Beginner

[Alpal2020]

Hi all,

Happy new year! I want to start running but can probably already do week 1 / 2 in the programme. Would you recommend starting from the beginning regardless?

Thanks!

[Sham19]

Hi welcome to the group 🙂

I would start from the beginning as each run builds strength and stamina. Enjoy and let us know how you get on 🙂

[Hidden]

👋🏻 hi and welcome to the program! I’d start at the beginning as it’s a different way of training that your body isn’t used to. Good luck 👍🏼

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Welcome to the gang!

I also thought about skipping week one.

Feel free to read my wk1 R1 post

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Turns out I was way more unfit than I realised

Anyway, the answer is, start at week 1 run 1.

It's not just about how far you can run or how long you can run for. It's also about training your body gradually so that you can progress through the program with the least possible risk of injury. Obviously, nothing is risk free.

The other thing that's really important to note, is that the rest days are equally, if not more important than your running days. So no cheating and skipping rest days

Good luck with your journey and let us know how you get on!

Mig

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I was quite fit when I started and did more than recommended in week 1. I soon realised that it's not really about cardio fitness; running uses different muscles, in different ways than any other exercise I did (I walk, swim, play badminton and use the gym). By the end of week 2 I was doing as I was told!

The programme gradually conditions your body to cope with new stresses. It's tried and tested, and it works. It's tempting to skip ahead (in every sense of the word😁), but also very easy to pick up injuries. Take it slowly and you'll soon see the benefits.

Good luck 👍

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Read sweet couch potatoes post above😉 start w1r1 honest

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done

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

We are all capable of doing way more than our bodies are conditioned to do, but not without increasing our injury risk. Sticking to gently progressive training plans is the safest way to push our limits.

In my opinion you are better off starting from the beginning and sticking strictly to the plan.

Enjoy your journey.