Today was the day that I started my 5k journey. I finished the run feeling beaten and quite embarrassed!
I was unable to push through the last 2 runs of the podcast and just brisk walked it for the remainder.
I was hoping to finish feeling great and refreshed but I felt physically exhausted and mentally beaten. I haven't participated in exercise for at least 2 years, but I had no idea that I had let myself go THAT much I had always been sporty growing up and I'm only bloody 22.
I guess I'm just here to express my shock, I'm actually dreading my next run (had to laugh at typing that bit, but it's true).
I just wondered if there's anyone who struggled with their first run, if anyone has any advice for motivation or couch to 5k in general.
I'm seriously considering maybe just having a few weeks brisk walking before attempting running again.
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Sarah99948
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I am totally with you on the brisk walking bit. I did that for 2 months before taking on C25K so it gave me a base to start with. I didn't look at distance but just walked for time, gradually increasing the time when I felt comfortable, especially if you like me had not done anything for awhile. To be honest my first walk got me realising how bad my fitness was, let alone trying to jog...think you would have found me in a ditch if I had tried that....have fun you will do this but more likely to complete it when you feel better to tackle the next stage....good luckXX
First of all, well done for starting, that is the hardest part, and you have just done the hardest run. So many people struggled with their first run, including me! I saw that 1 minute run, and thought, hah, everyone can run for one minute. Yeah right. So don't worry, it's common, if you have to walk a bit that's fine. Just stay on this run until you can actually run all the runny bits before moving on to week 2. And the simplest and best advice you will get and you should really listen to, is if you're finding it tough, slow down. Even if you are running slower than you could walk it. You might think you couldn't go slower. Well you can always go slower, believe me. Think 🐌🐌🐌
You may have been going too fast, try to slow down a bit. I’m on week 6 now and can’t believe I’ve come this far because one minute of running seemed so hard at the start. You will surprise yourself but if you try to run too fast you’ll find it much harder
Thanks all, for giving me some great advice and some laughs. I definitely will slow down and pace myself (I thought I was doing this....but will try slower!)
Hi Nicolelindsayr I graduated the programme last Sunday and if I thought I would be running for 30 mins non stop when I started back in December I wouldn’t believe it. It’s a brilliant programme, it’s not easy but exercise never is when starting out. Don’t be embarrassed, everyone has to start somewhere, I have mostly run in the dark as I have been self conscious of being seen running but recently I’ve gone out in the daylight and you know what nobody has paid any notice to me!!!
Stick with it, slow down and even a crap session is better than no session!
Good luck and you’ll smash it eventually 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Don’t worry, run one nearly killed me and I’m still here! When I ran a half marathon 15 months later I didn’t even have an ambulance on standby 🤣🤣
It’s tough... but you can do it. Great advice above and 99.9% of what you need to know is in the link from IannodaTruffe... the other bit is always right here on the forum.
If you can brisk walking 30 minutes it will be a big help with this and life, and that can be done on what the plan calls “rest days” too. There’s people on this forum for whom week 1 was a lot longer than a week, some could probably measure it in months, but they have a badge next to their name that says “graduate” because they didn’t give up, they took their time, owned their journey and didn’t worry about being expected to do this in 9 weeks. We will cheer you all the way, and be here for you when a run doesn’t go so well. You can do this... and you’ve done the hardest bit, you crossed the start line. Great to see another new runner starting, 27 runs or 277 runs, we’re gonna be here to celebrate you crossing the finish line.
Well done for starting. Don’t be too hard on yourself and as others have said maybe slow your pace when you run. The point at this stage is to build up your fitness and stamina. Keep going and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in a few weeks x
Well done for your achievements so far. Don’t give up. I’m 55 going thro menopause and all my joints hurt. I have just finished w9r3 it still hurts and is still not easy but I done it. if I can you can xxx keep going 🏃♀️👍
Well done on starting the C25K programme, and the first week is a bit of a shock for many of us so you are not alone at all.
As the others have said, just take it nice and slow and steady. You will he amazed that your fitness and stamina will improve steadily but surely as you go through the programme.
You will get all the support you need on here. Happy running 👍
Oh god, I remember that first run - yes, slow down, and stay hydrated, being well hydrated helps with heavy legs - just keep repeating your run until you can do it
you will be soo happy when you finish the programme
Stuck in there, it WILL get better. I'm twice your age and carrying far too much weight. The first run is by far the worst, my legs were soooo sore I wanted to cry rather than do run 2. There was at least a 5 day gap between the runs because of the pain. Then I got a chest infection. However, take it from me as a non-runner, it gets easier. The day after run 2 won't hurt anywhere near as much, and you'll feel better for trying and walking than not leaving the house. Go for it, you can do it!
Ok, so you've had the deluge of posts saying, oh god, that was me! Now, don't you dare give up! You really can do this and change your life for the better!
You have your whole life ahead of you; it's a gift - don't spend it on the couch! Good luck 👍
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