starting my journey on Couch to 5K

[Cuckoogoose]

Hi, thanks for letting me join

I have been hovering around Healthunlocked for many years, dipping in and out. I took early retirement (right in the middle of lockdown) 2 years ago this month after working for 41 years for the same company. Since retirement I have lost 3 stone by walking every day doing a minimum of 10,000 steps and calorie counting. Plus a little bit of ‘Wii-Fit’ and trampolining at home.  With my husband, In-between looking after our 3 grandchildren while their mum does  shift work as a paramedic, we have had to grab what opportunity we could for holidays etc. This year we have been living the dream, 4 cruises, 2 All Inclusive land holidays, and rather a lot of alcohol at home in the evenings. My daughter and I like to go for lunches out and afternoon teas when we can. Not surprisingly, I have put a few pounds on, although in between each trip away I tried to lose what weight I gained, which didn’t go too badly until we returned from our last holiday in Turkey at the end of August and I can’t find the motivation anymore. Overall I have put 10lbs on which I would like to lose again by Christmas. This week I have started C25K. I have done day 1 and day 2 with a rest day in between. On my rest day my legs, in particular the inside tops of them, my knees and ankles were aching so badly I didn’t know if I would do day 2. However today I got up, did my weekly shop, had some lunch and really had to push myself. I did struggle a bit when I first set off on my 1st 60 second run but was determined to keep going. I am now feeling quite proud and my legs aren’t aching as much. Don’t know how I will feel tomorrow though. 😀. If anyone else is just setting out on the journey maybe we could exchange how we are doing etc? Good luck to one and  all

[Instructor57 Graduate]

welcome to the forum and the program and well done for starting

have you read the program guide?

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

its crucial reading packed with information to help you through the program.

im pleased to hear you are taking the rest (none running) days

make sure you keep well hydrated and remember to do the warm up / cool down walks and also the after run stretches referred to in the guide .

Enjoy the program!

[Cuckoogoose in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you Instructor57. I walk miles each day but wasn’t prepared for the aches from running that little distance. I guess I am using different muscles. I have been trying to get someone to do it with me but no one can fit it in. My hubby was always a good runner having done the Great North Run many times but unfortunately he is waiting for a hip replacement, so hopefully I will get lots of encouragement from the lovely people in this group and be able share my experiences good and bad 😀.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Cuckoogoose]

Wellcome to the forum.

Follow the advice in the guide linked to by Instructor57  and the stretches will make all the difference

[Brixcos Graduate]

Well done for starting! It gets easier. Remember that slow and steady are the way to go. On this forum, snails rule!! 🐌🐌

[Cuckoogoose in reply to Brixcos]

Thank you. I think my runs are slower than my walks 😂. But I will keep plodding on.

[Sybilw Graduate]

I too, started this running lark after I’d stopped work to look after grandchildren. It was when my daughter was on maternity leave and I wasn’t needed so much that I needed a project. Best thing I ever did as it was just for me! That was over 4 years ago and although I’m not as regular a runner as I was I still call myself a runner and help at Parkrun most weeks. Welcome to your new adventure. You’ll not regret it.