Just joined!! 1st post

[AdieJ]

Well this is my 1st post!! I have aways been overweight and last 2 years I have put a stone and half on and during lockdown and my work has literally stopped, I have been a slouch. I have put more weight on, my body feels heavy, my feet hurt and I am always tired.

I have a good level of fitness and was always active, work was always a good side of keeping me a good percentage fit, but since lockdown and no work, it’s took its toll.

I used to run years and years ago!!!! But not for around 18 years, but I do play golf and walk for 4hrs up and down golf courses. I enjoy cycling too - but now I am going to tackle: Couch to 5K !!!!!!!!!

I am going to follow the plan. My aim is strangely enough, to do the 5k and keep it around that kind of distance, but even if i get to the place where I can go for a short run 2-3-4 times a week, then I will be happy and help reduce my weight with a combined healthy diet.

Fingers crossed!!! and any advice - please throw my way !!! I will keep my diary on there on how I am getting on

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Keep posting on here as the advice and support is amazing.

Slow down and slow down again.

Hydrate well especially the day before a run.

This can help you lose weight but only if you do it with a healthy diet too. You won’t lose weight with just this.

Vary your routes.

Always take at least one rest day.

I’ll be looking forward to seeing your posts 😊

[AdieJ in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you so much.

Yeah a great mix of exercise and healthy food is a must. Really looking forward to doing this - fingers crossed!

[nowster Graduate]

Congratulations on deciding to do this.

Do keep us up-to-date on how you're doing. Many of us post our thoughts after each run.

Advice: Go slow. Drink plenty. Stretch after runs. Don't skip the rest days.

Couch to 5K is misnamed. It should be "Couch to 30 mins". The distance isn't important at all.

[AdieJ in reply to nowster]

Thank you - really looking forward. It will be a challenge - but one with great results.

[EJC1]

It was my first run & post today too.. you can do it .. I did and it wasn’t as bad as I thought 👍

[AdieJ in reply to EJC1]

Brilliant, well done - I’m going to do mine a bit later today - just getting everything together. Even though it’s the starting bits, I’m kind of nervous!I I am hoping my wife and kids will join me on this - that will be massive encouragement.

I’ll keep posting my updates, thoughts etc - keep in touch

[EJC1 in reply to AdieJ]

I felt self conscious so found a park I knew was quiet.. but no one actually took any notice anyway 🙄.. I’ve sorted out my music for next time, think that will help me ..I’m ready for Tuesday

[AdieJ in reply to EJC1]

Music ! good call....Im wondering if its best to do in the mornings or later at night. I guess either is better than none!

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to AdieJ]

Go for it, whoever you decide to run with, you are doing this for you!

[AdieJ]

Thank you so much - really appreciated.

I’m not built for running! Think of shrek doing a marathon!!!

I’m nervous and at the same time excited. I’ve made a massive decision to make this change.

Today i saw a photo of myself and it’s shocked and frightened me.

I’m going to do this.

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to AdieJ]

Be warned - it’s addictive. You could quite easily get sucked into bridging to 10k, then doing a half marathon and then a full within a couple of years 😶

Join parkrun when it starts and even consider a club.

[AdieJ in reply to Tasha99]

I know several people who started some basic runs and now running all the time! They love it - no gym, no machines - out the front door and it is all in front of you.

[Tasha99 Graduate in reply to AdieJ]

I love it and most of all my mental health has improved massively. Running is hard so the end of run high is massive. You’ve got to hold on to that to motivate you 👍🏽

[Roxdog Graduate]

Well done for your resolve. You won't regret it, as it is real life-changer. You say your goal is to get to 5k and stick with that. At the moment, could I suggest that you complete the programme, which for most of us, doesn't result in running 5k in 30 mins, but it does result in fitness and happiness that you can run for 30 minutes!

You may be surprised what you end up aiming for when you finish the programme! Enjoy the programme, start very slowly, keep it slow and steady throughout and you will do this!

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Oh one more thing - ignore the advice to breathe different ways you’ll here on the app. Just breathe how you can. It sorts itself out once you get through 5-8 minute runs.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on 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.

[AdieJ in reply to IannodaTruffe]

thank you ! I will have a look now. I have just done my 1st one and LOVED IT!

[Cockneymick Graduate]

Hi

Good for you for making the decision to doc25k. Like you I hadn't exercised for many years and was overweight. I started c25k in April and graduated in June.

When I started c25k I also reduced significantly the amount of carbs and sugar in my diet, to date I've lost nearly 2 stone.

Tips: drink plenty of water throughout the week.

Do a playlist of your favourite songs

Don't get disheartened if you don't complete the run first time, just try it again.

Post on here after each run.

Read the c25k guide

Stick to the plan, you'll smash it👍🏃‍♂️👊

[AdieJ in reply to Cockneymick]

Well done !!!....brilliant. I bet you love it!

Do you keep the same running distance, or have you increased it since completing it?

[Cockneymick Graduate in reply to AdieJ]

Hi I run for 30 mins roughly every 2 days and do between5-5.5k each time. I will eventually work towards 10k but at the moment I'm happy with regular exercise.

[PaulBee1960]

Good Luck Adie...stay positive!