First run done!

[Hillers]

Oh my goodness just completed my first run and I’m absolutely knackered it was soo hard!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome to the forum and the program !And well done for starting.

If it was hard, slow down .

Slow and steady is the best way to build your strength and stamina.

Have you read the program guide ?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It's full of helpful information to guide you through the program.

Enjoy the journey!

[Hillers in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you - I‘ll make sure to do that!

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

Follow all the advice Instructor57 gives and don't worry, it will get easier I didn't find this forum until I was about 3 or 4 weeks in, I'm amazed I lasted that long but with the support from this community I'm still running long after graduation.

[Hillers in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thanks, I’m determined to keep going - I think I got a shock how hard it was and it came home to roost how unfit I am!

[Hidden]

Slowwww dowwwwn 👍

[Hillers in reply to Hidden]

I think that’s it! I thought I was fitter than I was and got a shock!

[Hidden in reply to Hillers]

You're not alone. We all do 😁

The key is really slow down, then slow down some more 👍. You're not in a race or trying out for the Olympics. Enjoy the process. Slow and steady gets you to the finish line 👍

If you go too fast you end up shattered, disillusioned and then never want to run again.

[Hillers in reply to Hidden]

Yep I think you’re right. It’s ages since I’ve done a really long walk or run so I think I was expecting too much too soon! Thanks!

[John_W Graduate]

Well done!

You say "absolutely knackered it was soo hard"

What were you physically feeling like at the end of the 8th 1 minute run? Can you describe please? I'm referring to your breathing, your legs, were you bent over wheezing etc?

[Hillers in reply to John_W]

No I wasn’t bent over wheezing - it wasn’t so much my breathing I felt like my stamina was so low and I was really tired - it was myLegs mostly!

[Fionamags Graduate]

Slow is the mantra - we love a Snail run on here. So slow that you feel a bit ridiculous is the way to go. If you aren't puffed out then the legs need strengthening but this will happen gradually. Good luck!

[Hillers in reply to Fionamags]

Thanks! Just about to go for Run 2 and definitely going to go a lot slower!

[Fionamags Graduate in reply to Hillers]

Let us know how you get on.

[BradC Graduate]

Short steps is the way!

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

It is hard at the start but it does get easier - honest. Take it slowly, it’s not a race. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your fitness improves.

[Oldlady64 Graduate]

Very well done for getting started! Like you I have found it tough but the programme is excellent and the support and advice from the forum really helped me. Good luck and keep going 😆

[Hillers in reply to Oldlady64]

Thank you so much! Yes this site is great!

[Oldlady64 Graduate]

I often read some of the posts and replies just before a run, they give me such a lift I find that really helpful. It also reminds me that I'm part of a large community and everyone is doing their very best!I'll be going out within the hour....

[Pirato Graduate]

You’ve started the program though, that’s the biggest hurdle. 👍 hopefully you will have completed run 2 by now?I Just graduated a couple of weeks ago (started in October and ran twice a week- couldn’t fit 3 in easily) remember the feeling those first runs, I was astounded every time I managed to complete the next run but I made it and you can too. I’m still not reaching 5k but I know that will come in time; just so thrilled that I can run for 30 minutes non stop. Keep going, if I can do it anyone can.