First run

[Lifegoals83]

Hi I started my first run today, to say I almost died is an understatement. I just want to loose weight and be healthy for my boys. Does the run get easier?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

So you died...............?

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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

and includes advice about pacing............you were going too fast.......everyone does.

In a few weeks time, when you are running for thirty minutes non stop this run will seem very easy.

Enjoy your journey.

[Lifegoals83 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much for reply. All these replies are very encouraging and will help me stick to it. I think you are right I started out to fast. Will take it easier today xx

[Hidden]

I'm not sure it gets easier... Each run is preparing you for the next one and each week prepares you for the next. So not easy but definitely achievable. Good luck and your boys will be proud!

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! For someone that doesn't run at all I'm just hoping I can achieve running for longer then few mins without feeling ready to give up 😉

[Hidden in reply to Lifegoals83]

I started 3 years ago at the age of 55, having last run at school. I regularly and slowly run 10k and have run 10 miles. So this is definitely possible for you! Have belief in yourself and the programme👍

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Hidden]

That's amazing.

Thank you for your kind words.

X

[Lmss]

Can I say congratulations for starting. I will be graduating today wk9 run 3, I can believe it!! I was you at then end of January when I started C25K. I thought the first run looked like a piece of cake UNTIL I started to run. My goodness, I thought I would actually have a heart attack! I’m a mum to 4 gorgeous boys and like yourself I wanted to be fit for life with them. I am 5’6” size 10, but very unfit. I have found many runs very difficult and have thought about stopping around the 5minute mark but I have persevered to the end. Sometimes only by visualising what I want to achieve and reminding myself how angry I will be with myself if I don’t complete. I am so proud of what I have achieved. Just keep on going, you CAN do this!

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Lmss]

Aww that's amazing!!! Well done you. Yeah I'm 5ft8 and just found each time with boys have put 2 stone on and never shifted it. I want to be and to chase my boys in park without getting breathless.

Your story is very encouraging. Just hope once Lockdown over cab find a jogging partner x

[JimmyLucy2 Graduate]

Hi Lifegoals83!

Firstly, well done for starting - that is a big, big step, which is not to be underestimated. So give yourself a big pat on the back, as you made that decision and you made it for YOU, not for anyone else. I think it is important to emphasise this: as adults we all spend a lot of time doing things for other people and you are doing this for you, which is great!

When I started I thought I was going to die on the first run of week 1. I looked like a total beetroot, and it was a chilly October morning! But I kept going and I did it. I am never going to be a marathon athlete, but I run 3 or 4 times a week, and enjoy it. And you will too, honestly - enjoy it, I mean!

So, from a relative newbie, here are my ’ top tips’:

1. Run in comfortable clothing - trendiness, etc, is NOT important.

2. (If female) a sports bra is essential.

3. Running shoes - if you can get advice on those, it makes a difference.

4. Find something you like to listen to - the radio, music, a podcast, whatever. You can play the C25K app in the background and it buts into the music/radio/podcast to encourage you and tell you how you are doing every so often. I love Jo Whiley’s voice and encouragement!

5. Ignore the ‘devil on your shoulder’ who might (if you are anything like I was) try to tell you every so often that you have done enough and should stop today. Just push that little brute aside, flick him away and and say to yourself that you are going to finish that running session because you started it. A bit like that Mastermind question chap!

6. Look up, smile, and don’t have a fixed route. Instead, run down new roads, cul-de-sacs, whatever. Make it up as you go along if you get bored easily like me! You discover things about your community and the worst thing you will ever have to do is double back if it is a dead end - that is distance, anyway!

7. Tell others you are doing it - don’t keep it secret! I don’t like running with people, as I like my own thoughts and my own pace, but I report back about what I do, how I feel, bore people with my new routes, etc. You will be amazed about how people encourage you and wish you well. That was a big source of strength to me.

8. Keep coming back to this forum to say how you are doing. It is great to hear news from others, and I bet before you know it you will be encouraging others with your experiences and your progress.

Well, that’s all of my tips, they will be different from those of others, but that is what this is all about - finding what works for you and ‘running’ (pardon the pun!) with it!

[Lifegoals83 in reply to JimmyLucy2]

Awww thank you so much for lovely words of encouragement. Since this lockdown iv needed some me time away from kids, on maternity atm return to work in 2 weeks to the NHS. I found walking to the park really relaxing so thought try jogging, I have never ran in my life. But I actually felt great after yesterday's jog. Hoping to go again today. Trying to find time to go gym or workout at home is impossible with 3 boys under 9.

Thank you so much for tips

Really helpful.

And well done you also.

