New to the C25K clan! Complete beginner and looking forward to being that person who gets up at 6am to go a run (joking about the 6am part) but I would like to be able to run a few times a week without my lungs being on fire...wish me luck 🍀
Life is short...running makes it seem longer! - Couch to 5K
Life is short...running makes it seem longer!
Written by
C25Kate
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50 Replies
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AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate
Congratulations on starting C25K, take all the runs slowly, you can repeat any runs or week's if you wish to, drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, no running on consecutive days as that could cause a injury, good luck for your running journey with C25K.
ele123Graduate
Good luck on your journey Kate you will love it! Keep us posted on how you get on 😊😊😊
Thank you, ele123 😊
Sorry very random question as I’ve just looked at your photo and you look familiar, you don’t happen to live on the Isle of Man? 😳
Love a random question! Nope, based on the West Coast of Bonnie Scotland 
Oh ok cool! You just really look like a girl from my village I always see walking her baby 😂😂😂😂 Scotland is beautiful I am sure you have the most amazing paths for running there! Happy running and looking forward to seing your post 😊😊😊
sTrongFuseGraduate
I suspect AlMorr has already said what needs saying and I second every word. Take it slow and steady and DO take your rest days (and take extra if needed).
Only thing I would add is don't get hung up on 5k, it's about running 30 minutes and most of us (myself included) don't manage 5k in that time when we get to the end of this. Also, in the C25K parallel universe, a "week" isn't necessarily 7 days, it's the length of time taken to successfully complete each set of 3 runs (due to a flare up of tendonitis, W3 actually took me almost 6 months).
You'll have good runs and not so good runs, but they are all runs and they all count when it comes to getting time/distance in your legs, so even if you don't complete a rùn, you haven't failed (you were just practicing for the next time when you smash it).
Have fun, enjoy it and keep checking in here hor support, tips, hints and (if needed) the occasional motivational kick in the pants..🤣
Very, very good advice! Thank you for the tips, tricks and support 😊 I'll no doubt need the motivational kick in the pants at some point so I'll hold you to your word on that 😂
IannodaTruffeMentor
Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.
What's wrong with 5:30.........
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.
5:30?!? You are living in 3021 my friend! Thanks for the tips 😁
You might surprise yourself in a few weeks time.
daycartesGraduate
Plenty of us do run at 6am.
Good luck! Ive just done my week2 run 1 I'm loving it, never imagined i would even get this far! Just dont go too fast, pace yourself, it makes you feel great. There are also some fantastic tips and advice on this forum. I've been following this forum since early last year, im 6 months postpartum and im so pleased with getting up and just starting!! Xxx
Aww well done you! The amount of support and tips I've received already on this forum has been amazing. Good luck to you 😊 x
CouchphoenixGraduate
6am is the best time of the day to run....seriously, try it you’ll be surprised the air is fresh, the pavements are all yours and that run sets you up for the day, might sound crazy, but it’s true.
Well done on deciding to do C25k, it’s been life changing for me. The very best of luck to you......👍
I've heard more and more people run at 6am so maybe I am destined to run at that time too haha! Only time will tell 😊 Thank you for the support!
Newbie59Graduate
When I started last April I ran early to avoid people! However, as spring sprung, I soon found myself waking early and getting straight out for a run. The earliest I managed was 6.30 am and - trust me - you will become that person
Absolutely the best of luck to you Kate! I do my first ever run/walk tomorrow. Everyone on here is really supportive and have given me a lot of tips. Still a bit apprehensive though! But hey we can do do this!
Thank you and Best of luck! You'll absolutely smash it 😊
Good luck, it does sometimes feel like you won't be able to make it to the end but you will and don't worry about worry about having to repeat a week. 👍
newbie-nickGraduate
Don't jest about the 6am thing - that is EXACTLY what I am doing for my W8 runs this week!Enjoy your time running and just remember the simple 'rule' of running at a pace where you can/could hold a conversation. The only other thing to remember is that listening to your body is very, very important... oh, and rest days are an absolute and completely non-negotiable must.
Run happy. Run free and take as long as it takes to get to the end. We are all here to encourage, support and be shouted and screamed at.. we have all been there, done that and have come out the other side.
Please, do keep us informed of your progress - we are genuinely interested.
Thanks Nick! I'm getting some heat for the 6am joke 😂 I am in awe of anyone able to do that and you never know...I might be converted soon but well done to you for doing it! I appreciate the support and promise I'll keep posting 😊
Leap out of bed and enjoy what is undoubtedly the best part of the day.
johnm12Graduate
Good luck to you Kate. I started this journey a few years ago now. It takes a bit of persistence but the programme builds well. I do hope that you also become addicted in a few weeks. Once again good luck. This forum is fantastically supportive and the admins are also very knowledgeable.
John
How's it going? I start in the morning. A bit nervous! And a bit excited.
I'm absolutely loving it! The plan really does build up your endurance, I can run more and more each time I go out so it's really motivating which keeps me eager to tackle each week (starting W3 tomorrow) . You'll feel amazing after your first session, it's always scary trying something new but you're definitely not alone...we're with you all the way 😊
Cheers Kate. Will post after my first run tomorrow. And it won't be at 630!😉
Yes, I'd love to hear how you get on. I'll post if I manage to survive my run too haha 😂
Just don't do it at half 6!Looks like we have a good weeks weather for it. Not that I'm saying I'm a complete softy and can't consider running in the cold...
No 6:30 starts for me anytime soon...I'm struggling enough with the 1hr clock change 😂 The weather isn't looking too good where I am in Scotland but that hasn't stopped me before, running in the rain/cold is actually quite nice and refreshing! Give it a go 😉
You're crazy Kate! I'm from Africa. We don't do cold! 😁 I live in Wales with a great park nearby. Maybe we could swap scenery pics. I'll swap Welsh sunshine for your rain! Joking aside hats off to you for running in the rain. I think that will be an issue for me.
We don't really know what warmth is in Scotland so the cold is what I'm used to 🥶 We have a deal, I'll snap some 'dreich' scenery on my run tomorrow!
What does Dreich mean? And hopefully my run is as cloudless as the pic tomorrow. 🙂
Great pic! Dreich is a Scottish word used mainly to describe dull/gloomy/bleak weather...so basically everyday 😂
Hah. I heard that about Scotland! Everytime I've been it's been fabulously sunny though! Can I ask what motivates you to run? Like I said I'm so new to this I'm just trying to get lots of info. And well to be honest you're friendly to chat to!
Scotland does have it's moments and can be very sunny, just not often! I wanted to improve on my fitness and lose some weight, after starting the C25K and counting my calories I noticed quite quickly some weightloss, better sleep, mental clarity and I wasn't dying after waking up a flight of stairs! All these benefits keep me motivated for sure. Oh that's very nice of you to say 😊 everyone on here is so friendly and helpful!
Ha so I did it! First run done but there was a little procrastinating in the morning. And no cardiac arrest. I feel pretty good. How did you do? Ahh and I attach proof!
End of the run.
Well done and great pic! I have a post about my most recent run haha it was TOUGH.
Well done for doing it!
Thank you! My pic from today's run is on the new post, don't think I'd forgotten our deal! 😁
Hah! Yes I did think you'd forgotten until I saw your post! Did you actually run down that track? That's dedication. Lovely scenery by the way. Looked a bit nippy though. Well done you.😁
Yes...big mistake, almost ended up on my backside! Better scenery on my other routes so keep your eyes peeled for some pics over the next few weeks ☺️
I'll look forward to it. I'll try to take something other than the bridge next time!
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