Hello everyone

[Fifibrowneyes]

After much procrastinating I've finally downloaded this app. Any tip for a complete newbie will be much appreciated.

[Carol1972]

Hi so glad you decided to join 👊 you’ve made the first step. Today was my first day so I totally understand what you’re feeling. Get day one over with and if you don’t like it you can blame me but don’t forget I’m one day ahead of you so can run faster 🤣🤣. I bet people reading this will be thinking blimey she’s forward 🤣 don’t worry everyone this is my friend and I’ve been telling her all day how supportive everyone is. It’s usually you supporting me so time for me to support you together we will and can do this👊🏃‍♀️.

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to Carol1972]

Haha. I'm leading up to day 1! Well done, you do realise there is no going back now 😂

[Carol1972 in reply to Fifibrowneyes]

Yep best foot forward 🏃‍♀️X

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Carol1972]

Followed by the next foot !

[Carol1972 in reply to Instructor57]

Yes it would help 🤣

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done you for deciding to start ! And seems like you have good support from Carol1972 as well, Good luck to you both ! 😁👍

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you 😀

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

Welcome Fifibrowneyes 👋Well done for deciding to start running. I will be honest and say it is really hard at first but it does get easier. Just stick with it, go slow and trust the program. It works. Almost one year on and I’m running 10ks. If I can do it, anyone can. Good luck! 🏃‍♀️

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thank you. All I need to do now is convince my knees to come along too!

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate in reply to Fifibrowneyes]

Ankles and hips for me but they do stop protesting eventually. Just take enough rest days between runs. If you need more, than one, take it. Just listen to your body.

[Sensory_Leaf Graduate in reply to Fifibrowneyes]

I actually found it was the brain that needs some convincing: I'm just heading into week 9, so obviously I (and no doubt you) CAN do it, but I won't lie: there have been times where the brain says "give up, running is for physically fit people" The calves (and thighs) have thrown the odd tantrum, but (for me) that's generally been on the rest days. A brisk walk on rest days, have sorted them out...

Good luck, and enjoy the process

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to Sensory_Leaf]

It sure this will be a challenge and I don't expect it to be easy, as nothing worthwhile ever is.

Thank you all for the encouraging messages 👍

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you on going to start C25K and welcome to the forum, 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 😊 🏃🏾

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

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.

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to IannodaTruffe]

That's my evening sorted now 😂.

[Runnin-g Graduate]

Congratulations on joining. Try & keep to the schedule as much as you can - stick to 3 runs a week for the length given & do have rest days between each run. Somewhere between weeks 3 & 5, I gradually realised I wasn't so out of breath & I'm now running for 30mins. Not bad for someone who always believed she wasn't "built for running! " 🤣 It really does work.

[Kat332zz Graduate]

Congratulations on starting. My tip, take it slow and steady, do not expect to run 5k in 30mins by the end, very few of us manage the 5k, but we all manage to run for 30 minutes continuously, which is a serious win.

[Runstart]

Just do it! Keep doing it!👌🏻........

Maybe politely ask your procrastination to be a little quiet and stand to the side whilst you get on with doing your thing. 😁

I hope you enjoy your sense of achievement with each run. 👍X

[Fifibrowneyes in reply to Runstart]

😂 I hope so too!

[jmozz]

Things I wish I'd known before I started-1. Don't push it too hard/go too fast and repeat weeks as many times as you want to if you don't feel ready to move on.

2. Always take the rest day even if you feel raring to go

3. Quite a few of us have sustained injuries/aches and pains along the way so stretch first and make sure you have good shoes. It's v frustrating when you have to have a few days/weeks off due to injury and need to go back in the program

4. It's a mental challenge as much as physical

Good luck and enjoy

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Well done for deciding to start.

My advice would be most importantly - go slowly and don't overthink whether you can do the next run- just have a go.

If you need to take extra rest days you can always walk along your running route to keep the habit going.

Find what helps you enjoy it, good music, green spaces, running with a friend...

Post your progress here so you can get a bit of encouragement.

Good luck I hope you enjoy it as much as I have 🤞🏼

[Kat1234_]

Well done! The first step is always the hardest.My advice: go at your own pace , wear appropriate trainers bra and leggings. That made a big difference to me.

Somewhere around week 5, something happens and your don’t feel as tired anymore. I never though I’d get here, I’m week 6 now. I was incredibly unfit before I started this, but now I can comfortably run for 20 mins nonstop. I can’t recommend this app enough! Happy running!