Struggling

[Ivydog]

It’s wonderful to see so many people doing really well. I tried the first run of week one and couldn’t manage it as it was too much for me so I’m having to start really small. Feeling really bad

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Nothing to feel bad about. For now just do what you can manage and build up to the runs on wk1. Just go slow . You can do this 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and is full of tips.

Don't feel bad.........you have started a journey, which has the ability to totally change your life and if you stick with it then it probably will.

Starting small is fine.

Can you walk for thirty minutes non stop?

If not then build yourself up to that before tackling C25K. There is a link in the guide to the Active 10 walking programme.

If you can walk for thirty minutes, then you are ready to start. Most people start off far too fast. You need to be able to speak aloud clear ungasping sentences as you run...........that may mean you not slower than you can walk, but that will still build your stamina.

There is advice on all this in the guide, so have a rest day, read the guide and start off wherever you need to and keep us posted.

Enjoy your journey.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hey, we couldn’t run a minute in week 1 that’s what this is all about, in fact we ran week 1 twice that’s six times out running before we could run all those one minute runs

We have just got back from our first 30 minute run and feel surprised still that we can do this

We learned on the way to slow down and then slow down some more and the slower we run the stronger we are getting

Keep at it and good luck you can do this

[Zebadee1 Graduate]

You can do it! You'd think running for 60 secs is easy. It isn't! I found it hard and the thought of 90 seconds in week 2 terrified me......now I'm a graduate. Take it slow and steady. Repeat the weeks as many times as you feel you need to. Getting out and having a go is a success in itself. Good luck ! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Scouser67 Graduate]

Hi Ivydog, welcome to the forum.

I am sure most of the couches have experienced the same as you, I know I did. I thought to myself if I can’t manage week 1 how the hell will I be running 30 minutes after 9 weeks.

My first run my muscles were singing to me and my breathing was erratic to say the least, however, I persevered.

The mantra here is: slow but steady. It’s not a race. The programme is designed to build your stamina and not every one gets to run 5K after 9 weeks, I didn’t.

Everything you need to know you can find on the forum. We are a friendly lot and I found the forum very supportive and inspiring. So I hope you find your inspiration to carry on.

Good luck. 🏃‍♀️

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

I had to repeat week 1 twice. Struggled on and then it got better this week. Keep going with Week1 until you can do it and you will! Don’t worry about how long it takes.