Just joined, first post - Hi

[ground_level]

Hi all,

I've had the Couch to 5K app on my phone for several years. Six weeks ago, I decided to open it.

So far, so good, especially for a non-runner that always hated running anything more than 400 metre sprints in their school days; it's a long time later, I'm older than ever, and yet I'm running further than ever, more regularly than ever, and feeling better than ever.

Today I completed W5R3 in stifling heat and humidity.

Couldn't have done it without Laura and her gentle encouragement, and it's great to be here alongside other C25Kers.

PS: Would love to know how a W5R3 distance of 3.2 km in 20m32s lives alongside the experiences of other C25K runners.

[nowster Graduate]

Same here. Had the app on the phone since it was launched. Only thought about using it during lockdown.

[Maz1103 Graduate]

Well done. I am older too (56).. Never run before (always the chubby girl last to be picked for a team at school) but only W9R3 left to do. We can do it 👍👍 x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That’s awesome well done

[tizzy40]

Just downloaded this app and the couch to 5k to start this week. I have ran before, 5k was my max but soooo out of the swing of things. Any tips for when I start?

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to tizzy40]

You sound just like me! I used to run regular 5ks (about 8 years ago) but since then life got in the way and I’ve never got back into the habit. I am now up to Week 7 now (started Couch to 5K on 1st July) and running for 25min! I’m finding running harder than I used to (probably because I’m heavier these days) but the structure of the program is amazing and I’m finding it quite easy to stick to. Just make sure you go slow, slower than you think you need to. That way you’ll build the stamina for the longer runs. I’m aiming to be back running 5k comfortably in a few weeks time. So excited! Also make sure you post on here - the support is amazing! Good luck!

[ground_level in reply to BexJogs]

This can't be stressed enough:

"Just make sure you go slow, slower than you think you need to."

And I say that as someone who's only just learned to stop trying to outrun themselves during W5R3!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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.

[ground_level]

Thank you.

Nobody is more surprised than me that I'm running at all, never mind now able to run for 20 minutes straight.

Core strength has generally been good. Leg strength not so great, so the pointers to strengthening exercises is useful, thanks.

Already the benefits of C25K are being reaped though, so it'll be interesting to see how that evolves when strength training is also thrown into the mix.

[Moomin63 Graduate]

Well done you!