Not a Runner: Hi.... As the title states I am... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Not a Runner

sophieRoberts0807 profile image

Hi....

As the title states I am not a runner!! I have downloaded the couch to 5k app to get me started and will be going for my first run tonight.

I haven’t done much exercise since the Lockdown, I normally play netball twice a week but I’m a GK so not a lot of running around only short bursts. I am looking to keep fit whilst not netball training.

What I would be grateful for is any tips for a complete novice runner going on their first run.

Thanks ☺️

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sophieRoberts0807 profile image
sophieRoberts0807
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9 Replies

I wasn't a runner Sophie, more squash and stuff this will transform you that inner runner will flourish 👍 there's a pinned post on iannodatruffes profile about everything you need to know,

Well done for downloading the app this is where it starts good luck

amaclennan profile image
amaclennan

Just listen to the coaches and take it easy. The app is designed to support anyone and no matter how hard or easy you find it, stick to the rest days and stretches after runs and you will see performance improve massively.

Speedy60 profile image
Speedy60Graduate

None of us were runners when we first downloaded the app, but every human being has the potential to be one, so good on you.👏

Being a team sports player, suggests you're quite competitive? Don't be competitive over running, especially to begin with! I made that mistake with strava. I kept trying to beat my own times (no one else's). It's the quickest way to get injured.

Don't be fooled by the athletics you've seen on the telly. Take it really slowly. Trust the programme and don't stress about what's ahead of you.

Wear decent shoes, they're the most important piece of kit.

Make sure you're well hydrated before you start, or your legs will feel like lead.

Don't overdress (I'm assuming you're outdoors not on a treadmill). Five minutes in and you'll be stripping off.

Think about your route and try to avoid hills (some of us still do😉).

Smile and nod to everyone you meet while maintaining social distancing. There's a lot of negativity and fear about out there at the moment. Showing you're human, just like everyone else, usually dissipates that, I find.

Enjoy the challenge and good luck!

ZealsJoe profile image
ZealsJoeGraduate

Hi. I've only just started too and have just completed week 1 run 3. Make sure you stretch properly before heading out, the brisk walk wasn't enough for me. Go slow and whilst doing the walking try to look around for positive lovely things that you wouldn't have seen if you were indoors. That kept me going. It wasn't as easy as I hoped but nothing worth it is. Good luck.

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate

Don't worry! I was absolutely the opposite of a runner when I started!

This programme is amazing and will teach you so much more than just how to run, if you let it.

But... please do read the full guide to get the most from it

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck... and enjoy! 😁👍🏻

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Go slow as slow as you can

Annamm profile image
Annamm

I wasn’t a runner either. I’m up too Wk3 run 3 and it’s getting easier! I’m really enjoying it. Good luck x

Gannet1 profile image
Gannet1Graduate

I was the complete opposite of a runner too! Never fancied it. Only just done week 2 run 1 yesterday but so chuffed. 😀 Can’t believe the positive way it affects my mood/stress/tiredness. Go for it! 👍

Hi All, Thank you all for you lovely comments of encouragement. I must admit I didn’t use the app and I thought I’d see what I was capable of first...

I went down our local rugby club and ran around the field (5 rugby pitches) and ended up running just over a mile. As of tomorrow I will be using the app to encourage me and to slow me down abit. My husband who is a runner said that he thought I went off abit quick and tried to maintain the speed. I’m glad I did the run yesterday as I can learn from the mistakes (and good points) from that run. Not feeling to bad this morning ☺️

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