, just joined this community!

Need some general advice, I have been jogging for the last few years, once or twice a week(ish) I want to get more structure to my jogging so thought c25k would be a good thing for me. My main aim is to keep fit and loose weight. I have lost a stone through jogging so know it works for me. My main query is I dont really like the thought of running and during it I dont either but when I finish I feel really good (Standard im sure!) I cant run for much more than a mile currently and cannot run without stopping for more than 5 mins. As ive been running for this amount of time should I start from the beginning or should I dip into c25k in the middle somewhere? Any advice appreciated!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Yes starting at the beginning of c25k would be the best thing to do. It is a graduall build up of running and stamina.

C25k is an amazing plan and really does work you'll get lots of encouragement and support on here good luck 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

As Buddy34 says great plan. Well structured and gets you from jog to run. I was a total non runner /jogger but this plan and forum has allowed me to embrace a new activity. Good luck with the journey

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

Like you, when I started C25K, I was reasonably fit and found the early weeks of the plan very easy, but I stuck with it as I thought that nine weeks to hit that 30 minutes continuous running was not a long time, knowing that a gentle progression is the safest way to avoid injury.

You could probably easily fit into W3 quite easily, but by starting from scratch you will build the habit of regular running.

Enjoy your journey.

[martysparty99 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for the tips, links etc etc. Dumb question maybe but do I need to take a phone etc with me when doing the c25K? I have never run with a phone/mp3 player and dont have headphones that wouldnt pop out etc etc. I dont really want to invest in a lot of new kit etc.. Is it essential? I can just follow the spreadsheet I assume and look at a watch to get the timings?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to martysparty99]

Many people find the app helpful as the mentors on it give support throughout and talk you through each run but there's a breakdown of every run the the link provided above so if you're happier working that way you can certainly just use a watch and follow the set out programme yourself without a phone/music etc. 👍🏻😁

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to martysparty99]

I tried running with just a watch to give me timings and found it so awkward, compared to being told when to run/walk via the app. If you can set timers on your watch then that would improve the situation.

You will miss some of the hints and tips on the app, although most of those are mentioned in the guide.

The phone/mp3 player are helpful, though not essential.

[Granspeed Graduate]

If you do decide to use just the timings, I’d suggest you continue posting on here & reading round other people’s posts. Lots of things come up as queries that are really helpful to other runners too, as there are frequent answers from really experienced runners. Very good for picking up tips, solving problems, & avoiding injury. 👍😊 Happy running!

[Annieapple Graduate]

👋Welcome glad you starting on a fit note. You will whizz through the early weeks but I would personally do them to give you that disciplined structure & avoid injury.