First timer

[Sharon3010]

Hi. I have never been able to run and during lockdown haven't really done much excercising as I've worked all the way through. Have thought about couch to 5k in the past but seeing as we are still in these strange times, I feel that I would love to give it a try. Anyone who has tips for a total beginner, I would love to hear from you

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your intention.

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.

[AnneAnne Graduate]

Welcome! I’d say just get out there and take it slowly if you’re getting tired. I’ve not had to stop a run early at all and I put that down to just going slowly and plodding on. Enjoy!

[Emcg51]

I am a lockdown C25Ker too! My advice is believe in yourself, hydrate, walk fast, run slow (no, slower than that). Good luck!

[MMP175 Graduate]

I’m another lockdowner and so glad I started. As others have said, go slow and then even slower and you’ll get there. Also drink lots of fluid, especially on the rest days. I’ve just done my first run of the final week and haven’t had to repeat any, although some at the start were a struggle to complete. I’ve also lost over a stone in weight and gone down 2 dress sizes- an added bonus, although I’m still overweight. Go for it, what have you got to lose!! Good luck

[Broken_halo in reply to MMP175]

Wow well done! I like the tip for go slow then go even slower!

[MMP175 Graduate in reply to Broken_halo]

I don’t think I’d have got through the early weeks without that advice.

[Sharon3010 in reply to MMP175]

Thank you. Looking forward to starting tomorrow. Nervous but really want to give but a go

[Broken_halo in reply to Sharon3010]

Good luck

[MMP175 Graduate in reply to Sharon3010]

Good luck

[Broken_halo]

Hi Sharon, total beginner too and just completed week 4! Can't quite believe it but I have. All i can say is warm up with the walk, start slow even if you are barely more than walking (speed aparently comes later) make sure your trainers are well fitting and trust in the programme (that last one sounds corny but seriously its true) also don't give up some runs are not as good as others but keep at it. Even if you feel you need to repeat a run.

There is lots of support here.

Good luck

[Sharon3010 in reply to Broken_halo]

Thank you. Its good to hear from other first timers

[Issywhizz Graduate]

C25K during lockdown has been the first time I’ve ever done any serious exercise. There’s nothing to be nervous about, embrace it with excitement and wonder. As you progress through each run, you will see how your stamina improves. The programme is geared to build you up slowly. Don’t push yourself, don’t compare yourself, you do you and you’ll smash it. As others have said, run slowly, hydrate lots and do some stretches before you start out and when you finish. Honestly, six weeks ago I was out of breath running for 90 seconds and now I’ve just completed the 20 minutes run this morning. The feeling you have after running will give you the drive to get out and do that next run. I do believe it is a lot about mental strength to get you through, so keep smiling, have positive thoughts, keep on pushing and when you’re running, as someone has said in a previous post, keep saying to yourself ‘I own this run’ Good luck, you’ll smash it 💪🏻🏃🏽‍♀️🌈

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Welcome 😊