Starting today....

[EmmaB2121]

I've never ran before as I think I'm too unfit but tomorrow I want to start the couch to 5k. Should I run on an empty stomach, eat and give it an hour or just eat and go? Any advice would be appreciated.

[FenBoy]

Well done for starting. I'm doing my third run today. If you download the couch to 5k app you'll find some of your answers there. Avoid large meals a couple of hours before, better a light snack. Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking loads in one go or it will be sloshing around when you run 😁

[Couchphoenix Graduate]

Good luck for today EmmaB121, in answer to your question, about 30 mins before I go out I eat a banana 🍌, they digest perfectly and give you some much needed energy.

You’re not too unfit, you’ll be fine but remember to take it nice and slow today ok, you’ll hear the term snails pace on this forum a lot. It’s important to pace yourself so you’ve got enough energy to get you through to the end. Take nice steady deep breaths as you run and try to get your breathing into a rhythm, that way you’ll find you won’t be so out of breath.

Make this forum your go to place for all the help and support you need, it’s a lovely accompaniment to the programme, which really does work. 👍🏃‍♀️

[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.

[GardenGnome12 Graduate]

Good luck EmmaB2121. You definitely aren't too unfit. This programme is all about learning to run from wherever you start. You take it at your pace. As for eating I find that I prefer to run after a light meal. Definitely agree with @Fenboy about the water though - sloshy tummy isn't fun. Enjoy it and don't forget to come back here for lots of support 😁

[JetsNanna Graduate]

Good morning, Emma. You will find that different things suit different people. Some enjoy going out as soon as they get up and they’ll just have a small glass of water before going out. Others prefer going out during the day after having breakfast, lunch etc. The key things about food and drink are NOT to eat a large meal before running and to make sure that you are consistently staying hydrated each and every day.

You will find out what works for you in the rhythm of your days. It can be a bit ‘trial and error’ to be honest. I started on the summer so I did very early morning runs because of the heat and I thought that was what suited me. It was only after graduation that I was forced (sounds dramatic but it wasn’t) to go out in the afternoons and I found that I much preferred that. It’s what suits you.

Good luck with the program. Please believe that you are not too unfit - it’s a tried and tested regime and you CAN do it!

Keep us posted 😊

[TytoAndy]

Good luck Emma , I stared yesterday and really enjoyed it,, I have a bit of reflux so think I will continue on an empty stomach , suppose it’s a trail and error thing as we go along , do some stretches though and hydrate v important I’d say , but enjoy