Run 1 done

[Pauls53]

So at 53 and during a heat wave I decided to start running. I’m more of a hiker than a runner. I needed to do something as Monday to Friday in my home office I barely move from my chair. 30mins of running seems a long way off.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Well done on starting the program.I started last year at 63 , my office is my car .

If you haven't already then do read the guide to the program

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

If you can do your runs early in this weather it will certainly help .

Enjoy the program.

Happy Running !

[sparky66 Graduate]

Well done for starting... 9 weeks might seem a long way off, but... Stick to the process.. take every run slowly... And you will run 30 mins by the end 👍😃🏃🏃🏃

[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.

[Ian5K Graduate]

The hiking will have set you an advantage I reckon, Paul. It will have strengthened the ankles and glutes which is essential for safe running.

The downside I found when working at home was the lack of normal office distractions so you keep sitting and don’t move off that seat. I was reading some current advice which said set an alarm every 30 minutes and when it goes off - get up and move about. Also, try working for a spell on a kitchen worktop so you’re standing (or get a standing desk). And if you take a call on a mobile, use it as an excuse to walk around the house or garden. It seemed to make sense.

Small steps, Paul; I remember the early weeks, it seemed almost impossible. Stick with it though, you’ll do fine.

[nowster Graduate]

Your reasons for starting are almost the same as mine. I had two aborted attempts at C25K in March and April last year (following the official lockdown announcements).

It's almost the anniversary of my third (and successful) attempt at starting C25K on 23 June 2020. This time last year I was just getting over some nastily infected red spider mite bites on my legs. Tip: don't clear out overgrown passageways whilst wearing shorts.

(Another Paul, 52.)

[Popstess Graduate]

Hi, well done on starting! I'm also a hiker and running has really improved my cardio ability when hiking however I do think that running then hiking on my "rest days" I gave myself a bit of an overuse injury on my ankle. In hindsight I think I would have been better off leaving a day in between running and hiking which is what I'm trying to do now.

[Crittermad Graduate]

Hi I’m in week 1 too - also provoked by working from home resulting in my fitness plummeting. Best of luck !