Does it get easier

[Demondrifter]

Hi all I’ve just joined the site , I’ve just finished my first week and finding it hard , don’t get me wrong I don’t think it will be easy . Issue I’m having is my back is giving me pain and slowing me down so any tips that will keep me on thank would be great

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hi and welcome, definitely read the guide to the programme that will answer all your questions, take it as slow as you can and e tea rest days if you are aching do help, good luck

[ChrisBB Graduate]

It will get better take it slowly following the plan and it will get easier I nearly quit in week 3 but kept going and now think this is one of the greatest things I have ever done 😁

[OldWelshBloke]

About to start week 9, but simply putting my shoes on and completing week 1 is probably my key achievement. Each week builds on the last, so it doesn't get "easier" but you get better at it, which is what we want, after all.

I get some back pain from running, which I think is probably due to my being overweight, poor posture and general unfitness. So I probably need to find suitable exercises to strengthen my back and core to adapt to my newly active lifestyle.

Be sure to find a comfortable and sustainable pace and just focus on completing each run. Good luck!

[Chestnut21 Graduate]

Take it easy, believe in the plan, your body can do this. I found breaking times into chunks helps e.g. 20 mintue run is 10 mins to half way and then you are homeward bound. Self doubt is a nightmare but believe in your body and maybe on your rest days try some core training or yoga to help your back. I had awful back and calf pain - so I understand where you're coming from

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting staretd.

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.

When you can run for 30 minutes in a few weeks time, the early weeks would seem very easy.

Enjoy your journey.

[Kano76]

Please check out the you tube video on Japanese slow running. It made such a difference to me and I just completed my wk 5 r3 ahead of time.

[SaltdeanSizzler]

Hi I’m same as you! Just joined yesterday and love all the encouragement and support and tips. I did W2R1 this morning and was dreading as like you found W1 hard but survived 😊Don’t give up ! Believe in yourself! If I can do it anyone can do it 🥴😂😂🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️