Just started

[I_will_succeed]

I've been wanting to do this for so long, just can't seem to find the motivation, I downloaded the app weeks ago. So Saturday morning I got up at 7.00 (just because it was still dark out, and no one would be around to laugh at me) and went for it. OMG I felt like I was going to pass out, I'm so unfit, and am already thinking of quitting, please someone tell me it will be easier next time.

[Jacbo30 Graduate]

It does get easier! I haven’t run since secondary school & was no good at it then. I’m almost 50 now & tomorrow will be doing final run of week 5. Never thought I’d be able to run for any time at all, but you do get there & it even becomes enjoyable. Stick with it, take note when people tell you to keep it slow, as that really does help. Good luck, you’ll be graduating before you know it 😁

[I_will_succeed in reply to Jacbo30]

Thanks for your support, I was 50 four weeks ago, and have been a couch potato since leaving school. Dreading tomorrow W1R2, 🤞 I make it out the front door. I truly didn't enjoy the first run, so already I'm hating the second.

[Jacbo30 Graduate in reply to I_will_succeed]

Try & think of the next run as a new start, you may find it a whole lot easier. When I’m dreading it, I tell myself it’s half hour out of the day... it’s nothing & it’ll soon be over. That’s the best feeling 😁. I did my run last night in torrential rain, almost talked myself out of it, but then reminded myself it’s just half hour! Try & stick with it as the sense of achievement when you’re done is great. Fit at 50 is what I’m aiming for, age is just a number!

[LudoLen19]

Hi!! Well done on getting out there and getting started! You will see so many comments on here, telling you /agreeing with you that the first run is the hardest. I think the second one is hard, Cos you know how uncomfortable R1 was!!

It can feel overwhelming when realisation hits you of how hard that run is, and you actually feel how unfit you are.

But you’ve Done the tough bit of getting going.

I also got the app, but then left it for weeks before starting it.

Purely cos of fear.

NOW - you have to get Yourself out there again. YOU CAN DO it. As have countless others before you 😊 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️

Have a browse here on the forum at all the comments for W1 R1 and For W1 R2.

I don’t post a lot but I read this forum every day and still do.

You’ll see so many people say:

“Trust the plan”!! That’s Cos it works.

I’ve even said that to myself while running. TRUST IT.. IT WORKS! 😀

Be strong 💪

Let us know how you’re getting on.

Best of luck! 🍀

😃

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

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.

[Cherie65 Graduate]

Don't give up - you really can do this! I'm 55, overweight and about to start week 7 having felt exactly the same as you do now.

You can repeat runs (or whole weeks) if you don't feel ready to progress to the next week so just take everything at your own pace - this is YOUR journey. So far, you've taken a giant step to get out there and do your first run. Now just have another go and see how you get on. No pressure.

I know it's been said, but it can't be said enough - run slowly, as slow as you can even if that's walking pace. Once you get to the end of the program (and you WILL!), you can work on building up speed if you want to, but to get through the program, running as slow as possible is key. You may see people on here who are running so much faster than you, but there are also many, like me, who run at a snails pace BUT we are making progress and getting fitter all the time.

Good luck and read this forum on a daily basis, you learn so much!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

You have already done the hardest run on the programme, so well done you. 👏👏👏

Don't give now! Check out Japanese slow running on YouTube - it saved a lot of us when we started out. 👍

Chin up! Positive attitude and I have no doubt you will succeed! 👊

[MazEC Graduate]

Don’t give up. It is hard but you will feel better and see it’s worth it. I’m 51 and hadn’t ran since school and even then I wasn’t a fan. I’m just at the end of week 3. I built up the courage to go out a bit later this morning ( it was almost daylight but still early enough for there not to be too many people around! ). If your struggling just don’t move in to the next week until you are ready ...x

[Runningfeelsgreat]

Hi! I'm 43 and hadn't run since high school (and even then I was an awful runner). I just realised this was the only kind of exercise you can do no matter what time you have available and no matter where you are. I completed the programme repeating each week twice, so it took me 18 weeks instead of 9. I wanted to make sure I would be able to stick to it and it worked for me. Run 1 was an eye-opener as to how much I needed some extra exercise. I can't say I enjoyed every run, but it does get better and sometimes it will work super well and others less. But one thing is for sure, as you move on, you will feel so proud of yourself and get a real boost after completing the run!

[Roxdog Graduate]

You will be fine. The key is to keep it super slow! Most people run far too fast at first. Even if it doesn't seem fast, it probably is too fast. Next time, the running sections should just be a very light jog. It can feel tough at first, but nearly everyone experiences these first sessions as a bit tough. Good luck.

[I_will_succeed]

Thank you all so much for the positivity. If you all can do it, then hopefully that's all the motivation I need to give it a real try.

[Rennur Graduate]

I am on Week 6 and repeated weeks 1 and 4.

I find the exhilaration at the end is what we all crave. But I am starting to enjoy the jogging bit as well. Remember it is jogging tempo - you are not Mo Farah... yet!