Started the programme last week

[IamNew]

Lockdown meant I was working from home and had nowhere to go except food shopping. I was staring at a screen all day and slowly feeling more lumpy and lazy. I'd heard of the C25k, but didn't think I'd be able to do it. I'm 61 in February and although I'm reasonably fit because I walk or cycle (slowly) to most places, I can't run for more than about 15 seconds (for a bus!). I was also worried that people would stare at me and wonder what an old unfit woman was doing attempting to run. Maybe it's because of Lockdown but everyone I saw out in my nearby park seemed to also be doing some form of exercise, so no-one took any notice of me, phew! Some people even smiled at me as I think we were all sharing the same need to get out and do some exercise. I decided to do Week 1 on the second week too, just because I didn't feel quite ready to move on to a longer run, and I'm glad I did that. Next week will be my 3rd week and I'll start Week 2 and hope I can manage it. I can't imagine running for 30 minutes yet though!!

[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.

[Frenc Graduate]

Hello IamNew! What you say is so true - loads of people are out and about exercising 😀. And most of them run past me! Best of luck with week 2, I’m sure you’ll really enjoy it. Happy running 🏃‍♀️👍⭐️

[Rennur Graduate]

Go slower. You will finish the programme that way.

[Talkhopper]

Well done for stepping outside of your comfort zone and giving this a go! I started for the same reasons and was initially worried what others would think too. I think that’s natural, but really people are far less interested in what you’re doing than you think. Let us know how the step up to week 2 goes!

[Asthmaticsnail Graduate]

Well done on starting. I repeatedWeek one and two as well, but after that felt

More confident to trust myself. It is challenging, but honestly if I can do it you can. I’ve learned once you can run for just a few short minutes your body is ready to do more. It’s the battle of the brain that I found tricky! Trust your body and keep going - you can do it!!! xxx