Progress isn't linear

[Jerneen]

Hi all. First of all,I'm so proud and pleased I've started couch to 5k after years of thinking about it. I'm very unfit. I started a month of walking 5 days a week before this.

I've been running for a month now and am on week 3 (repeated week 1 at the start as I found it really hard to complete).

However one thing I really wanted reassurance on is the variability of my own ability. I feel like each week I have 1 good run, 1 ok run and 1 run that I struggle. Or maybe 2 good and 1 bad.

I'm sure it's a number of things,setting off too fast, being too warm, first 48hrs of my period etc. But I just want to hear from others and get reassurance about progress not being linear. It's for sure not putting me off keeping going but would be encouraging to hear from others.

I put gold stars on my calendar to mark each run and I'm so proud of my calendar when I see my stars. Gold stars work for 3yr olds and 30 odd year olds , who knew ⭐🌟⭐

[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.

Everything going on in our lives can impact on our performance as a runner. Restedness, hydration and nutrition are at the top of my list of variables that need to be optimised to enable enjoyable running.

Enjoy your journey.