W1R1 - And so it begins: I'm not a runner... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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W1R1 - And so it begins

15 Replies

I'm not a runner - outside of school I've only ever run over 30mins once that was in my 20s - I'm now in my early 40s. So it took a while to get ready - had a few issues with my headphones and where to put my phone (ended up holding it during the session). Used YouTube to play my songs and chose Michael Johnson to talk me during my session. So my first run happened to be in the town centre as had no idea how long it would take to do a brisk walk and run because (let's be honest) I had never walked to the town centre. Walked there then Michael Johnson said I needed to start running - was super conscious of everyone looking at me at first but wasn't so bad and kept on going. Will choose a less busy place next time. 1st session done - lots more to go but feel great!

15 Replies
pippkins profile image
pippkinsGraduate

That's awesome!

Don't be put off if your legs are a bit sore, allow your day of rest before run 2 and the soreness will fade.

It feels like 5 minutes ago that I started week 1, I am now on week 7 and... actually running!

Week 1 was my hardest week, but your body will be AMAZING at building up strength and endurance, just stick to the plan and you won't believe what you can achieve in a short time! :D

in reply to pippkins

Thanks Pipkins! Appreciate the support

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate

Well done on getting started. I was really self conscious when I started but I think I was in wk 4 or 5 when we passed a family walking the other way and the 7/8 year old boy said “ look at those runners mum!!”. 😁

in reply to limberlou

Thanks limberlou - you're now known as a runner after only a few weeks - that's amazing!

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate in reply to

Well I’ve been at it for nearly 3 years now and there are times when I still wonder if I am yet..

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate

Well done for getting out there. My profile was similar to yours, only I took up running at age 66! Everything is possible for you. Running gear is like a cloak of invisibility; nobody even notices you. So just do your own thing and enjoy what you are about to achieve. Only one tip at this stage. Keep your pace really slow. Running for the allotted time is all that you need achieve. 👏👏👏👏👏👍

Wow Beachcomber66 you are an inspiration! Thanks for the tip.

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate

I’m on week 3 atm.

Week one, run one was the hardest for me.

So, well done:)

And, keep going!

in reply to iBard

Thanks iBard. I'm a little sore but I guess that's to be expected for someone who's never run. How's week 3 going?

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to

Pretty good!

I’m impressed with the gradual but definite improvements in fitness, belief, mood...

Think I’m going to stick with it:)

agirlinwinter profile image
agirlinwinterGraduate

Well done on getting started!

I’m 46 and I hadn’t run since PE at school 30 years ago. I thought I was going to die after my first attempt at W1R1. I graduated on 8 March 😀

You can do this! Take it one run at a time and don’t be tempted to go too fast. Let us know how you’re getting on.

Thanks agirlinwinter. I intend to write after every run to keep me motivated. I prefer writing to running at the moment but hopefully that will change.

Ch0911 profile image
Ch0911Graduate

Good on you. The first runs always the most daunting. Well done for doing though. 👍👍

Thanks

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.

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