When will there be improvement?

[Puddleduck49]

When will I see some benefit from running? I’ve been doing couch to 5k every other day for 6 weeks and am determined to keep going, I’m also eating really healthily and have lost half a stone, will I see improvement I 4 months?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What kind of improvement...in which areas?

[Puddleduck49 in reply to Oldfloss]

I’d be happy with anything, I feel better and good for my mental health but if it would get easier it would be nice am still hobbling and panting

[Tasha99 Graduate]

What kind of benefit?

[Puddleduck49 in reply to Tasha99]

Be happy with any improvement - am 49 assuming progress slow because am so unfit, fat and old

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to Puddleduck49]

Running is hard! I think that you get faster once you keep going and do things like hills and longer distances. It’s easier if you slow down. It’s more enjoyable when there are things to work for like races and parkrun. Race at your pace medals are great where you sign up for X miles per month. Keeps me motivated.

[Joanney69 Graduate]

I would imagine you have already seen some improvement in your fitness? And maybe your mental health?

[Puddleduck49 in reply to Joanney69]

Feel better but it’s no easier and weight proving impossible to shift

[FreedomToRun Graduate]

That sounds really good and I bet health and inches have improved too!!

[Justinian Graduate]

Look back to week one. Are you running more now than then? Maybe a little easier?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Could you run the duration you are now managing in W1?

There is no quick fix to being fit and healthy it is a day in, day out way to lead your life and the advantages are incremental........the best is yet to come.

Enjoy your journey.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You’re 6 weeks in... there’s a big improvement there for sure! When you’re done with this plan, go see how easy W1R1 is then!

If you’re looking for it to get easier... well it is in a way already, but the runs are getting longer, and the weekly load in your legs is getting bigger... this means that while running itself is easier, the runs remain challenging. That’s normal... that’s pushing your fitness levels up rapidly. When you’ve completed the 9 “weeks” then the best thing to do is to stop the progression and just repeat week 9 until it gets more comfortable... you’ll be amazed how soon you can go for an easy 30 minute run! For now, you’re doing great... just keep running nice and slowly and you’ll achieve every goal.