C25K Day 1 - observations

[RunningMigster]

Just thought I'd put a few thoughts together after day 1.

If you want to get up at 5.45am dont set your alarm for 6.45! So, no I didnt do the run this morning, but I did it as soon as I got home from work. Lesson learned.

That Ron Hill running jacket doesnt make it any easier.

It hurts. I hurt. Everything hurts. Why am I doing this to myself.

Before I set off.. "I think I could skip wk1"; 5 mins in "yeah, I can skip wk1"; 10 mins in "I think I need to stick to wk1"; 15 mins in "OMG is there a wk 0.5"?

2 more runs to go.... "how steep is that hill? It's never been that steep in the car. Please Michael, dont make me run up that hill". Michael: "and go".

60 seconds is a long time. 90 seconds isnt long enough.

The support on here is amazing. I'm really grateful. My wife will hopefully be joining soon and I know she will appreciate you guys as much as I do. Thank you.

So I've done it, I'm officially 'off the couch'. But I cant give up all my old habits. I'm now celebrating with a glass of wine and a cheese board.

Roll on Saturday, I'm ready for you.

[Fairy220480 Graduate]

Well done for getting started, that’s hard part done 👍

[sTrongFuse Graduate]

I remember those thoughts so well. There always seemed to be one more 60 second run to do; I was convinced the podcast had got stuck in some sort of loop.

Main thing is, you did it and it does get easier (you can trust me, I'm a referee...) You've nailed the hardest one, now just build from there.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to sTrongFuse]

I'm sure it will get easier. Right now, I'm wondering if I'll be able to walk tomorrow lol

[Confusedofaxminster Graduate in reply to sTrongFuse]

Stuck in a loop, haha, me too!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Well done! Stick with it - 9 weeks and you’ll be running 30 minutes non stop I promise!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

What a Christmas present!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Well done and great report. That’s the toughest one done, the shock to the system, and you won.

Well deserved cheese and wine, cheers 🍷

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Have to say I didnt think I'd got this unfit. It was a real shock

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Your fitness will improve rapidly 👍🏽

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

I'm sure it will. I just need to remember there will be bumps along the way

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Don’t let bad runs put you off. They happen to us all and they make the good ones sweeter.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Don’t worry... we may have got ourselves to elite levels of unfitness, but it’s surprising how quickly you can undo that. I almost didn’t post here after run one... I could have happily disappeared never to run again... that was last summer, in a couple of weeks I’m running a half marathon. Just keep control of the pace, and let the plan do its magic. You’re gonna be amazed at just what you can do a lot of times on your journey

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

That sounds like good going.

I think that now I realising how unfit I am, its given me more motivation to keep going

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

We had a moment of inspiration to start this, and run one is a reality check... it’s still the toughest run I’ve ever done... but you’re thinking the right way, that beast of a run is adding to your motivation... run it again next year and you’ll feel like you haven’t been out running.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Next year I can look forward to. Saturday, I'm dreading :-).

Can I ask, did you use any running apps to track your performance as you went through the program?

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Kinda. I actually started running on Nike Run Club... but that ended badly! For a beginner it thinks 2 10 minute runs and a 20 is the way to go... I can tell them otherwise, it was impossible. I still use NRC and I did throughout C25K. I actually finished the plan by using their guided runs of the right length from week 7... but the “kinda” is important... I tracked the runs the whole way, but I just closed the app afterwards until week 8/9 I think it was... the only stat that matters at the end of this plan is 30 minutes, getting thinking about distance and pace is counterproductive. Of course afterwards I did look at those early stats, and my progress was there to see, so tracking is a good thing. Just remember that slower running will develop your fitness better than chasing pace.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thanks for this. I think one of the things I've quickly learned from this forum, is to manage my expectations. I do wonder if 1 or 2 bad runs could be counter motivational.

Tough call. And to be honest, I should probably worry more about footwear right now lol

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Yeah, shoes are the most important bit of kit... good, well fitted, running shoes make a huge difference

Us blokes have a bigger natural tendency than the ladies to need to run flat out... once we get that under control it gets easier! Slow down to speed up is a good running mantra... not every day is a race day, and none of C25K is. I was reading an article by a marathon coach, obviously he works with people who are experienced runners, and the first thing he does is tells them to slow down.

