Apprehensive couch potato

[JaniceB63]

Good morning. Only signed up this morning. Yet to do my first run!! Very apprehensive as I have a bit of osteoarthritis in my joints but I really want to get fitter and lose a bit of weight. I'm aiming to get fit enough to try a park run in a few weeks. Dragging reluctant hubby along for the journey😄

[Hidden]

Welcome. It's a very gradual program. People here are running with all sorts of physical problems, so you should be ok I would think. I have old injuries to my leg, and the running has actually strengthened the knee and other joints. Lots of people say this isn't a weight loss program, but I lost 3-4 pounds during the first three or four weeks. Anyway, I'm sure some more experienced members will chip in soon

[Wizziewood]

Welcome, you've come to the right place for advice and support, C25kers are a great bunch! I know I wouldn't have completed the program and beyond without their help.

The important thing is to take it slowly, always start off slowly, your speed and distance will gradually improve. Always take at least one rest day and stick to the program, it works!

Remember you are doing this for you, it isn't a competition.

Keep posting so we know how you're getting on.

Good luck and happy running!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Good morning...welcome to this programme and this forum... It is fantastic

This is a nine week programme to get you running for 30 minute, injury free and having had fun...loads of support and advice on here.

The main thing is to enjoy the programme... take it slow and steady, listen to your body, take your rest days between each run, always...

Maybe check these useful posts, out first too. There is a great deal of information there. and very useful.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

They are very well worth reading before you set out on this great journey! Keep posting too

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hello and welcome! No need to be apprehensive- the C25K is a wonderful program - I thought I would be doing week 1 all winter & I was wrong! Go gently, relaxed, SLOW and steady and you will be fine.

Let us know how you get on so we can cheer for you! 😃

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

Hello! New graduate here so another testament that this programme is for everyone and very achievable. How wonderful, I hope you are excited for your new running life. If you stick with it and take your rest days (they are how your legs improve) you will do just fine.

Saying that, I would caution your decision to do a park run on a few weeks unless you are planning on walking some of it. This programme builds you up gradually so that by week 9 you are running by 30 minutes, and few people at this stage are reaching the 5km in this time (though are not far off it!). It is designed this way to prevent injury, and while there are many graduates to prove the programme works, there are a fair few who have tried to gallop ahead and have become injured as a result who you should use as a cautionary tale!

Park runs are a great inclusive thing, so by all means go along, but stick with the programme (this will probably mean walking about half by week 4).

This is all about running but not about racing 😂

Great that you have roped hubby into it too. Good luck, look forward to hearing how you get along

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Nicely put

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

Great advice Doyouremember21 & oldfloss who has helped me out on many a run👍slow & steady my motto😊. Huge welcome to you JaniceB63 so glad you found c25k & more importantly this forum 😊 it is great!!! I would never have thought I could run so if i can do it at 60 anyone can😊its the forum that kept me motivated with great advice on everything from trainers, stretching, injuries(thankfully nothing major) & generally getting me out there here running! Don’t go overdoing it though, remember rest days important but if you want to exercise inbetween, cycling, swimming, walking, pilates all good for your running. Most important is that first step out the door & as soon as you back & stretched post on here telling us all about your run😊Trust me its a fantastic program and works if you follow it by the book. Happy running to you & your hubby 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️look forward to seeing your posts😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Oldfloss has pointed you to the FAQ posts which are designed to answer most of your basic questions, but we are here to support you with advice and encouragement through to graduation.

Regarding the osteoarthritis, only you will know for sure whether or not it is problematic. Maybe check with your GP if concerned.

All new exercise regimes cause some aches for the first few weeks, but do not run if in pain, it is a sign that something is not right.

Enjoy your journey.

[misswobble Graduate]

Welcome 👍😃. C25k is fab! Do it and you can run into infinity

If your husband is reluctant you might need to let him go 😁🏃‍♀️👍😃