Run 1

[Nohare]

After putting this off for ages I've just done my first run, please tell me I'm not alone finding that so much harder than I expected.... Shockingly unfit but it's proved to me how much I need to do this.

[Hidden]

Well done and welcome to running school,

Have a read of the attached links, it'll make your adventures on couch to 5 k much easier. There's advice on those stretches for before and after running advice on hydration and lots more 👍

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good luck

[Nohare in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I'll have a look at those, I'm feeling good already about this journey, especially with this support to turn to.

[Nohare in reply to Hidden]

They're very helpful, I wondered what the bell was for 😂 I'm hoping the breathlessness will just improve as I go, I certainly couldn't have run any slower. Thanks again.

[Karambah Graduate]

You are certainly NOT alone! I started for same (lack of) fitness reason. Stick with the plan. It seems to work

[Nohare in reply to Karambah]

Thank you, I will do. Even the last 60 seconds was better than the first, I'm hoping that's how it will continue.

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

It’s hard to begin with but every run takes you closer to the time when it’s not! Congratulations on starting the journey. Go you!

[Nohare in reply to Gwenllian1]

Thanks so much, really helps to know you're not alone.

[heatybob Graduate]

I'm doing the "Iconic" Wk5R3 tomorrow and tbh am looking forward to it, It's tough there's no doubt about that and does it get easier tbh No to my mind, but it's a progressive program,it's supposed to test you,I can't believe where I'm at compared to 5 weeks ago. Something I've picked up on lately on here is the walking period, It should be a brisk walk so that you're still working.

Stick at it,I guarantee you will be fine, more importantly embrace the challenge and enjoy it,it just the neg mindset we ALL have that gets you doubting,master the mind over matter thing.

Congratulations on getting off the couch and into your trainers,v well done.

[Nohare in reply to heatybob]

Thanks for that, It could have been a brisker walk, that's a great tip.

[SassyF Graduate]

You’re most definitely not alone, on my first run I couldn’t even run for all the 60 seconds and I was really disappointed with myself. Now I realise I was running waaaay too fast for my level of fitness! Once I realised that I actually wasn’t running the fourth leg of a relay race and all that was needed was a gentle slow jog everything changed.

I’m on WK4R3 tomorrow and couldn’t be any happier with the programme so far, all you need to do is to give it a go.

Happy (slow) jogging! ☺️

[Nohare in reply to SassyF]

So good to hear your positive results, I'm really looking forward to that point and seeing my progress, I will take it slow, thank you 🙂

[Captain_Autumn Graduate]

Yeah it's hard getting going if like me the last time you ran was in the egg and spoon race at primary school 😆 but here I am doing week 4 and it's actually ok! Check out the Japanese "slow jogging" bloke thats helped me a lot 👍

[heatybob Graduate in reply to Captain_Autumn]

Good call Capt, I actually won the Egg n Spoon race at St Marys, St Helens in .....1969😱, you never loss it do ya.😅

[Nohare in reply to Captain_Autumn]

That's good thanks, I wasn't aware of how my foot was landing, I'll try that Saturday 👍 I never finished the 800 metres at secondary school 😂

[Rennur Graduate]

If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. The first run can be hard. Other runs will feel hard. Other runs will feel easier. You can do this.

[Nohare in reply to Rennur]

Thank you, that's reassuring and a good point 🙂

[nowster Graduate]

You're not alone. I started C25K three times before things started to work out. My first attempt at W1R3 (at the end of March last year) left me feeling physically sick (palpitations, cold sweat, nausea, stitch, etc.).

[Nohare in reply to nowster]

Thank you, it's such a boost getting your reply, all this support is motivating 🙂 run 2 tomorrow so it's onwards and upwards.

[nowster Graduate in reply to Nohare]

Don't let this scare you, but I'm now routinely running 5 miles or more and really enjoying it.

This is someone who wouldn't have even been able to run for a bus this time last year without needing ten minutes to recover.

[Ercolino Graduate]

Yes I was there on the treadmill begging the seconds to go by!! Unfit and I mean years since I did anything sporty - the programme is really good - you may have to repeat runs, and slow down your speed and always do the rest days but it is really well thought out - if I can do it anyone can - go you!

[Nohare in reply to Ercolino]

Repeat runs is good to bear in mind, thanks for the message, great inspiration knowing it can be done whatever level you are, thank you!

[VPOLLIE67 Graduate]

Hi there. I completed this programme last lockdown and felt amazing after it but didn’t keep it up - so I’m starting again this week. The first run was really tough but I just finished week 1 today and despite the sore legs and the nagging doubts - I should’ve kept going last time - I enjoyed it and am determined to follow this programme again. Good luck with your next run.

[Nohare in reply to VPOLLIE67]

Good for you, it was obviously overall a good experience for you to do it again, that's great to know, thank you.