First day is Boxing day

[Uts26]

Any advice to ensure that I sustain the effort?

[Beach_runner Graduate]

Hi. Keep posting your progress and the lovely people on here will encourage you. There are lots of pinned posts which give brilliant advice, one of the most given being to slow down and run at a conversational pace. Enjoy the process and be kind to yourself. I started running this time of year too and prefer it to the heat of the summer. The winter weather is rarely as bad as it looks once you get out there, (assuming you're not in the USA at present!). Good luck and have fun.

[ChannelRunner2 Graduate]

If it is helpful to you, maybe tell us what you are planning to do today, Uts26 .

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

Just persevere! Follow the program, don't overdo it and try and smile, this gets easier as you make progress.Good luck 😁

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Is there a reason why you wouldn't?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to the forum! What’s made you decide to start couch for 5k? Thinking about that might help you keep going. For me, routine and going out running just because I wanted to be a runner were key. Some days you’ll feel really enthusiastic. Others you won’t. Not relying on feeling keen to get out the door was breakthrough. Don’t overthink-just get your shoes on and go.

There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.  Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping.  Most of us go too fast!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[mrrun Graduate]

It depends on why you’d want to do it. If there is a good reason then the reason will never go away. Otherwise it goes pfffft very soon.

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

My thoughts-and I’m at the week8 run3 stage so not yet completed but feeling confident at the moment-

Watch the video of the Japanese slow running style and keep reminding yourself as you run to keep at the slow pace.

The programme is gentle and cumulative , trust in it and it will get you there.

It’s time not speed or distance that we are aiming for at this stage.

[Maxi7 in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

I agree with this. I’m slow jogging I’m starting week 7 today. And I’ve enjoyed and finished each run. 👍