Week 4, Run 1 - tick!

[StumblingPixie]

Hi everyone, this is my first post although I've been lurking for the last week or so. I started the programme a few weeks ago now (I was adamant I wasn't going to do it but my boyfriend somehow talked me into it so we're doing it together) and I've fully surprised myself to find that I am quite enjoying it - although I don't always say that when I'm actually out running 😂.

Today was week 4, run 1 and I was dreading it. I just didn't believe that I could run for 5 minutes non stop, let alone twice. But I did! And it wasn't *too* difficult despite the last 5 mins being uphill (I live in quite a hilly area so no flat runs for me sadly)! Suffice to say I'm pretty proud of myself 😁

I don't go overly fast and I do lots of warm-up and cool down stretches which I'm sure helps and hopefully will stand me in good stead for the future. I'm not fit at all and I've never run in my life so this is a big achievement. I'm also ridiculously self-conscious and I didn't think I'd be able to run outside at all at first. But I managed, and I've even managed to go out alone a few times which has been an achievement in itself. Although I dread what's in store the coming weeks, I also know my body's getting fitter by the day and will be ready for it (hopefully!).

For everyone on their journey just now, no matter what stage, good luck! You can do this!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Welcome 😊

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Dtay1978]

Thanks!

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

That last sentence - right back at you! YOU can do this too! You’re doing all the right things and building your confidence along the way as well as your running! Enjoy the journey and keep us posted

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to SweatyHettie]

Thank you so much 😊 I will!

[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.

Enjoy your journey.

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, I've read it and I'll keep it bookmarked!

[SaltdeanSizzler]

Well done 👏👏I think there are a lot of us lurkers 😂😂😂It is such a wonderful inspirational forum though isn’t it to help us push on 🏃🏃‍♀️🥴I’m W4R1 in the morning 🥴Nearly time to face my weekly nemesis again 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to SaltdeanSizzler]

Yes it's great to read about how everyone else is doing and definitely helps my motivation! I had a look at your posts to see how you got on with W4R1, well done to you too! 😁👍

[Sybilw Graduate]

Lots of achievements there - starting, hills, outdoors, out alone, hills (can you guess I hate hills) and all because it was your boyfriend’s idea. Well done you - now all you need to do is trust the program because some weeks seem very challenging but we’ve all tested it for you so you WILL do this. Good luck to you both.

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Thank you 😊 That's one thing I always keep in mind, it works for so many people so I can do it too. Hills are horrible haha, although that moment of reaching the top and knowing you're now on the flat (or even better downhill) keeps me going!

[Sybilw Graduate in reply to StumblingPixie]

Keep going - for yourself - not because of your OH. He got you started but it’s up to you to finish! Good luck.

[Dap3]

Ive been lurking too. Just done run 2 of week 4. Have not found week 4 as bad as i expected. I have done running up to 5k before but injuries. This time around I am following the programme and running ...well jogging slowly and finding this is working much better. Slow and steady definately the way forward.

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Dap3]

I've definitely found W4 better than expected too, I go pretty slow myself and I think it's the best way when you're not used to it or had injuries previously. Good luck for the rest of the programme, I'm sure you'll do great! 😁

[Cheeky450 Graduate]

Well done, I’ve got my w4r1 today I’m dreading it, 5 mins seems a big jump from 3 but I’m gonna give it my best

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Cheeky450]

I had a look at your post and saw you did it, well done! 🎉 I think we do surprise ourselves with what we can manage 🙂

[messthezombie Graduate]

Hi Pixie, well done on completing the first week 4 run! I didn’t think I’d be able to it either but I just finished it now and am feeling great. We just need to trust in the programme and believe in ourselves. Just because we’ve never ran before doesn’t mean our bodies won’t rise to the challenge! Each week I’m surprising myself how well my body can cope, the biggest obstacle so far has been a mental one. Keep up the good work, and good luck with the rest of the programme!

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to messthezombie]

Thank you! 🙂 And you're definitely right, I think a big part of it is mind over matter, it's definitely going to be one of my main challenges.

[Hidden]

Hi there I’m another lurker! I am doing w4r3 tomorrow. I was also dreading the 5 mins but it was better than expected. I am very very slow though. Hoping that will improve in the coming weeks but right now just pleased to complete each session. Good luck!

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Hidden]

There's a lot of us lurking around! Thank you, and congratulations on your progress so far 🙂 I'm fairly slow as well but my mantra at the moment is "consistency over speed" which helps me 😂

[Bridgetlikessinging Graduate]

Well done fellow lurker! Keep on moving. I'm also on week 4. We've got this!

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Bridgetlikessinging]

Thanks and we've definitely got this! 💪 Good luck with the rest of week 4, and the rest of the programme 😁

[Dolphin-Girl]

Congrats!!! You should definitely be proud!!!

[StumblingPixie Graduate in reply to Dolphin-Girl]

Thank you 😊

[Fionamags Graduate]

Brilliant! Well done. Sounds like a recipe for success if you ask me - you sound like you're a blooming runner! ⚘⚘😆 Don't lurk any more so we can hear how you get on. Keep on!!