Tough runs are what we are here for, we’ve all had them... and the next one is almost always much smoother. Running is as much about not quitting as anything... if a run can’t be completed, it still added some fitness so nothing is lost... and that run is still there waiting for it’s butt to be kicked.

[Hidden]

Love this post!!! Well done for getting started. We all feel your pain. Good for you and we all can’t wait to meet your wife when she starts too.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I cant fail with all the encouragement on this site. Thank you!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Funny post 😂😂 you may have found it tough but you pushed through and did it. You should be so pleased well done 😊😊

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you! I'm pleased, drained and encouraged all at the same time

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

It's strange but the more you do the further you get in the plan the more energy you actually have. 😊

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I'm looking forward to all of the added benefits, and I know they will come in time.

I just need to get over this first week

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Well done......Great post......enjoy the cheese and wine 🧀🍷

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

Its tasting good

[peskymousie1]

Congrats. Your moving forward. Nothing wrong with treats. I do that too

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to peskymousie1]

I think its essential lol

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Well done that’s the hardest run out the way, good luck with your journey to fitness

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

People keep saying it's the hardest run, I really hope that true

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

It really is, our first run we plodded off too fast and within 1 minute my breathing sounded like a sick train and Willow was bent double gasping for breath, so go slow enjoy the scenery read the tips on here and plod on, if you find some of the graduates first posts you will see how far we have all come

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I think I did the same. I just thought I could do more than I really could!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

The programme enabled us to get strong enough to run 30 minutes and longer so keep at it

[Enxo Graduate]

Well done! This is what works for me:

youtu.be/-4lCJGCkjR8(Not working as expected?)

although I still don't look forward to running - reminds me too much of school cross country runs!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Enxo]

I've never had any desire to run. So I'll look at anything that works :-).

Thanks for sharing

[Enxo Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

So far it's more of a fast shuffle but 1. Its attainable and 2. I haven't given up yet!

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Enxo]

It doesn't matter what you do or how you do it, not giving up is where you win!

Keep doing it!

[LUHAN Graduate]

Well done!!! You should be very proud of getting of the couch and getting started. After setting your alarm wrong it would have been very easy to have put off the run today. Check out the strength and flex section on here to help build up strength between runs.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to LUHAN]

Power of the people.

After the post I made here, and all the responses I got, there was no way I could come back on here and make an excuse.

[LUHAN Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

😅

[Maisymoomoo]

Brilliant - well done! Thanks for the apt description! Just how I felt 😀

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Not feeling as stiff today as I expected. Looking forward to tomorrow now!

[peskymousie1 in reply to RunningMigster]

Glad to hear it

[Impetuous]

Well done! And as everyone says, if it’s difficult just slow down.

One comment on tracker apps - it looks like some (all?) apps that talk to you pause the C25K audio while they’re talking. So your runs and walks get longer....

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Impetuous]

Thanks for that. Good to know.

I've just started to research tracker apps so I'll bare that in mind

[Impetuous in reply to RunningMigster]

Footpath is good for route planning and navigation. I have a Withings watch that does nice tracking of your runs with maps, etc. but that might not be a week 1 purchase....

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Impetuous]

So much choice! I've gone with RunKeeper.

I'll have a play with it tonight and take with my morning run tomorrow and see what it gives me.

[Alast]

I think a double (or maybe even treble) well done is in order here! After your alarm setting mishap it would have been very easy to think 'oh well, I'll do this tomorrow now instead' (and we all know that tomorrow never comes!). Well done too for having the motivation to force yourself out for a run in the evening, if I tried that I'm sure by the end of my working day I'd have a bundle of excuses in my head why tonight wasn't suitable. The final well done is for making me smile with your post, I could really identify with what you were saying there but can reassure you that it will get easier.

Although I've only used them a couple of times I've found that using the podcasts seems to make things easier for me than just using the simple app. Maybe it's the distraction of the music or just the beat that helps me along I don't know, but as someone else has mentioned, if you use the podcast, make sure to download it instead of streaming it. If you lose signal during your run it will freeze or stop, and then you won't know where you are or how much longer you have to go. As I love (free) gadgets, I'm also using Map my Run when I go out, just so that I can compare things. I do a there & back run, turning around at the half way bell (in the app, but not in the podcasts), so although I know I am going slightly further each time (which I find encouraging), this app tells me how much further (and as it measures down to two decimal places even a small improvement is shown!). I look forward to reading about your nrxt run, I'm planning/hoping to run Week 2 Run 3 tomorrow morn ing.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Alast]

I knew that if I didnt get my first run in yesterday, I'd have to hang my head in shame!

