How to get started?

[Jamberly]

I have been wanting to start doing this for sometime but just can’t seem to build up the courage to get started. I am 6ft 1, 41 year old man, having not done regular exercise for around 18 months apart from walking regularly. I have put on quite a bit of weight but I have lost over 2 stone recently now I am just under 19 stone. Is now the time to start or should I look to carry losing more weight before I get started..... also what does everyone do with their phone? It’s real shame you can’t get this app on an Apple Watch then I could just wear my watch and AirPods like used to a gym. Advice and thoughts welcome?

[PMcL1966 Graduate]

I’m 53 and onto week 6. I’ve not ran since I was at school a full 37 years ago. Like you I done loads of walking over the last few years but was still probably a stone overweight. Just do it. Follow the plan and you’ll be fine. The secret is just take your time. It’s the completion of each week that’s important and not how fast you go. If I can do it anyone can. Go for it mate.

[PhoenixRise Graduate]

Firstly, congratulations on losing over 2 stone! That’s a massive achievement in itself so if you can do that then you can do this! Go slow and give it a go!

Re: iPhone: depending on what I’m wearing I’ll either pop it in:

- joggers pocket

- hoodie front pocket

- or in my hand if wearing shorts

Looking to get and armband and Bluetooth headphones for future runs.

[Jamberly in reply to PhoenixRise]

What about water? You take a bottle out with you?

[PhoenixRise Graduate in reply to Jamberly]

Personally, I don’t. But I do a circle which starts/ends where I live so I drink water whilst I stretch when I’m back indoors.

Then a hot shower with more stretching!

Might invest in a small bottle that you can easily hold when running when I can run a bit further ....

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Jamberly]

Absolutely NO need for water - as long as you've hydrated in a normal way, e.g. a glass or cup of something for breakfast/lunch/dinner etc, you'll be fine.

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'm a 59 year old 5 foot nothing female, who was consistently last to be picked at games at school, and all I can say is please just give it a go.

I spent years saying I really must do this when I've more time... when the weather's right... when I've lost a bit of weight... when I don't have to run past the neighbours, the binmen, the parents and kids outside the village school... when there aren't any hills (who am I kidding, I live in the Massif Central!)... etc. etc.

I was wrong. I didn't need any of that, all I needed was to get out of the door. And what do you know, it worked!

Read up all the great advice on here, then go for it.

[Islandmacmum Graduate]

Just to add my own words of encouragement...

I’m a 47 year old, overweight woman who hadn’t run since I was at school (when I hated all PE with a passion). I’m now on Week 6 and have such a sense of achievement. I am very very slow but am learning to just keep going at my own pace. Wishing you all the best. 😊👍🏻

[Maurs12 Graduate]

I found it very hard at the start but am so glad I stuck it out - I bought an arm pocket for my phone - I prefer to have my hands free in case I stumble or fall over a tree root. All the best!

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Welcome, I came into the program the same as you, only your a bit taller. I managed it ok so I don’t see why you won’t. As for the phone, I bought a waist belt from amazon for like a tenner, works a treat, holds my phone and my keys 😊

[Jools2020 Graduate]

I’m 66 and on Week 7. I’ve never run before. I don’t even know how I’ve got this far! Oh - yes I do, it’s running slowly. You don’t need to try and run fast, it’s not a race, it’s about building stamina and endurance. Better to complete the run slowly than run too fast and not complete it. Well done for the weight loss! I use a belt for my phone and keys. Good luck! You’ll get a lot of support on here! Post when you’ve started and let us know how it went.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done your decision........you have decided to do it, haven't you?

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.

Don't prevaricate about any reason for not starting.........just do it and you will never regret it.

This plan changes lives.

Enjoy your journey.