Third time lucky....what to do on rest days?

[Hanfel]

Hello I'm turning 40 this year and determined to crack this running malarkey and get back into shape. I've tried and given up twice before using a different app so hoping this nhs one works. First run down today and feeling great but want to keep the momentum going- what does everyone do on their rest days?

[Rigpig Graduate]

Personally I go for long walks on some rest days but any non impact exercise is good, or you could just rest 😄 you’re in the right place to succeed, the support I have received from this forum really helped me on my road to graduation and I honestly started this thinking there was a good chance I wouldn’t make it or that at least I would have to re do a couple of weeks but none of that happened and I feel better at 54 than I have for years. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing 👍

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to Rigpig]

That's great thanks so much for your support and advice. Really hoping I can keep going this time round! Will keep posting after every run I think to try and make myself more accountable?

[Rigpig Graduate in reply to Hanfel]

That’s what I did, it’s a great way to stay motivated. It’s a great program that really does work and the people in here are truly great.

[RunningMigster Graduate]

It's not the choice of app that's helps you succeed. As Rigpig says, it's this forum.

I could not have done it without the help, support, advice and encouragement from the people on here.

As for rest days, I've started doing free weights and sit ups. Nothing too strenuous. Only takes about 15mins and I'm done.

Or, I'll just crack open a bottle of wine 🍾🤣.

Enjoy your run and let us know how you get on.

Mig

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

Thanks- think that's where I've gone wrong before as haven't really even talked about it other than at home. Appreciate the support!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Hello Hanfel. Great you want to start running , you've come to the best place.

On my rest days I do lots of walking.

Just go slow and slower again if needed and remember to drink lots of water per day and not just on run days.

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

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thankyou yes I def need to up the water intake- unless cups of tea count?😂

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to Hanfel]

Sometimes tea can make you pee more so water is better . But I know you can't beat a cup of tea😊

[Comfortnotspeed]

Hi! Hope all goes well. Rest days mean low impact exercise. Yoga is good; target strength /core or the dreaded exercise bike for knees...

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Haven't done yoga since I was pregnant about 9 years ago- might look into local class thankyou!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes a link to the NHS Strength and Flex programme, which is a perfect complement to C25k.

Enjoy your journey.

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That's great thanks so much!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

My advice to you is to focus on establishing a routine for your runs on the plan.... particularly as you say you have given up twice before. If you overload yourself with too much expectation you run the risk of failing. Having said that, if you want to do stuff on your rest days then strength work ( check out the strength and flex podcasts), walking, swimming, cycling.... the world is your oyster 😎 good luck on the plan .... lots of great resources on here, have an explore on the pinned posts etc....

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks for the tips! It's hard for to run at certain times and even days as I'm a working mum and husband works shifts. My work means im in the car and meetings at various times over the day so some days don't get full lunch break. Am hoping if I can just stick to 3 times a week at whatever point I can then will be an ok-ish routine? Really appreciate the advice thanks

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Hanfel]

I get it... I’m also a working mum, and I manage it by getting up really early everyday. It really works well and sets me up for the day and difficult meetings etc!! You can do it, just plan it in to your busy life routine

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

That prob what I need to do to be honest on the mornings my husband isn't already at work. So wish I could afford a treadmill so I could do it anytime! Thanks for the support!

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Hanfel]

noooooo treadmills don’t give you all the benefits that running outdoors does. Being out there before the world wakes up at 5.30 is really special, and you get to see all sorts of things you normally wouldn’t.... please try and I think you will find it so beneficial.

[Hanfel Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

I will give it a go definitely although I live on a country lane with no lighting so may need to wait until it starts getting lighter in the mornings to benefit from seeing anything

[ju-ju- Graduate in reply to Hanfel]

I do too... I have a good torch with front and back lights, and lots of reflective stuff... all doable