Just beginning

[Ashem78]

So I’ve just completed run1 on week 2 this morning and I am finding myself already worrying about how I am going to do week 3! I am finding it challenging but I REALLY want to do this. Any tips ? I’m very unfit and it’s very apparent

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Just take it one run at a time, no point worrying about what's coming, just focus on the here and now. Lots of people will say this to you, but slow down and if you struggle a bit on a run that's ok, put it down as a practice and do it again. The programme is designed to build up your stamina, trust it. Oh and run slowly!

You will do it 😊

[Ashem78]

Thank you, I’m sure I will get more confidence the more runs I manage to complete. Thanks for your reply

[Redvic97 Graduate]

Worrying about what is coming is counterproductive in that in part you’ve already decided you’re not going to be able to do it.

You’ll hear it time and again but go slow, and trust the programme, it really does build your stamina.

Don’t worry about whether you’ll manage a run, if you don’t achieve it initially it’s a practice, you give it another go and we’ll be here to cheer you on. No run is ever wasted - it’s time not on the couch. Above all enjoy the sense of achievement and triumph as you tick off each run towards the goal.

You’ve got this 👍🏻

[Ashem78]

Thanks that’s a great way to look at it, no run is ever wasted. I’ll definitely keep that one for when I need it. Thank you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

Worrying about what is to come will not help........just concentrate on the one you are doing and lo and behold you will find that all the previous runs have prepared you.......relax and enjoy your journey.

[Ashem78 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Great advice , thanks everyone. I’m going to have to trust the process

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Ashem78 ...well done on your runs so far, I have no doubt at all that you will be fine throughout this programme.....please, try not to worry in advance about future runs, just focus your energy on the runs that you’re facing at the time...when you get to the runs in front you will be prepared for them because that’s how this programme is designed...and if you have to re do some then so be it...run slow and steady finding your comfortable pace and you’ll be ok

[Itaba]

I know exactly how you feel, I'm at the same point. I just try to remind myself how I felt the same way about week two after the first run in week 1 and yet it wasn't impossible. I'm hoping the jump to week 3 will be just as 'do-able'! I've just done run 2 of week 2 and it was already easier than run 1. One step at a time ..

[MrWomble Graduate in reply to Itaba]

I needed to hear that.

[Neil2702 Graduate]

I'm 18 months in to the journey, & on every occasion I doubt I can do it ? Do not worry, if you don't mind me suggesting please find below a list of things that helped me:

* Little set routines lay my gear out the night before - have a glass of water - pop to the loo ...etc

* Run somewhere you like running. The summer is on its way, try & get somewhere that has a visual value

* Make sure you are running at a time that suits you, I'm a 05:00am runner, it suits me

* I bought a nice watch...…. & shoes ………. & Shorts …….. In fact I've spent to much, however moving on

* When you can, listen to some "eye of the tiger" music, pumping pulsing.

* Listen to your body. I'm not very good at this one . Rest up when you need to rest

* Hydrate & Eat Good Food (I've used this as life style change & lost 23Kg)

Do not back out, your on the journey, seek support, & if you need to look for a like minded friend to run with

Good Luck

[Runningfit67]

I remember asking the same question at the beginning of my running journey. Believe in the app!!! For some strange reason it works.

[Lil5k Graduate]

Hello Ashem78, I think the beauty of this plan is that you are in control, listen to your body, you take it at your own pace and repeat if necessary and go at the pace that suits you, even if it's sometimes a fast walk, as long as you are moving, you will still have achieved something and it will help towards your goal of running, just don't give up keep at it, thats my advice.

I'm on W1R3 today, I did get to week 9 last summer, but stopped for a few months due to other things getting in the way, and now I'm repeating, I know I can't hop straight back into W9 as I would struggle and possibly get an injury...so I'm back to W1, but I've gone from doing nothing to doing something and like you will get there 👍keep positive and don't worry, just do it. 😉

[DDJ2019 Graduate]

Hi. I'm 2 runs ahead of you right now. Keep going! Yes it's hard but we've all come here to do this - and we will!!

[Yoginut Graduate]

Rather than looking ahead too far and worrying, listen to your body. If it really feels like too much, too soon then repeat week 1 😊

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

Take each week and run as it comes. Stop worrying about the following week and concentrate on what you’re doing on each run. If it doesn’t go to plan which sometimes happens, re-run it again and then move on to the next. Slow and steady is the key to success, so keep plodding along and good luck.

[Hidden]

Hello. Same stage as me. I could say the same. I am doing two things. 1. I don't look ahead. I just take each run at a time. 2. I believe in the process. I won't believe I can't do it until I can't do it .... I also jog incredibly slowly.

[Ashem78]

Thank you everyone, the support is brilliant, so thankful I found this

[sigasiga Graduate]

Well done for starting C25K and you're already well on the way with 4 out of 27 runs done. Don't worry about the runs to come - you've got 2 more week 2 runs to do yet and by the time you've done them you'll be ready for W3. Celebrate each run achieved and enjoy the progress you're making. Happy running!

[23Violets]

Hi there I am on week three. In agony with leg joint pains But I found a key the real reason why I want to run, I find running gives me time to think. I really worry about my lung function, nothing else just that keeps me going, so I think find your reason, I also say I love running, I don't!! But I am learning to there's no such thing as a bad or a to slow run, b happy 😊

[Smelliepoo Graduate]

I was the same when I got to week 3. How was I going to run for 3 whole minutes!!

Turned out the plan works and it was all OK, and having 2 more runs of week 2 will prepare you for it as much as you need to be prepared.

I recommend looking at Japanese slow running and use this when and if you need/want to. It is something that you could probably keep up for a significant length of time and not feel out of breath, but it is still running.

Good luck on your journey!

[Jamohanlall Graduate]

I was in the same situation. First, slow down. This is not the time to focus on running fast. Second, I repeated workouts that I struggled with until I could do them successfully. Free yourself from the idea that you need to finish the program by a specific date. Some runs I repeated for 3 weeks. You aren’t ready to proceed until you can nail down the run you are in. Otherwise you may injure yourself and get very discouraged. You can do this! Just enjoy the process and don’t stress over it.

[Woody_53 Graduate]

I struggled with the first run of week three. I reduced the pace and runs two and three were much easier.