Advice for a beginner

[Poppdog]

Any advice? It seemed like a good idea last night? How do you get over the first hurdle, making a start

[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.

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

All good advice above, have a good read.

I would leave the hurdles until after the plan though 🤣

You can do this, welcome and enjoy your journey.

[Mrsrun Graduate]

Get your running kit out, set a time to run and go. Don't over think it . Run as slow as you have to , to be able to hold a conversation. Make sure you are always hydrated .Be warned though it is addictive this running business ! Have fun and keep us all updated .The guide IannodaTruffe has given you is great. Good luck.

[Sweatgirl Graduate]

I’ve just started Week 7 C25K. I found it helpful to do my runs first thing (after a cup of tea!) to get them over with before the day begins. I found downloading the BBC sounds app really helpful as I love any music with a good beat and the half hour it gives me to listen to some really cool music takes my mind off the run. Best of luck you can do this! Just think of it as some ‘me’ time rather than going for a run.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

You’re already over the first hurdle Poppdog - you’ve found the forum (many don’t until some way in to the plan!) and you’ve decided to give C25k a go! Read Iannoda Truffe’s piece for new runners, drink plenty of water and take it slowly - you really can’t go too slowly! And keep posting to let us know how you’re getting on!

[Benben21 Graduate]

When I started I could barely put one foot in front of the other. This morning I ran for 25 mins (Week 6). I'm a runner!!! Do it: it works. Welcome to your future!

[nowster Graduate]

The first hurdle is mental: it's deciding to get off the couch, put the shoes on and start the programme.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to one of the best thinhs you will ever do Please, before setting out do, do read that link from IannodaTruffe . It is so important and has so much great information and advice

Then, as you do begin, on your running adventures, do keep posting your runs. It is great for motivating you and others. The support on here that you will get, will be fantastic

[DylanTheRabbit Graduate]

Don't worry about or pre-judge whether you can or can't. Just go and find out.

And now we all want to know how you got on too, so please give us a report 🙂

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Hello and welcome. How did it go?

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

I put it off for years. The final mental obstacle was 'no headphones'. I whinged about it to my husband and he handed me his. No excuses left. Work out what's stopping you, eliminate it and go. Good luck 😃

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Starting is the probably the most difficult thing.

Do you have suitable trainers? Something suitable to wear ? Doesn't have to be fancy.

Have you got headphones you can use with your phone so you can hear the app? Have you downloaded the app?

Have you got an idea of where you can go from your house?

If the answer is yes, then in practical terms you are ready to go.

In which case, agree with yourself a certain time today that you get ready and step outside the front door, not giving a hoot what others think and off you go

[Newbie59 Graduate]

The hardest thing is stepping out of your door for that first outing on Week 1 Run 1.

Do that, and then you are on your way!

Good Luck

[Michelle2023]

Hi, I only started last week so I know completely where you are coming from. After 6 months thinking about it I decided to give it a go and literally jumped off the sofa, found headphones, a bra, trainers, an old tee shirt and leggings then was literally out of the door before I could talk myself out of it. I hated every second and still do and still can’t manage all the jogs but have managed to convince myself even walking for 30 mins must be doing me some good! GO FOR IT AND GET OUT OF THE DOOR. good luck 🤞 x

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Oh, another thing. Forget any notion of 'running' or whatever it was that you last did at school and may have hated.

Instead, think JOGGING - nice, easy, slow and very comfortable - watch how easily they can talk in this video. No breathlessness, no strain. No pushing yourself, no sweat - just nice, easy, and very very slow. Do that and anything is possible

youtube.com/watch?v=9L2b2kh...(Not working as expected?)

[JulieByf Graduate]

I downloaded the app at least 18 months before I actually started. The gremlins kept putting me off until one day it was 'right, it's now or never'. So glad I chose the 'now' and not the 'never'. It gives you such a great feeling achieving a run, no matter how slow or short it is. Bite the bullet and go! Good luck and enjoy.