First time posting and joining the running community!! We all need support 😉

[becxz88]

Hi, this is my second time round at doing couch to 5k. I started last year, beginning of the first lock down, i was committed and I did graduate and so very pleased I was. I have been battling my weight for years, since around my early 20’s, I am now 32 and still in the same situation. I unfortunately stopped running around September I just managed the odd run here and there but not committing to my 5k run that I know I could do..

The months had flown on by then battling more months of lockdown and more weight gain I attempted to go at it again, my first run (oh my)I felt was a disaster not able to breathe right just running 5mins, everything I had learnt out the window. I was so embarrassed coming home coughing my guts up so disappointed that I had given up and lost the ability to do it so quickly..

After being determined and not defeated here I am very chuffed again just one week to go and the couch to 5k completed again, this time I will stick at it and loose the lbs I need to.

However today I ran in a completely different location out of my comfort zone.. I am on wk8r2 , I found the start up and down battling with those demons inside “you can’t do it just stop” no you can do it carry on”.. I ended up for the first time in a long time interval training.. my legs were killing me as My last run I managed to do a long stretch of road (in the new forest, lots of deer in sight at 5.45am so beautiful) lots and lots of hill training and actually to my first thoughts of being disbelief that I couldn’t make the hills but I did indeed i made every one of them...I was chuffed.. so today’s run I was very disappointed but at the same time not feeling so hard on myself as I actually moved my bum and completed it regardless, interval or not..

I have learnt that every run day is a different experience some good and others not so pleasing, however we should be proud to actually have the motivation not to give up and to get on out there and try out best!!

[nowster Graduate]

Well done for getting back into it. 👍

[Badrun Graduate]

I think we are at the same stage. I got stuck on week seven for an age and had the same thing Don’t be downhearted. We are off the couch !

[Xantia64]

Your in front of alot of people at wk8 so don"t be so hard on yourself!!Keep it up and well done.

[CazzaW Graduate]

Really well done for your perseverance 💪 you will truly deserve your graduation medal when you get there 😊

[Frenc Graduate]

Well done you! And how lovely to have the New Forest on your doorstep. I found weeks 7 & 8 tough, so I totally understand. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊😊😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

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.

[Pugwash Graduate]

Welcome and good luck with completing C25K... again! If you were to ask for my advice (and it is only a fool who would do so 😃) I'd say be kind to yourself - not every run can be a record breaking one, and be consistent in getting out there, even on the days you don't fancy it (because you'll ALWAYS be glad you did), even if it's only 1 or 2km, it's still more than most and it's an investment in your wellbeing.👍🏴‍☠️☠️

[aberlady Graduate]

Well done for getting back into it!! Try and not make the mistake again and give up. 😊. Don’t focus on losing weight because if that doesn’t help you will feel disheartened. Focus on what it’s doing for your wellbeing.