Good morning.
First day doing the couch to 5k. Whilst doing my first run I couldn't help thinking of quitting, I hate the feeling of being stiff, tired and defeated by my weight. I'm happy I've completed it and hoping over the next weeks it will only get better. Any tips will be greatly appreciated x
Welcome to the forum and the program!
And congratulations on starting and completing that first run .
That's the hardest bit done 😁👍
Do have a look through the program guide,
It's full of help and tips to get you through this amazing program .
healthunlocked.com/couchto5....
Enjoy the program!
HUGE welcome and even HUGER , well done you.
Hopefully you have started at least, to read the essential reading post , How to Run C25K
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
You have taken that first step and there are lots of folk, feeling just as you do, here.
Take it steady and slow, and know that with each run, each week, you will feel stronger.
That is why the pinned post is so, so useful. It will explain the importance of some rest day exercise to support your strength and stamina and the importance of stretching.
Also, pop into Catch-Up Corner, ( new post later today),, where you will find many folk sharing their experiences and loads of support too!
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
This programme, ( although not a weight loss programme ), linked with a healthy eating regime is going to be so beneficial for you, physically and mentally!
No one can tell you it is going to be easy, but it is going to be so, worth it
Looking forward to your posts!
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
C25k changes lives for good.
You will learn a lot about yourself and you will be giving yourself a huge advantage by improving your fitness, both physical and mental along with your future health prospects.
Just keep it steady and keep us posted. If you have a wobble, know that you are not alone.
We will cheer you across the finish line.
Enjoy your journey.
The hardest step is that first one, off the couch. This is as much a mental effort as a physical one.
Very well done! I am into week 3 and enjoying it! My tip is just keep going and look forward to the great feeling after. 😀
Keep going the plan works don’t beat yourself up and enjoy every run.
Hang in there and listen to your chosen coach. I felt just like you but graduated today, just don’t try to go too fast and vary your route to keep everything fresh.
You will get lots of support on this forum and yes it’s not easy but it’s magic, follow the plan and you will do it! 🏃♀️
Well done 👏🏽 just take it slowly. Be kind to yourself. It’s only 60 seconds and breath! Keep going! Youve got this!
Don’t give up x I’ve just completed it and never thought I’d be able to do it and I have x get a good song playlist, sing along, will help with breathing x also I kept thinking of the poor ukraines and how they would probs give anything to be able to run and then though Jen stop moaning and crack on x also I have lost weight, I’d say a good half stone, have tried to eat better but not sorted as such x keep going it’s worth it I promise xx
Jenny, just like you, when it gets hard I also think about how Ukrainians would love to have such a 'struggle' as running. I even mentally ask God (or universe) to take my struggle that it would make it tiny bit easier for somebody else, who might be really at the end of the rope. That usually helps and motivates.
As of eating 'Lose It' app helped me enormously to track cal. I have lost 7 kg in 2.5 months.
Posted about losing weight on here previous and felt like I got slated a little x but with a bit of carefulness ie not being greedy (me) and 3 x run a week I’ve shifted some x I’m annoyed though as have covid now, thankfully I’ve got 2 runs in this week and hopefully will be able to do another before Monday (god willing) but we shall see x I genuinely think a lot of running is mental and not physical x well done on weight loss, keep it up x as a woman weight loss helps us feel so much better. Not sure by your pic if male or female 😀
Sammie, occasionally it takes me an hour or so to 'motivate' myself and prepare to actually leave the house. But soon you will learn how much better you feel AFTER the run - mentally and physically. After running 6 months last year, and 2.5 months this year, I still don't enjoy the run itself, but I the feeling AFTER it is great! And try your best NOT to skip any run. If you feel absolutely like not wanting to do it, at least put your running shoes on and leave the house. Give yourself a permission to decide then, after you are out of the door.
Trust the program. We all struggled at some point.
Well done! You have done the hardest part by motivating yourself to get off the couch! You will feel SOOOO much better so quickly! Don't let the longer runs put you off just take them at any pace you feel comfortable at and I promise you that you can do it!
This forum keeps me going - especially on days when I really don’t feel like going out - like today. Just read how well you’ve done to complete your first run - brilliant! Tips:-- Don’t looks too far ahead - just the next run
- use this forum - someone will have felt same as you and that helps
- don’t be so hard on yourself
So glad you kept going - good luck with your next run 😊
That's the hardest one done. You probably won't believe this, but you most likely will come to love this.
Please don’t give up! It’s the best thing I’ve ever done and it’s so worth the effort. It is hard and you have to dig deep to keep themotivation going but the benefits are amazing. As everyone else says, go slow - you’re not looking to win a medal here but you will change your life! Good luck! Xx
It honestly gets better. I remember being really stiff and achey after walks and runs and that hardly ever happens now unless I’ve done something longer or faster than before. I actually went out for a run to cure some aching legs the other day! It just takes time and perseverance.
Remember, this is a totally new skill and there’s no reason why you should be able to just do it straight away. The c25k programme is excellent for building it up slowly and steadily. Run slower than you think you ever could and you’ll get there. Just keep going and every time you can look back and feel proud of what you’ve achieved, especially if you found it hard or not particularly enjoyable. We all have runs like that! There’s brilliant support here and everyone is rooting for you.
Well done for not quitting when you wanted to. Just slow right down and don't worry about anyone else. I could barely walk up the stairs when I started C25K and at one stage walkers were passing me!!!! I kid you not!!!
I also found I ran much better when I stopped thinking about how much time was left and just told myself to do what I could.
You can go as slow as you need. There's no rush. If you overdo you open yourself to injury. Build your strength and resilience in your own way. Keep a diary of your routes, your emotions, distance and time. Each finished run is an event of joy and pride.
First park run done!!
First run done 😁😁😁
First ever 5k. Done ✅ 
First consolidation run done ✅ 
Woooo - First Race Done
