Anyone in hoylake to start 5k with me? I feel stupid. Can walk a dog but not ran for 20 years.

[Firsttimerun1]

Hi, not sure if allowed. But I really would like a running buddy or buddies who are new to this. I can walk but run, no, maybe 15 seconds! I am scared to join running club because I will hold them back and feel and look stupid. Is there anyone else who feels the same?

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hello and welcome to the forum and the program.Well done on deciding to start 👍

I don't know if there is anyone in your area or not but believe you would be better doing this on your own .

You can do at your own pace , no one pushing you or letting you down when you want to run or no one to hold up .

This is your challenge and we all have our own goals .

This is of course just my opinion ,

Either way , the place to start would be to read the program guide here .

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Enjoy the journey!

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks for the reply. I did read the link previously and I have tried on my own but unfortunately find I get bored and lose motivation. I really don't mind if people have changes in plans, and we cancel last minute, or run at different paces, I am happy to go with the flow. I am pretty chilled.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Firsttimerun1]

Being truly self motivated is half the battle and will mean you persist when the going gets tough.

Surely you want to do this for yourself, not someone else.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Hi, thanks Iannoda, , I think maybe you are misreading me. I have motivation or I would not write on this forum. Some people like to run alone, others do not. I am asking if anyone else would like to buddy up, there may be other people like me in this area, fingers crossed. No harm in asking.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to Firsttimerun1]

Oh, sorry, yes, I can walk briskly for 30 minutes, I have a dog and can walk 10 miles. I used to practise Taekwondo so think I have some fitness. Just asking if anyone similar to me in my locality, if so, please post.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

You might not be able to run for long, but can you jog?

That is all that is required to undertake C25k.

If you cannot speak clear ungasping sentences as you run/jog, then you are simply going too fast. Counterintuitively, it is an easy conversational pace running that builds your stamina and endurance, not fast running.

If that is still not possible, then you can build your stamina by brisk walking and there is a link in the guide to the plan to the Active 10 walking programme, which may be the most appropriate place to start. We recommend that you should be able to regularly walk briskly for 30 minutes before you consider starting the plan.

I agree with Instructor57 , you are better off doing C25k on your own at your pace with nobody to let you down and just the 123,000+ members of this forum as your running buddies.

Have fun and keep us posted.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Firsttimerun1 , you could always look at C25K members, using the "similar to me" tag, and see if anyone appears there. You could also ask your local club if they have a complete beginners/C25K group. Or even consider checking out a local ParkRun and doing the C25K programme - sticking strictly to it, though - there.

While I'm happy to throw in those suggestions, I don't actually recommend any of them. I agree that you'd be better off doing C25K without others, for all the reasons of pressure and expectations already mentioned. I personally run solo, and on the very rare occasions that I've run with someone else, I've found that running at a different pace from another person, when you're meant to be running together and giving one another mutual support, isn't easy.

Also, from a practical point of view, you'd be listening to the app or podcasts during your run, which makes interaction that bit more complicated.

As you said you tried previously but got bored and gave up, I'm wondering what having someone else there would change? Is it maybe in your mind that if you don't have a running buddy, you won't be able to complete C25K? If so, remember that the number and duration of the runs won't be any different if someone else is physically there with you. When it comes down to it, only you can actually achieve, nobody else can do it for you.

There are plenty of people on this forum though who will be happy to offer virtual support and encouragement, and it's surprising how powerful that can be. I've never met anyone on the C25K and related forums in real life. However knowing that forum members are willing me on has helped me through several challenges. I know too, that I'm genuinely willing others on in a similar way.

Good luck!

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks Cmoi. Great name. I just read another comment (I was working) which suggests same next to me link so yes thank you. I will look into that. A running buddy is always how I ran. From school I ran long distance etc then I did athletics clubs and running then then Taekwondo. The gym was okay because at least I could be on a machine next to another watching them pound along but its not the same as road running or cross country. Always team sports, happy for everyone and enthusiastic on your tired days. Thanks for the hint. I will definitely make progress now.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Hello fellow Wirralian Firsttimerun1 !

