C25k beginner

[123gogo]

I just completed day 2 of week 2. This is my first time doing this program...heard about it a few years ago and thought about it a few times but finally got up the courage and motivation at the end of January. I am still intimidated by what is upcoming but so far, so good. I am pleasantly surprised to see an improvement in recovery time and endurance after each session. Though admittedly, finding the motivation to get out the door today was tough. But I will stick with it...it's only 9 weeks and almost 2 down.

Anyone else on week 2 ?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Welcome to the forum and the program!And well done for starting !

Have a read of the program guide .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

It's full of great information to help you along the way !

Enjoy the program!

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks for the program guide. I read it through and will do again as there seems to be lots of inormation and tips that will help me do this right! As a person who hasn't run for decades, starting out at 56 can be a bit daunting...and I hear a lot about running injuries. So my take is slow and steady and doing this for the enjoyment, the challenge and the sense of accomplishment I feel each time I head out the door (and even more when I head back AFTER the run! So thanks again.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

I understand as I started at 63 having never run in my life 😁

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

well there you go....no excuses!! just need to get this right from the start and be patient with myself. I must admit, it's exciting, though!!

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

I started at 59! You are not alone!

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

what gets into us???!!!

😂🏃‍♀️

[123gogo Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

and are you still running, roxdog?

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

Yes. I got to 10 miles in 2020 and was running regular 10ks too. Then I got injured, plus lack of motivation because of various factors. I restarted back in July 2021, then had an accident (not running related) and had anothermonth out. At the moment I'm working back towards 10k -very slowly.This is one of the best things I've ever done, after a lifetime of avoiding running. I'm never going to break any records, but I am an addict!

There are lots of 'mature' runners on the forum!

Good luck!

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

that's pretty inspiring. at the moment, i'm just doing the challenge and i'll see how it goes from there. good luck to you and i hope that it goes smoothly for you.

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

I'm sure it will go well for you if you go slow and steady. There is no need to look forward, but just one run at a time. Good luck.

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

thanks, i appreciate it. and yes, slow and steady is the name of the game!!

[Hidden]

Hey i starter on this program last year, it is awesome. You progress so quickly! I got yo week 5 I think but I had to stop due to relapse of my rheumatoid arthritis. I was in so much pain I could nearly walk, I started running again almost 2 weeks ago but now with NRC but I’m improving with it too. I wish you every success! Keep up good work!!!!

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Hidden]

thank you. good luck to you too....

[Hidden]

Thank you 😊

[Debbieandy]

Hi. Well done 👍 I’ve been toying with the idea for a couple of years but not quite got there yet. I think I need a C25K partner so we can motivate each other. You did really well getting out today. Good luck with the next 7 weeks - you’ll do it 😀

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Debbieandy]

Yes, getting started is the hardest part. It helps that I haven't put any pressure in myself beyond these 9 weeks...maybe I will kerp it up, maybe not. Having spring just around the corner also helps. Thanks for the kind words and don't give up on yourself. You will also get there !!!

[Debbieandy in reply to 123gogo]

Haha I’ll get there if I start lol 😂 I did a 7k brisk walk today so I guess I’m not too unfit. I can run 2.25k but that seems to be my limit at the moment. Like you say, spring is just round the corner. I was thinking of starting then. We’ll see 🙂

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Debbieandy]

You can already run 2.25K? You're halfway there!! I am pretty active (yoga, strength training, etc) and can walk a good distance but I don't think I can run that far yet so you're already way ahead of me!!! And one day less to go until spring....

😅

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate in reply to Debbieandy]

Get out there! Stop making excuses. Laura on the App can be your running partner. Honestly. You won't regret it. It's that first time out the door.

[123gogo Graduate in reply to MrBassmanjazz]

laura on the app is my running partner.....

[Debbieandy in reply to 123gogo]

Just completed my first 5k 💪

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Debbieandy]

so you went from 2.25 k to 5k just like that?! you werent' even running last week!? well, it just goes to show you that you can definitely do it and you're in a lot better shape than you thought. congratulations! so will you keep it up?

[Debbieandy in reply to 123gogo]

I’ve been doing brisk walks for the last week since I started the NHS better health app and found I was walking only about 3 mins slower than I could run so I thought I’d give it a go. I was only going to run one lap round Abbeyfields but found I could go on when I got to end of it. Think it’s confidence I lack. I’ve signed up for the park run on Saturday mornings and I’m going to sign up later for the race for life. 😀😀😀

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Debbieandy]

Congratulations! That is fantastic! Your confidence must be sky high now- and with good reason!! Enjoy.

