No idea how to run.

[FayeElla]

I have never run since my mid-teens. No idea how to or even if I can. Have surprised myself in several physical challenges lately so having a go and see what happens. Wish me luck!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

I wouldn’t worry about it, most of us on here don’t ‘run’ either, more of a fast walk 😂

Welcome 😊

[FayeElla in reply to Dtay1978]

Thank you - that makes me feel better!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome! You’re going to be surprising yourself again because you can do this!

Have a read of the guide to the plan which will answer many of your questions healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

As for how to run... this is all about form runnersworld.com/beginner/a... and this is a technique to jog slowly which has served a lot of new runners very well through this youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

Enjoy your journey and don’t forget to come and tell us how it’s going.

[FayeElla in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you - actually looking forward to it now!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to FayeElla]

Didn’t wish you luck as you don’t need it... just come to the start line every run day and you’ll get there!

[SandraY1 Graduate]

Welcome

[richfromnotts]

Good luck and go for it. If you’re doing C25k you won’t go far wrong - I’m testament to that. I’ve done it and if I could do it, you can definitely can do it. Look up my recent post called “Never give up”. I hope it inspires you. Good luck

[FayeElla in reply to richfromnotts]

Thank you! That is so encouraging. Will keep you posted

[Jan6076]

I am the same but started 5 weeks ago. You will be fine.

[Ant50 Graduate]

Exactly the same for me, I had never run since my teens and had spent my whole life telling myself I couldn’t run. Now, seven months after graduation I am running 5k three times a week. Not sure running will ever be my great passion in life but it certainly gets under your skin and I love feeling so much fitter than before C25K. Like everyone says, follow the course and take your time and you will be fine. Good luck.

[FayeElla in reply to Ant50]

Wow, that feels a bit out of my reach at the moment but am really inspired that it has been possible for you guys. Small steps...

[Ant50 Graduate in reply to FayeElla]

If it makes you feel any better I can still remember how long and painful those 1 min runs in week one were, could quite easily have given up then. This program really does work if you stick with it, by week 2 you will be hooked, just remember to be positive as it’s as much of a mental journey as a physical one!

[Jools2020 Graduate]

You can do it! I’m new to it, too and I had never run before, either. 66 years old and an ex smoker. Just completed W3R2 this morning. The first run was the hardest because I tried to run too fast. Slowed right down and it was much better. Yes, my legs get tired for sure, but Michael is there telling me how well I’m doing and I know he means it! 😀

[FayeElla in reply to Jools2020]

That’s brilliant. Yes I think it is the pacing I will have trouble with too. I am sure I will find out soon enough if I am in too much of a hurry!

[SJ44 Graduate]

Hello! Had my 64th birthday last week and am definitely not a sporty or exercise sort of person. Today I completed Wk4 run 2 which consists of 2 x 3min runs and 2 x 5 min runs and am so pleased I did it! I could not run the 60 seconds in week 1 so even if I get no further (though I hope I will), I've already come a long way.

I found the Japanese slow jog video very very helpful. I listen to music compilations - mainly from the 1970s! and prefer running on pavement than in the woods - have come to realise that in the last week or so.

I looking forward to repeating my 'triumph' of today, if possible -best of luck - it's definitely making lockdown a little less stressful!

[FayeElla in reply to SJ44]

Happy birthday for last week! I’m with you - even just being able to run for five minutes sounds amazing for me just now - the idea that I could be doing that in a month is a bit mind blowing. Well done!

[Kisyate]

Good luck! Be kind to yourself and don't push yourself too hard, too soon.

I should have taken my own advice.

[FayeElla in reply to Kisyate]

Thank you. I’m not known for my patience so this sounds like good advice!

[Getfitordietrying Graduate]

Good luck, it’s a great programme to follow. Just run slowly, really slowly if necessary. Make sure you take at least one rest day in between runs and be patient with yourself 😎

[FayeElla in reply to Getfitordietrying]

Thanks. I have a tendency to be a bit competitive against myself so am maybe at risk of pushing it but at the same time am scared of hurting myself.

[Reggit Graduate]

First off all, great to see you and you can run, you just don’t know it yet.

I was also of the opinion I couldn’t run, I’m now on week 5.

It’s been said several times, read the guide a couple of times before starting out, especially the bit about conversational pace and keep it really slow. I found that guide after doing run 1 and nearly been sick (literally). Things got a lot better very quickly after I read that - I’d set off far too fast. I’ve logged everything on Strava and can see that on W1R1 the running bits I was doing at 6 min/km. which is the pace for a 30min 5km run. No wonder I was struggling after just dragging myself up!

Now I’m jogging along at around 7 min/km which is about right for me (After 5 weeks).

What I’m wittering on about is find a pace that works for you, you may find some fast walkers pass you - it doesn’t matter one little bit.

You can do this and you will do this!

[FayeElla in reply to Reggit]

Thank you - that sounds like really sound advice and is very encouraging. It is great to hear that so many of you have only started in the past month or so and are already seeing great progress. I’m a bit more hopeful now!

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

You can do it!! Stick to the plan and run slow!!! Well done for starting 😍

[Pandamumnium Graduate]

I hadn't "run" either since school, I'm now in my 40s, and have made it to week 9, keep at it and take it slow, don't be afraid to take time out if you need to and don't feel pressured into running faster than is comfortable for you. You can do it!

[Luvlollyboo]

Welcome. I used to bunk off school cross country runs. You’ll amaze yourself.

[FayeElla in reply to Luvlollyboo]

I spent the last two years of PE lessons in the school library - no one bothered me, I think they figured it was better use of my time 😂

[Hanzy Graduate]

Good luck, running comes with time, just get out and do it, even a walk helps I am 60 and have health issues, I juffle, cross between a jog and a shuffle and got to wk 8 not always co.pleted runs at first attempt took 3 weeks to complete wk 1 but getting out is half the battle

[FayeElla in reply to Hanzy]

Thank you, yes I have good days and less good ones so not going to stress if I don’t manage to run every single time.

[Hanzy Graduate in reply to FayeElla]

That's the way to go, if I have a bad day, I miss it and try the next day, but determined to complete it