First Run

[sparky21]

Tried this for first time today enjoyed but found harder than thought. Had some health problems of late and determined to try and do something positive to help. I'm 54 and bit overweight and lot closer to couch than 5k but maybe this will be good, I need to stick with it.I guess many others started same and have had positive experiences.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

I started last year at 63 (now 64) it may feel tough at first but read the guide to the program and follow it .Take runs slowly, have a day off in between runs , do the warm up and cool down excercises and keep well hydrated .

Most importantly, enjoy it 😁👍

[Slushsteph]

Amazing work for starting!!! I couldn’t get through week 1 run 1 initially- had to redo it before moving forwards- so already you’re doing really well!! I’ve still not completed the programme - I’m only on week 4! - but this forum has been KEY to my progress, as the support and advice is truly brilliant. Good luck!!

[Devon_straggler Graduate]

Yes, loads of us I think! The main things I have learnt from this forum is to take it slower than you would think (most of us initially try running, when a slow jog is much better); that 9 weeks is not realistic for many people, due to repeating runs until you're comfortable or taking more than one day between runs if you have 'niggles' that you need to prevent becoming injuries; and that you can go from someone who "can't" run to someone who loves getting out for a jog in just a short time!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

C25k is one of the most empowering things I have ever done for myself.

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.

[FriockyBabe]

I just started last week & repeating week 1 as haven’t got the guts to jog (I’m a big lass) but am power-walking and enjoying it, good on you for starting 🤩

[ReesSteve Graduate]

I’m 60 and couldn’t run for a minute 9 weeks ago. I watched my intake too so now I can run for 30 mins and have lot 9kg. Stick with it, go slow and enjoy

[ele123 Graduate]

Good luck and just enjoy the feeling of achievement that every run will give you, even the short ones make you feel that you can achieve anything! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

[Skyblueandblack Graduate]

Well done; the hardest part is doing that first run. Many of us struggled during those early weeks.

Take in the advice found on these pages and post your progress; they'll be many at the same level as you and having the same advances as well as problems.

Good luck.

[Notarunner68]

Good luck. I started last week so be nice to see others in same boat

[BuilderBoysMum Graduate]

Well done for starting. I was exactly the same as you (minus a couple of years😉) but am now halfway through the programme and actually starting to believe in myself. You can do it too. The advice on this forum is fantastic. And there is no such thing as running too slowly (I'm overtaken by walking commuters every time). I used to feel embarrassed, but now I'm happy to be out and moving, so stick with it and concentrate on why you decided to start the programme. Best of luck on your journey.

[sparky21]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement it makes a real difference, I already feel ready for my next run 🙂

[Runninggirl59 Graduate]

Well done for starting C25K, it will be one of the best things you ever do, it has transformed by life. Follow the programme, take it easy and enjoy your progress. Good luck.

[Tigger1306]

As others have no doubt said - well done fir starting this m, that is quite often the hardest part (well it is fir me)

What I would say is go slow and don’t be afraid to redo a week if you don’t think you’re ready to move on to the next week - it is not failure (as I was forever telling myself) you know you’re body better than anyone else

I’ve just started Week 2 after doing week 1 about 3 times 😬

[NetballKitty Graduate]

Well done! One of the hardest things about C25K is actually getting out the door for that first run - you've already achieved more than many others have. You'll be amazed at what you can do. Good luck!

[Slowcoaches Graduate]

I thought that at first too! Just take it nice and easy, go at a pace that suits you, it not a competition. I started doing each week twice just cos I feel that suits me better, before I move on.

[newbie-nick Graduate]

I am so pleased to see you on here, and you have done the really hard bit - the first run. Remember, take it slowly... one lady graduated a few weeks ago after taking 29 weeks. It isn't a race, and being out there doing it at any pace is what really counts.

We are all here to support, encourage and give any advice we can. We have ALL been where you are and some of us are still on the journey, whilst others have finished and have scampered down the road to 10Ks, halfs, marathons and even ultras.

I will not lie, at times you will feel like giving in - DON'T. Come on here, rant and rave, scream and shout, but slowly carry on.

Go slowly, and at. speed where you can hold a conversation. I run alone, so I talk to the birds, sheep, Dartmoor ponies and highland cattle. None have the good grace to reply, but at least I can gauge my speed!

Stay safe, fellow runner!!!

[Globojim888 Graduate]

Hey Sparky 🙂 Well done on making the decision to start this new adventure! You have made a good choice. Just take it nice and easy and make sure you are well hydrated before and after runs. Take each run as it comes and give yourself a reward after each one completed. Don't forget to enjoy the experience as well! 🏃‍♂️😀

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Watch this - it may be helpful for you:

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