The podcast is great and I've taken the advice and downloaded it.

I have to say, I did think I'd hurting more today. I take that as a sign that I'm doing things right and the program works.

I'm actually looking forward to getting out tomorrow now. That's not where my head was last night.

Thanks for the advice and encouragement. It's hard to express just how much it tells.

[Vegout25 Graduate]

Well done for starting your running journey 👍. Recommend you buy running shoes from specialist running shop asap. You’ll be less prone to injury & having spent the money, motivated to continue. Regardless of anyone’s physique they look at gait, posture & foot strike. Be prepared to spend 30mins or more choosing correct shoe for you. Enjoy & trust this awesome app & welcome to the forum 👍😁

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Vegout25]

Thank you. I confess, I pulled out my Sketchers from the bottom of the wardrobe. I bought them 2 years ago when I thought about running :-).

I think they will get me through the first couple of weeks, but I am going to take your advice and get some professional guidance asap

[Vegout25 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Best thing I did. Was self-conscious in shop as overweight but they put me at ease. My running shoes incredibly comfortable. I’m on week 6 already lost a stone & feel great. When I started used tracking apps but was focused on distance & speed. Now just use C25K & enjoy running for what it is. Good luck with your running journey you’ve made a positive step. 👍😊

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Vegout25]

Well done you! Must be a great feeling

I'll get there

[Vegout25 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Yes I believe you will. Stick to the plan & run every other day. On the rest days it’s important to take it easy but go for gentle walk or yoga as will aid your recovery & drink plenty of water, 2litres min per day. You’ll soon be reaping the benefits

[Confusedofaxminster Graduate]

Don't run the hills! I still struggle with them after graduation. It's one of my goals but I couldn't have done it before, certainly not at the outset. Be kind to yourself and keep your runs as flat as possible. If you can vary the terrain and routes, it really takes your mind off, 'When will he say, "that's it for now."' It gets easier. Trust us and WELL DONE.

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Confusedofaxminster]

Thank you. One of the things I never considered was, just how do you plan a route when you dont really know how far you're going. Just another learning curve

[Alast in reply to RunningMigster]

As for planning a route, this is what I did. I've decided to start off (and obviously return to) home, so whilst driving around have looked at the pavements and have decided which direction to set out in. Before starting week one I decided that 15 minutes (I run to half way then turn around) should take me 1.5 - 1.75 Km, so simply measured out in Google Maps my intended direction to 2 Km. I've also been slightly crafty (I think) in that my route has a very slight incline and where I turn around is the highest point, so it's all downhill on the way back! Another benefit I'm finding with this method is that as I improve, I can see I'm going (slightly) further each day which is a great visual morale booster too. (I use the Map my Run app on my phone too so that I can accurately measure the overall distance for the same reason).

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Alast]

Good plan. I think this evening will be spent planning a few different routes in.

Just discovered the option in Google Maps to measure a route. Genius!

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Well done! I just redid w1r1 today and the first run is unbelievably long. I remember when I first did C25k my thoughts were similar:60 seconds does not equal 60 seconds and 90s is shorter than 60. I also thought, well how hard can w1 be... hard! You’ve done the hardest by starting and just make sure you stretch and keep walking if you start stiffening up in the day, hydrate and I think next time go slower! But well done and great that your wife will be joining too

[RunningMigster Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Thank you!

To be honest, I think I massively underestimated just how unfit I am. But now i know, I'm looking forward to reaping the rewards of C25k

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Different types of fitness I think... but yes you will see a difference; for me I noticed it in recuperation times, suddenly, I think in week 4, I felt fine post run much sooner. There is a sister forum called strength and flex and it has good links to improve core strength, which will really help you as a runner. Looking forward to seeing your progression

[Midwife91]

Oh yes this all sounds very familiar 🤣🤣🤣 x

[limberlou Graduate]

The worst bit is when you don’t realise the podcast has frozen and you think “blimey I seem to have been running for about 15 minutes!!!” And then you realise ... YOU HAVE!!!

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Well done for string out there good luck stick with it. Plenty of fluids and take it slowly.