I'm now Liverpool-based but I know several Pensby Runners members. I've just looked at their website and look what I've found for you ... "Beginners & Couch to 5k starting soon"

pensbyrunners.co.uk/trainin...

>>>> "You do not need any previous experience of running, and all ages (over 18) and abilities/disabilities are welcome ... "

Sounds good to me

It may have started last November, but if you go along or contact them, I'm sure they'll be very welcoming anyway and can help you along.

Many like you assume that running clubs are full of only speed runners - not necessarily the case!

I suggest you rock up and give it a go - you may be pleasantly surprised

What are you waiting for?

😎

PS I disagree with Instructor57 and IannodaTruffe and Cmoi re: doing it on you own. That can and does work in many cases, but I've witnessed with my own eyes in our works lunchtime C25K courses, how powerful and motivating a group can be. We've run it 7 times and each time we see people like you come through with flying colours. Get yourself along to Pensby Runners

[nowster Graduate in reply to John_W]

So true about running clubs. There are many in my local parkrun who have registered an affiliation with local running clubs. The majority of them are not gazelles, but they're blooming determined.

Many of us here, especially those like myself who started during the first lockdown, learned as solo runners, so that's how we relate to it. Others thrive best when they're part of a group.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to nowster]

Thanks nowster. I am not a gazelle by any means but I do think I could be a runner again. I was a long distance and cross country runner (we got it as P.E. and it stayed into athletics) but that was well over 10 years ago. Now I look more like Bambi or a new born giraffe, without the height!!! I will contact Pensby and who knows where I can get too. Thank you for replying.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to John_W]

Oh John, thank you so so much. I will hunt them down haha. I have a car and car run anywhere. I just really don't mind how or where they run. I will do my best whatever way they work it. Thank you for understanding. I am not lacking motivation but solo stuff is too lonely for me and eventually I have nothing to get ready for. Thank you again.

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Firsttimerun1]

you're welcome - there's an email contact on that website - give them a go and see what they say.

Maybe I'll see you at Birkenhead Parkrun in the not too distance future, with your Pensby Runners colours on.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to John_W]

It might take a while, but yes, hopefully! Thank you.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to John_W]

Hi John, I emailed them but they are closer to 25k now and autumn the next intake for newbies. If you see someone running along the Hoylake promenade like a lost new born giraffe, that will be me. Say hi! I won't be going fast haha.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate]

Hello Firsttimerun1, If you look at your computer screen and see your own icon/avatar in the top right hand corner, click on that, menu appears, one of which is, 'Find people near me'. I hope that you find a running buddy at least for some of your runs. 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Ahhh, I see. So that too can help. I will definitely give it a try. I always feel jealous when I see the running clubs run by the dog and I and have actually asked them about it. So fingers crossed I will get use my running kit (yes I have it all, just need use them now). Thanks for the people near me tip.

[Reggit Graduate]

I was dead slow and worried about running clubs, I’m still reasonably slow….Worth looking on Facebook to see if there’s a local running group or just a local group and asking if anyone wants to do a C25K program with you.

I avoided the running group for a year or so as I was so embarrassed and worried I’d hold them back and be laughed at. These concerns where completely unfounded and joining their ranks was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

We’ve recently run a local C25K from January, it finished last week. Had about 20 people stick it through.

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to Reggit]

Thanks, I am going to look into it and just stop overthinking. Thanks for replying.

[Liono Graduate]

Hi! I'm not sure how old/fit your dog is but could you perhaps take him/her with you on the earlier runs of the programme? I'm very used to walking a dog but felt a bit conspicuous when out without him to begin with and on the earlier weeks of the programme you only run for a min or a few mins at a time so it could help you feel a bit less self conscious? I sometimes had to extend the 5 min warm up walk until he had finished his business though!

[Firsttimerun1 in reply to Liono]

Yes my dog is great. But walks maybe 300 metres and sits down... it can be a long walk. I joined the Ramblers Club with a friend but it is in Lancashire and started the 10 to 12 mile walks. No bother. But would like to try running. My old life... thanks for reply.

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

My local running club does a couch to 5k group!! Check it out….doesn’t mean you have to go but might just be what you are looking for!