First run

[DoglessDogLover]

Completed first run today but didn't get the high so many people talk about after exercising. Does/did anyone else have the same experience, if so how long did it take until you did get that high?

[Bluestreek Graduate]

Hi I wouldn’t worry about it. I’m just starting week 9 for a second time, after a knee infection stopped me for 7 months, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the ‘high’ after a run. But I do find the next day I do feel much better I myself. Good luck.

[DoglessDogLover in reply to Bluestreek]

I'll look forward to those improvements!!

[MonkeyMagic77 Graduate]

I didn't get a 'high' straight away either, but I could feel my mental health improving very quickly by week 2. The first time I started to enjoy myself was week 5 though, when I was able to get into a comfortable running rhythm without thinking I was torturing myself! I guess it will be different for everyone though. The main thing is starting - which you've done!

[DoglessDogLover in reply to MonkeyMagic77]

Thanks for your words of encouragement

[Penwithpink Graduate]

I didn’t get mine until the last few weeks of the programme ie once the walking breaks were gone x even then it wasn’t on every run so it’s elusive to pin down xx

[DoglessDogLover in reply to Penwithpink]

Thanks, I'm starting to feel a bit better about it now

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I don’t get a high on most runs-I always feel proud of myself for having done it and I usually really enjoy the runs. Don’t worry at all if you aren’t getting a massive rush at the end-that’s totally normal. Some runs are tough too-that’s also normal! You don’t need to add “I must feel a certain way at the end” to the requirements for each couch to 5k run. All you need to do is what’s asked of you, which is to run and walk when your coach tells you. It will get easier over time!

Lots of new runners (myself included!) run too fast and that can make runs harder than they need to be. Aim for a comfortable pace where you can hold a conversation out loud without gasping and just keep slowing down until you reach that. It might even feel slower than walking but that doesn’t matter. There are some more great hints and tips here…

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Really good luck to you!

[DoglessDogLover in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks for your advice. I'll give it a go

[Hidden]

I think there are two different things that we could talk about here. Firstly there is the pleasure and satisfaction that comes after exercise. A 'runners high' is a rather different thing, which I have experienced on a handful of occasions, several miles into a very long run. This is a weird, slightly dissociated state, where the distance passes without me noticing. It is fun but for now, I would focus on praising yourself for each step of the programme. Enjoy!

[DoglessDogLover in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the advice