Started again..

[Zoot3000]

Ended up being interrupted with personal stuff and giving in for a while.

Started again last week and today I did run 1 of week 2. I was worried about it but it went ok.

I am just really worried about moving on to week 3. I’m doing ok with the 90 seconds but the 3 minute run feels like a lot still and quite intimidating. I’ve never been good at running.

Anyone else out there who started this being really unfit? Did you manage to go on to week 3 ok? I’m not particularly overweight or anything but running is my biggest weak point. Determined to tackle this to the end even if it takes twice as long as it should. Hope you’re all keeping safe and well. X

[Cockneymick Graduate]

Hi I hadn't exercised in over 20 years and was over weight when I started c25k (still am but have lost nearly 2 stone). I finished the program in mid June have run for 30 mins every 2 days since.

The program does work, it prepares you for the weekly increases. There is nothing wrong however with repeating a week. You do what suits you and gives you confidence. 👏👍🏃‍♂️

[Zoot3000 in reply to Cockneymick]

That’s brilliant, congratulations on finishing it. I would really like to get into that habit too, one of the reasons I want to do this is so I can eventually go running every couple of days so that’s really encouraging to hear thank you 😊

[Cockneymick Graduate in reply to Zoot3000]

I also started it so that I'd eventually exercise every couple of days. Which again is why you shouldn't worry about repeating runs/weeks, as long as you're exercising every couple of days. My wife repeated week 3 & 4, her goal also is to exercise regularly. Go out every two days and do which part of the program suits you, progress when you're ready👍🏃‍♂️

[Islandmacmum Graduate]

I hadn’t exercised in years and am overweight. I’ve just completed Week 5. I try not to think too far ahead as I find it a bit scary, so I try to focus on the next run. There’s a very helpful link to a post all about positive thinking which I found useful - I’ll try to find it and share it. All the best - take your time and you’ll be okay 😊.

[Islandmacmum Graduate]

I think this is the link...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Zoot3000 in reply to Islandmacmum]

That’s great! Thank you so much 😊

[Speedy60 Graduate]

We all have the stuff of life getting in our way. It's brilliant that you're giving it another go. 👏👏👏

There's no need to feel worried or intimidated. It's you couch to 5k. Trust that the programme will work for you, as it has for thousands of others, and embrace the experience.

Think of a 'week' as a 'stage'. It takes as long as it takes, and the time it takes you to complete it is the right time for you. Take it slowly and check out Japanese slow running on YouTube.

Good luck 👍

[Zoot3000 in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you kindly, I will have a look at that. I’ve been looking for stuff to watch that is related to running and starting out but haven’t found an awful lot. Still, I’m feeling much more positive after speaking to everyone on here. Looking forward to the next run now, feel quite determined!

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

My advice to you....don’t think, Run ! .......I banish all thoughts from my mind when I run, if a thought comes into your head, visualise an eraser rubbing it out and blowing it away, I’ve said this to others on here, but it does work...and say to yourself ‘Don’t quit when you’re tired, quit when you’re done’ be stubborn and positive and focus on the job in hand....nothing else....Good Luck with your journey 👍

If you need motivation, see my Bed to 5k post, there’s a link on there to a great motivational video on You Tube, which I often use.

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Awww - ME!!!! I wasn't fit at all!...

W1r1 - I thought only 6 seconds of running!... will nail it!... I kid you not after 20 seconds i was willing Michael to speak in my ears and let me know it was over!..... Well and truly got my eye wiped!....

BUT

This is magical!....its the only word i can use!.. I'm now on week 8 AND I've got the tiniest of legs!.. haha!

Seriously tho... you will do it.. trust the plan!.. it's fab!

[Jenny115 Graduate]

Me! I hadn't exercised in years, I'm fat and in my 40s and I struggled with week 1. However, this really works and you just have to trust it and give it a go.

Don't panic about the 3min run, just try it. When it feels hard, just try and push on for a bit more. I promise you, you can do it because I felt just like you and I did it.