First day

[meandmygd]

Just did the first session and enjoyed it.

Wondered if the rest day was really necessary as this isn't overly challenging and I have done quite a lot of running in the past (not for the past two years) but see that skipping rest days is really not recommended, especially if you have old running injuries like me, so I will be sensible and follow the advice.

Wondering if there is a chatty coach as I wouldn't mind more distraction?

I haven't managed to get to the actual forum yet so not sure if there are any other newbies today but hello to all 👋

[Annieapple Graduate]

🍏 Welcome to the forum! So good to have you & if you read around you will find others who are in week 1 or 2. So glad you are definitely taking your rest days as they are vital in preventing injury. However any cross training you want to do is encouraged! Here’s a FAQ about the program you may find useful.

You can download your favourite music and turn it on before turning on Couch to 5K .. the music fades when your trainer talks & then resumes once she stops. I think the breaks are to encourage you to enjoy the actual run.. taking note of how comfortable your body is feeling.. making sure your shoulders are relaxed… what can you see.. hear… smell etc. after graduation that voice stops and you don’t want to become self reliant. Nearer the time we can point you to other guided runs and plans to do after completing C25K.

Have fun! 🤩

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome! You have had the great advice from Annieapple , and you are setting out on the right track... You will see in the pinned post..

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

in HUGE letters...

THE REST DAY FROM RUNNING IS NOT NEGOTIABLE

The advice is there so that your journey is safe injury free and of course, enjoyable! LOADs of new folk beginning, although not as many as we normally have in January.

Keep posting and keeping us in touch with your progress... we are here to support, encourage and maybe, if necessary, give the odd, gentle shove!

Slow and steady is my advice and of course, enjoy this!

[meandmygd in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you both! Tiny bit of a twinge in the ankle today so yes.... at least one rest day for me.

I know following the advice is the best way to build strength safely so will be good 😇

[Madwife60 Graduate in reply to meandmygd]

You could try a podcast - I used to love Simon Mayo confessions which were a great distraction

[meandmygd in reply to Madwife60]

Thanks yes I managed to get a playlist going for run 2 and that was much better. Confessions though….. I miss them on the radio! Funniest thing in the world ever!!! Hadn’t thought about the podcast - that’s a great tip for runs and life in general 🙏

[Taran123]

also just started, also 50, also returning to exercise after an injury.

I don’t know if I’ll be posting much on here, so I won’t be offended if you don’t follow me, but just know that others are in the same boat!

[meandmygd in reply to Taran123]

Hi Taran! It's great to know you are out there in the same boat. I have just done run 2 (still week 1). I had many excuses in my head why I couldn't find time today but made it onto the treadmill. Everywhere is hilly around here and my dodgy ankles and calves are better on the flat than on the uneven trails - but I look forward to running properly outdoors when I feel stronger. The extra weight I am carrying from not exercising these past two years makes it harder... but gotta start somewhere. Good luck with your runs!

[Taran123]

Will be doing the same albeit outdoors (and heavily layered!) later tonight. It’s flat where I am which makes this easier and less tedious than running to stand still!

Good luck to you too!

[meandmygd in reply to Taran123]

Run 3…. 🥴… good luck to us 💪