Hi, first post!

[LK2020]

I started running because working from home was effecting my mental health and I wanted something positive to come out of being at home. I started 21st October, I have now just finished my first run of week 5. I like to look ahead to see what runs are planned in, I’m little nervous about having to run for 20 minutes on run 3, it seems a massive step! Any words of encouragement? 🏃🏻‍♀️

[JetsNanna Graduate]

Don’t worry about that run - all the work that you are putting in it have already put in will prepare you. It’s the one everyone stresses over and it will no be anywhere near as bad as you think. Don’t build it up in your mind - just think of all then people that have done it and believe that you will be one of that number! Have faith in yourself 😊 And.... in the program

[LK2020 in reply to JetsNanna]

Thank you, I surprise myself each time I have completed a run. As long as I’ve got some good tunes I’ll be ok

[JetsNanna Graduate in reply to LK2020]

You WILL definitely be okay. I have faith in you 😉

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

In respect of W5, this breakdown may help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

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.

[Peter44 Graduate]

You'll be fine with the 20 min run, like everyone says, if you've got this far into the programme, your body will be ready, just keep a nice slow pace, and you'll be buzzing, at the end! 😀

[Run-rabbit-run Graduate]

Well done on starting your journey 😊 I was exactly the same as you; my mental health was not great and it felt like the right time to do something positive during what has been a stressful year for all of us!The 20 minute run felt almost impossible beforehand, and whilst it wasn’t easy (!), I think the hardest part was the mental struggle. It’s so important to trust the program...even though 20 minutes feels like a big step up from previous sessions, you’ve been slowly training your body to complete longer and longer runs. You absolutely CAN do this; just remember to go slowly (I have slowed right down since weeks 1 and 2 and it’s made a massive difference) and keep breathing....I also find a killer playlist is important! 😊

I’ve just completed wk 7 and I’m finally starting to feel like my fitness and stamina is improving....and I’m getting much better at telling the negative voice in my head to buzz off!! I’m really excited to graduate but either way I know I accomplish something every time I put my trainers on, and that’s a great feeling.

Good luck on your run...whether you manage the full 20 mins on attempt one or attempt 20, you’re still smashing it 😊

[Tasha99 Graduate]

You’ll be fine. Just slow right down 👍🏽

[Ping99]

I’ve just done that run today, I was dreading it as it seemed such a big step up but it was actually must easier than I thought it would be! If you listen to music while you run, just think of it as 6 tracks..3 on the way there, 3 on the way back 😆

[LK2020 in reply to Ping99]

Yes! I do this anyway, when it’s a 5 minute run it’s roughly 2 songs. And if the tunes are good it makes it so much easier

[Buddhagal Graduate]

Hi there, lots of people have started the programme during lockdown, me too, so something positive has come out of this year😁. It really is a great way to combat negativity. Just repeating what everyone else is telling you...you CAN do the 20 min run..you've built up to this. Remember it's not a race, and you're not in competition with anyone else, this is your running journey. You'll be absolutely fine...for sure. Take it steady...and enjoy...you're doing this for you..and that's just great😁😁😁👍. All the best.🦌🐌🐢🏃‍♀️🙋