[Debbieandy in reply to 123gogo]

Thank you 😊 it is but my thigh isn’t too happy 😂😂😂 walk day tomorrow and then another run Wednesday 😇

[Brixcos Graduate]

Hi, I'm on W1R3 today so you're just ahead of me. It's manageable and I love it when I finish but am also a bit worried about the length of future runs...!

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Brixcos]

Hi Brixcos...yes, it is manageable and it's a great feeling when you finish....despite my 'worries' I have confidence in the program and in all of the people on this forum who say it is safe and doable so I'm up for the challenge. And if it does get too hard, I'll just repeat a day or a week or whatever is necessary. But still....there seem to be some big jumps in running times!!! But we'll get there...

[MrBassmanjazz Graduate in reply to Brixcos]

Don't look ahead. Trust the system. When you get there you WILL be prepared.

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Brixcos]

How's it going, Brixcos? I'm starting week 4 next week so you must be finishing up week 3. All going well?

[Brixcos Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

Hi, I'm actually starting week 3 today. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying it! I ran on friday despite the gales, and will run today despite having had a bit of an incident in a boat that's left me with a fat lip and two extremely bruised knees! However slowly I run, I'm absolutely determined to keep going. How are you doing?

[123gogo Graduate in reply to Brixcos]

I'm doing well !! I am looking forward to week 4 albeit with a little apprehension. But enjoying the boost in stamina and endurance and I am always chuffed when the run is completed....good going, Brixcos. Have a good week and watch out for those boats !!

[2alive Graduate]

Hi i I stopped looking a head and just take each run as it comes. I was told about the first 10 minutes of any run can be hard, found out they call it the toxic 10. After that everything falls into place for me and I don’t run fast

[123gogo Graduate in reply to 2alive]

Hi- yes, I just read about the toxic 10- and that it can be alleviated by a really decent warm up. I will give it a try tomorrow. At the moment, I like to know what's ahead just to prepare myself mentally but maybe with a bit of time I can be a bit less pedantic...

I'm trying to pace myself slowly - I want to do this right. Have you heard about slow jogging? I just heard about it on this site...looks interesting.

[Brixcos Graduate]

I've been doing the slow jogging. Some walkers were passing me the other day which was a bit disconcerting! However. I shall keep at it 🙃

[nowster Graduate]

I had the app on my phone for about three years before using it. It scowled at me in the app list. It was only when we had the first lockdown that I decided to use it as my 30 minutes of allowed exercise.

That first attempt didn't stick. Nor did the second attempt a month later (though I did get further). My third attempt in June 2020 did work, and I graduated in August that year.

I'm 53 now, but before starting C25K had never ever run other than for a bus, not even at school. Eighteen months after graduating C25K, I now think nothing of going for a run for an hour or more.

[123gogo Graduate in reply to nowster]

Well done! Yes, it takes perseverance and a few falls...but the progress is when we manage to get back up! You did it and it's encouraging to read. Thanks.

[Ladylaz]

Hi, Well done 👏 I've just completed week 2. Surprisingly I found it less daunting than I thought. I never thought I could run so I'm very pleased to get this far.

[123gogo Graduate]

And congratulations to you, too!! I will complete week 2 tomorrow. I agree - it is easier than I imagined. I am always daunted when going out the door but once I get going, it seems okay. Though when I am at the last jog/run session I know that I am getting tired and I need to be especially careful with form. Nevertheless, what amazes me is how quickly the endurance builds up; I can feel the difference between each session and that's really encouraging.

[couchvssofa Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

Hi, great to read your experience. How are you getting on?

[123gogo Graduate in reply to couchvssofa]

I'm doing fine, thanks!! Better than expected. I just did W4R1 today and it was okay. Wow....didn't expect the 5 minutes to go as well as it did so I'm pretty happy. And you?

[couchvssofa Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

That's good, 1 run left for week 8 and I am really enjoying it and I'm sure it will be the same for you going forward with the rest of the runs.

[123gogo Graduate in reply to couchvssofa]

Congrats to you.....that is fantastic !!! Enjoy the rest of the program.