Hey, newbie here!! : Hey, I’m new to this. I... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Hey, newbie here!!

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate
15 Replies

Hey, I’m new to this. I started couch to 5km this week. I just got home after completing my second session. I purchased some running lights and some wireless earphones. Really enjoyed the “run” tonight and it’s left me feeling really positive and motivated!

Does anyone do this challenge alone, or do most people have running buddy’s?

Any tips for keeping motivated and sticking at it?

When will it get super tough? I’m trying not to look ahead for what’s next, and just take each session as it comes! X

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Sar9 profile image
Sar9
Graduate
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15 Replies
Buddy34 profile image
Buddy34Graduate

Great for getting started Sar9. I run on my own and really like it apart from when I go to parkrun every second Saturday.

Tips for keeping motivated, try and pick 3 days a week for running and stick to them , lots of good music and my favourite new routes to run.

Just take each run slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water per day and not just on run days about 2-3 litres it really helps.

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

Remember to stretch after EVERY run

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/h...

SteveWebbo profile image
SteveWebboGraduate

I don’t think it ever gets super tough . Just chill and take it easy , there is no rush . The experts ( normal people like us) on here will help out at every stage . Enjoy your gains and do not rush , you will be amazed at yourself in a short piece of time . Happy running !

Smelliepoo profile image
SmelliepooGraduate

Buddy gives good advice, water, stretching and slow down. The three most important things anyone ever said to me!

I run in my own and the thing that gave me the most motivation was this forum. Although I never felt any pressure from anyone, when I posted on here everyone was so positive and it gave me the expectation of being able to finish and the encouragement when things were not so good.

Well done on starting, keep on going, you have already done the hardest part! 😁

pete1212 profile image
pete1212Graduate

Hi Sar9 stick to the plan run 🏃‍♀️ slow do warm ups and warm downs like stretches and drink plenty of water happy running 🏃‍♀️

Jacca profile image
JaccaGraduate

I run with the dog!! For now till I up my distance it’s fab that you’ve started c25k. Smelliepoo’s right listen to Buddy she gives great advice. Merry Christmas 🎄🎅

NIGHTINGALE1 profile image
NIGHTINGALE1Graduate

Hello and welcome. I run on my own and I don't look at my times and distance. I just follow the programme. I think you are right not to look ahead and just focus on the next run. The programme is designed to lead you to the next stage. And if you feel the need it is ok to repeat a run(s).

You'll also get lots if support, advice and help on here. So keep looking in.

Good luck and have a merry Christmas.

Sar9 profile image
Sar9Graduate

Thanks so much everyone. I never expected so many replies 🙂

It’s great to hear people are actually doing this on their own too, I’m surprised.

And thank you everyone for the tips, positivity and motivation!

Merry Christmas you lovely lot 🎄 xx

pete1212 profile image
pete1212Graduate in reply to Sar9

Hi sar9 I run on my own when I can headphones 🎧 on any music and away to go enjoy the c25k brilliant and the people on here are great to 👍🎅🎄⛄️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿happy 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

pete1212 profile image
pete1212Graduate

I got to week 6 run 1 had pain in my Achilles tendinitis didn’t run for a few week’s managed 3k run this week I went back to week 3 run 1 then had more pain in my ankle 😡 so went the physio today found out it’s my calf so but of work to exercise and then back to running 🏃‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿fingers crossed 🤞

Tigerfan1970 profile image
Tigerfan1970Graduate

Another solo runner here! And I noticed this morning (when there were lots of runners out) most people run on their own. No pressure to keep pace etc.

Best piece of advise I had was from this forum - some runs feel harder than others, but ask yourself ‘is anything broken or am I dying?’ If the answer to both is no then keep plodding on! This is a great program and just stick with it

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate

I did c25k and bridge to 10k on my own. Then I got bored and joined a club which was the best decision ever 😍

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

I've only ever done it alone, including long distances and the marathon. I can't think of running with anyone or participating in organised events. The point is, do your own thing, follow your instincts and listen to your body. Always listen to your body. If or when you get stuck, get in touch and you'll get loads of top advice. Enjoy the trip!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum and well done

on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Enjoy your journey.

Sp81 profile image
Sp81Graduate

Hey 👋

During the beginning of c25k I ran on my own with music, I think because I knew it was a change I had to do by myself, for my self, I then started to run with my dog at week 6. I now have a few different friends I run with sometimes too.

Congratulations on getting started and to staying motivated it is definitely posting on here, reminding yourself why you started and stretch to avoid injury.

I found having designated ‘run’ days worked well too.

Merry Christmas and happy running 🏃‍♀️

RunningMigster profile image
RunningMigsterGraduate

Welcome to the gang.

Lots of good advice here already.

The only other I did, was to keep myself accountable by posting a status update on here after every run. You'll be surprised how much that can motivate you on the days when you're not feeling it!

Good luck, and let us know how you get on

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