Hi all!
I’m starting C25k today! I thought I’d make a quick post on here to chat to similar people and keep track of my progress.
I’m feeing quite nervous, I’ve always been rubbish at running, but hopefully this will give me the bug. If anyone has any tips and tricks then they would be totally appreciated (I need to stick with it because I’m convinced my boyfriend’s going to make me come out for a run at some point!! The horror!)
Anyway, that’s all from me. Happy running 🏃♀️🏃♂️
Oh well done! I’ve just completed week 1 run 3 - I’ve done it loads of times but an injury forced me to stop for nearly a year 😫 My only advice is don’t try to do more than the app tells you, it really works. I hope you get that adrenalin rush when you’ve finished. It’s fab! Good luck.
Well done right backatcha!! It’s brilliant that you’ve got back on it after your injury- it must’ve taken a lotta guts. That’s great advice… In my head I’m already Jess Ennis (which is absolutely not true) so feel like I could TOTALLY do more. Will definitely just stick to the plan then!
Good luck- looking forward to updates on your progress 💪😁
Hi CrazyBeans , others will be along to give you detailed advice about the C25K programme soon.
I just wanted to give you a personal perspective: I too thought I'd never be a runner, but I started C25K aged 59 and realised I wasn't a disaster after all.
Also, if your boyfriend's already a runner, please don't try going for a run with him unless he's prepared to walk when you walk, jog at your pace, and generally stop, start and wait for you as necessary. If he's happy to do that, fantastic, good for him. Otherwise, avoid until you've completed C25K - you'll have plenty of time to run together in the future if you choose.
Do what the programme says (not more!), take rest days (essential!), hydrate well, don't skimp on warm-ups and cooldowns, and most of all, enjoy!
Perfect 👏👏👏👌
Heyho! I just did my first run today too. Good luck to you on your first run, I'm sure it will be fine! We can do this! Btw: It really does get better after the first 10 minutes 
Enjoy your run and let us know how it went afterwards!
All the best,
Sarah
Well done you!! I think we'll both deserve a large glass of something in 9 weeks time 😂 Can't wait to get started now (or, at least, can't wait to be >10 mins into the run later hahaha)
Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.
Forget your boyfriend and forget Jess Ennis........to develop your body most effectively you need to jog at a pace at which you can speak aloud, clear ungasping senteces.......if you cannot, you are going too fast for your current fitness level.
This may even be slower than your fast walk but you will get there.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.
Enjoy your journey.
Yep, my advice is follow the guidance! Nothing more, nothing less!!🚶♀️🏃♀️🚶♀️= 😊
Similarly, I was hopeless at running when I started. I'd never run, even in school.
Most of the folks here started with no previous running experience.
Follow the recommendations from the app. Take the rest day(s) after every run. Drink enough.
Try not to be persuaded by your boyfriend to go for a run with him. If you do, his job is to make sure you run slowly and not start off too fast. This will be hard for him! He may even need to walk at the pace you'll be running.
Your objective is to work up gradually to being able to run at a comfortable pace for 30 minutes. This does not involve running for 5 km (even if the name of the programme has it in it). It doesn't involve running a four minute mile either.
Read the FAQ that IannodaTruffe linked to. It's a long read but well worth it.
Excellent advice nowster 👍
I started 4 weeks ago, it works , I have surprised myself what I have achieved.
Brilliant! You're a legend. It's so great to hear that it actually does work
Thanks everyone for the advice (Cmoi Reading_Sarah IannodaTruffe Yoganut nowster ). You've all been a brilliant encouragement- can't wait to start this journey. I'm THRILLED to have some more people saying that I shouldn't go on a run with my boyfriend (always told him that was a bad idea 😉). Slow pace, rest days, and water seem to be key- I'm sure we'll make a runner out of me yet!
Thanks again all! I really appreciate the help. Lets do this 😁
Two years ago I couldn't even run for a bus without having to take 10 minutes to get my breath back.
On Friday morning I ran for 21 km (13 miles) for the seventh time. I even had a couple of phone calls half way through. It definitely works.
Bloody hell! I can’t see myself ever being able to do more than 3 miles at the moment so thats such an achievement! Starting this seems like it could be one of the best ideas yet
Honestly, you don't need to worry now, or ever, about being able to do more than 3 miles. Just concentrate on telling yourself you can do whatever run, jog or walk you're doing at the time. Your idea of what's difficult or impossible will very probably change - have a quick look at my profile if you want proof. I should add that I'm a long way from that at the moment as I'm coming back from injury and currently doing much, much shorter runs.
I am on week 2 and I think I'm catching the running bug this time! The best advice (which this time I have actually followed!) is to keep it nice and slow and not push myself too hard. So far it's working really well, good luck, we can do this!
Good luck and I too am starting again after a short injury. Enjoy!
Good morning CrazyBeans, take all the advice which has been said by everyone on this forum, it really does work. I’m 62 and started C25k last September, I stuck to the programme religiously, and started to believe in myself around week 5; the elation when you finish W9R3 is up there with the stars! I have continued runny slowly and building strength and stamina which enabled me to complete the 10k London Winter Run in 1 hour 16 mi s, which was a huge personal achievement. Keep going, keep strong and you will reap the benefits of the amazing C25K programme
Well done for starting. Like others on this forum, I avoided running at all costs until I was 59 and started the programme. You'll br fine, but do keep it slow and I echo those who say don't run with your boyfriend for now!
Welcome to Couch to 5k. If you stick to the process it works! I’ve just run continuously for 25minutes, I’m at wk 6. I could hardly do 3 mins at the beginning. Best bit of advice is don’t run too fast. Good luck!
Welcome and as other have said, stick to the guidance and definetly listen to your body. All the best 🙂
Good luck stick with it I've just started week 6 nice and steady I've been going couldn't believe I ran 20 minutes. You can and will do it
Thanks so much to everyone who has replied! Every single message has been so encouraging and you're all fab!
A little update for you all. I did the first day and I loved it! It was dusky and raining which was just beautiful. I've got some new running shoes, too, which helped a ridiculous amount. I'm actually excited about the next one, which I can't believe!
I've told the boyfriend we're not running together until I can do the 30 minutes... He's lovely and so supportive, but definitely doesn't understand how hard it is for some of us!! 😂
You’ve done the first one- well done! I echo everyone’s advice. I find this forum the perfect place for support and celebrating. Enjoy every moment - it’s the feeling at the end of the run that keeps me going! 😊
Setting a good example!
Setting a 'Parkrun' backstop
I've set myself up to fail!!!!
The plan is set…
I set myself up to fail!
