Lockdown beginner

[Indisguise]

I started C25k to get me up and about during lockdown. I am a keen hill walker and missed being able to get outdoors. In week 1, I barely made the short runs around my garden without stopping for water (rubbish lung capacity!), I've just completed run 3 of week 5 and feel a great sense of achievement! Thank you for the inspiration and guidance. All help and tips with the remaining programme greatly appreciated.

[FestinaLente Graduate]

I have been a fell-walker for the last 52 years. Like you, I miss the hills terribly! We are at the same C25K stage. Let's hope that we get so fit that we can zoom up the hills when life returns to something like normal.

[Indisguise Graduate in reply to FestinaLente]

Thank you for your reply. That is the positivity and focus I need and I'll take this into Week 6. I too look forward to getting back out on a proper walk, but running is becoming quite addictive and I hope to continue after completing this programme. Good luck with week 6!

[Woollyweaver Graduate]

Well done for reaching W5R3 👏- you are well on the way to being a runner as well as a hill walker!

I'm also a keen hill walker, blessed with living amongst the hills that I love to climb. Amongst other reasons, I started C25K because I was shocked at how rubbish I was at running even a few steps, despite being able to walk all day in the hills. I'm just a few weeks ahead of you (about to start W9), And what I can say for sure is that the running is going to make you so much stronger as a hill walker. I now steam up hills on a walk that would previously have left me puffing - even my 14 year old has commented that I walk so fast I may as well be running up our closest 450m 'peak'. So with every run that you put under your belt, just keep thinking of all those extra hills you are going to climb (with ease) when this is all over 🤗

[Indisguise Graduate in reply to Woollyweaver]

Thank you. Good luck with week 9!

[MMP175 Graduate]

Well done. I started in lockdown too and have just finished week 8. I walked regularly on the flat for a couple of hours (not up hills) but couldn’t run for toffee. I can’t believe I’m near the end. My top tips are go slow, and then even slower. Also take plenty fluids especially the day before the run, and you’ll get there. Maybe not running 5k, but running for 30 minutes and then you can work on distance. Good luck

[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.

You will notice the difference if you keep up the running. Lung and heart function will be vastly improved over just walking.

Enjoy your journey.