Anxious but I will give it a go

[Hujan]

Haven’t run since the “joys” ( 😢🤪😱) of High School cross country too many years ago than I care to remember. Have lost 10lbs in the last 3 weeks so I know exercise can only help. So .... here goes !!!!

[nowster Graduate]

I hated running at school too.

Now I'm setting my alarm early so I don't miss out on having a run tomorrow morning.

[steviej99 Graduate]

Welcome and good luck. Trust the plan and stick to it. It works!!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome.

Running at school sucks... you were made to do it... you weren’t told how to do it... you ran too fast... it hurt... you almost certainly walked some... and then somehow finished it right? Shame on our PE teachers, they probably knew better!

This is a plan to get you into running the right way... this isn’t what those sadists did to us! There is no too slow here, there is a too fast. Slower running will develop your muscles and cardiovascular system in the right way, and much sooner than fast running. The best way to run is at a pace where you can still talk in complete sentences without gasping for air. It doesn’t matter how slow that is... it doesn’t matter if you can walk faster. This plan will give you the base fitness to achieve anything... it’ll also show you your inner awesome... the stuff that you can’t see, but those that love you can.

In the early months running may slow that weightloss as you’re going to be building muscle and burning fat. You could even gain some weeks... so don’t focus on that scale, it’s a one dimensional view. Use a tape measure... get the full 3D picture. Running will tone you up... you’ll prefer what you see in the mirror... measure yourself lots, track those details. Once you’re running regularly and your muscles are developed, it’s a formidable partner to a good nutritional plan. You’ll hit all your goals... you’ll set new ones and beat them too.

Have a read of the guide to the plan for lots of tips, many of which will be useful throughout your running journey wherever it takes you. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You can do this... enjoy your journey.

[booksie Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

UnfitNoMore did you go to my school?? Think you must have! The P.E. teachers were only interested in the ones who would win races. Good for them but the rest of us just ended up hating P.E. I know I did. From start to finish it was all about humiliation tactics. Mind you I'm 66 and that was a long time ago. Think they've improved 😏. If only this had been available then.....who knows - I might have been one of those people who won races!

[Foxglove2 Graduate]

I know that feeling! I was you 7 months ago and I’m now happily running for 45 mins and loving it. Trust the plan, it will really work for you. Good luck!

[Godrevysurf Graduate]

You can do it! I just graduated this morning. Cross country was the last time I ran too. You will hear it a lot on here but trust the programme. I struggled on week 1. I have just completed three runs of 30 minutes.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done your decision.

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.

[Hazel10 Graduate]

Drink loads and slow down - SLOWER! You are at the start of a brilliant journey - am excited for you 🥳🥳🥳

[SuperSassy Graduate]

Well done for getting started. Stick with it, it really does work. I still feel anxious before every run even after 15 weeks, but I make myself get out there and feel fantastic after. This forum is a great support and motivator. Good luck - go for it!

[Glasgowgirl4]

Go for it! You'll be great. I'm repeating week 1, 3rd run tomorrow. Not properly exercised for b-l-a-h years. Memories of athletic meets at school which I loved. Who woukd have guessed I was sprinter:100m, 200m, relay, high jump! Those were the days. Enjoy your running.

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

I did not like the exercises at school either, always felt judged by others and bullied by cool kids.

Now I love to run thanks to C25k - on Week 7 currently 😁

You will do great, just remember to follow the plan and listen to your body.

Let us know how it's going for you x

[Hidden]

Another here who despised PE, couldn’t ever run around the track and often had to drop out with disproving looks from the teacher, maybe they should have taught me how to do it properly. Would always hide inside the school on sports day! Currently on week 3 run 2 and have loved it so far. Good luck with your first run 🙂