Take care x

[Getfitok Graduate]

Welcome & good luck with your running journey, the 1st runs are definitely the hardest 👣👣👣

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Getfitok]

Thank you so much. 😊

[Flye Graduate]

I am no expert - day 2 today of week one - but I have run 10ks in the past, many many years and a lot less weight ago. However, that was as good as I got so no great runner or anything. So this might be right or wrong.

When the running gets tough, I shorten my stride. I try to keep the rhythm, same tempo in my strides, but I make my stride shorter. Especially up a hill. And if that doesn't help, I make it shorter again. Sometimes almost jogging on the spot if needs be. That makes it a little easier if you are getting a bit tired in the running for one minute part, or you are on an uphill, etc. I find.

Last time I did this it did get easier after a few weeks. And that's when it gets dangerous for me because I am a very impatient person and I got a bit cocky and did too much too soon and so got injuries. So in some ways its good if its difficult because it will keep you from doing that. Thats how I look at it, anyway.

[Runfati Graduate]

Hi Lifegoals83!

I just wanted to offer you encouragement because you will do this! I am 47, at least four stone overweight and I graduated C25K last week. I had never run any distance, ever. At the beginning I was thinking that anything was better than nothing and if I got stuck at week four, then that’d be my workout every week. There were points when I felt that I wouldn’t be able to do the next level of run but I always did. The program works to build you up and there are parts of runs that you’ll hate, but you’ll feel euphoric at times as well.

My top tip is feel good music to get you through the tricky bits of the run. The cheesier the better I found!

Good luck and let us know your progress 😊

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Runfati]

Thank you so much. That's so useful. Your right I need to take smaller strides im just under 5.9in 5.8 half to be precise so think I'm taking to long strides. Going to slow my pace today.

Thank you so much x

[JimmyLucy2 Graduate]

I am the same height as you, ie used to say 5’9, but seem to be 5’8-ish really! I try not to over-think the stride length. Instead, I feel it is best for me to go with whatever feels ok for the occasion. My normal stride is fairly short, I would say, but it then gets longer downhill (ok, ‘downslope’, really!) and then probably shorter when going up a slope. But that is just my body doing what it feels. The other funny thing you might find is that when you are further along in the program you tend to start getting into a pace in the 3rd km, and then run faster per km than before that. Bodies are odd things; sometimes they just have to get into the routine to discover what works for them!

[Rumour Graduate]

We started two years ago at the ages of 66 and 64. Then had an enforced break due to ill health (that I would have missed the signs of if I hadn't been running!) But here we are back again, running three times a week and when it is on, completing park runs on a very demanding forest trail run. I have just turned 69, so if I can do it, so can you. Best of luck and #staysafe

[Lifegoals83 in reply to Rumour]

Wow your both amazing. Health is everything and to still be running after your health issues is shere determination and dedication. I look forward to exploring more on my runs. I just hope I don't give up. Somtimes I just give in and think it's too hard.

But I'm determined not to on this new venture of mine. 😊

[Rumour Graduate in reply to Lifegoals83]

We both know where you are coming from. That week one run of just one minute at a time nearly killed us, but then the realisation hit in week three that we could run for three minutes! Then on to week six and two ten minutes.. After that we knew we could do it. Just try and remember, it may be uncomfortable at times and that may make you want to stop, but it is only for a very short time. The feeling after you have beaten it is awesome.

And you also have us! When you are feeling like it could be getting to hard and you will at least once, come in here and talk to people. WE are ALL here to help smooth your journey. You are a runner and that gets you into the biggest club in the world. Runners wave, runners say Hi and if they are too puffed, they raise their hand.

On our third week, we ran at a local beauty spot. There was a young guy quite a way in front of us and we saw him disappear in the distance. After we reached the 2K mark with walking and running, he came up behind (it is a 5K circuit) us as we jogged along. As he passed he called out "Well done you two, keep it up." Made us feel great. So keep on keeping on and if you fail on a run, do it again next time, repeat a week if you want and get used to it. Our nine weeks was actually fifteen!! Keep on keeping on.

[Lifegoals83]

I never ever thought I'd start running. I just think with this lock down should enjoy and appreciate what we have and take for granted. Find my self appreciating nature alot more, I love looking at the blossom trees when going for long walks.

Thought why not run could enjoy lots of beautiful greenary.

Just done home work out and tomorrow will do day 2.

Wish me 🤞

[seasidedog]

Yay congratulations for starting! Hard with 3 children and you've recently had a baby.

Im 41, 5 stone overweight, just completed W1 run 3 and I'm feeling om. Shins are sore and ankles swollen (no pain). I've had a look on here and YouTube at how you're suppose to run and turns out my posture and footing is wrong! Defo listening to some music has helped.

Keep going and good luck with going back to work. Xx