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Chat to other fitness enthusiasts on our Exercise forum.

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Exercise

Couch to 5k.......say it does get easier!!!

19 replies

mustgetabackbone · 13/10/2014 12:25

I have just returned from my first day of vouch to 5k, and am ashamed to say how difficult I found it to run for one measly minute at a time!! I'm 5'3, late 20's, 10 stone 4 and extreamly unfit. I'm taking up climbing and could do with some extra strength in my legs to help, plus would love to eventually take part in a 5k run.....but after this morning I'm not sure that it's ever going to happen! I managed, just but honestly thought I was going to die! Please say I will find it easier???

OP posts:

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dotty2 · 13/10/2014 12:35

If you found it that hard you were possibly going too quickly. I did it ages ago with the lovely Laura on the old NHS podcasts (think they have changed now) and one of her tips is to run much more slowly than you think you should - almost as slowly as you think you can, if you see what I mean. I was late 30s and considerably overweight when I did it, so I think you may have been overdoing it. But to answer your question, yes it does get easier. That's the whole point, and you'll look back and be amazed that running for a minute was hard!

hipsdontlieunfortunately · 13/10/2014 18:58

It does get easier but you have to push through and stay focused on your goal. It's hard - but you will feel amazing when you look back at where you started when you are running 5k without even thinking about it! Well done for starting :)

Thereyouarepeter · 13/10/2014 19:14

It does get easier... You will even find yourself enjoying some of the runs! After the first few weeks, the rest is a mental game. You can keep going it's just your head telling you to stop.

bogwobbit · 13/10/2014 21:58

I started the couch to 5k this morning.....again, after an Achilles' tendon injury. I was amazed (and depressed) at how hard I found it. But, it does get easier. If you stick with it, in a few weeks you'll find that you've really improved.
I'm doing the NHS podcast with Laura and I find it really good. She's really encouraging :-)

IceRocket · 13/10/2014 22:03

It does get easier, I felt the same. The best advice I was given is to breathe properly from the second you start your run. It really helps. I felt a bit stupid at first but I don't care now, I am enjoying it very much, after only 2-3 weeks

IceRocket · 13/10/2014 22:09

Oh forgot to add, I have suffered from ME for a few years now and things are getting easier health wise which is why I decided to start running, so as you can imagine I'm unfit as I've been pretty knackered for years!

mustgetabackbone · 13/10/2014 22:11

Thanks for all the replies am feeling a bit more positive about it tonight. Even if my thighs hurt when walking downstairs, and I am, dare I say it, looking forward to giving my next run a go!
You're right though, need to focus on slowing down and putting distance before pace!

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mustgetabackbone · 13/10/2014 22:14

Sorry to hear you have been suffering icerocket
Good on you for getting back up and starting running, fingers crossed I enjoy it as much as you!

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IceRocket · 13/10/2014 22:19

You must be really proud to have got out there & done it, keep that feeling going. it will get easier each time

lovetoski · 14/10/2014 14:05

Well done and keep going. I've just finished wk5 r3 which was a 20 minute run, I didn't struggle to much with wk1 but did find it hard and was praying for it to end. You really do need to keep the pace slow. Good luck

mustgetabackbone · 14/10/2014 14:32

My legs are sore today! It's my thigh muscles so think I must have pushed to hard with speed. Wk1 r2 tomorrow morning. My friend is joining me tomorrow so I hope I don't embarrasse myself!

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5madthings · 14/10/2014 14:34

Keep going it gets easier!

If you find it too hard slow down a bit bit you will quickly see an improvement I promise!

MehsMum · 14/10/2014 14:38

Really, it is possible. I did it back in the spring and I am still running now. If you feel in need up support and advice, the Couch to 5k forum is really good (see healthunlocked.com/couchto5k).

If you ever find a week or a run either impossible or almost so, just try it again - redo the run two days later, redo the week.

Build up to that 20 minute run - the one everyones dreads and thinks they won't be able to do - and amaze yourself by doing it. It's a really good programme. I used to HATE running, and cannot believe that I now go out on wet cold mornings to... run.

Keep at it and good luck.

EdithDickie · 14/10/2014 21:05

What they all said

I found running for a minute nearly impossible when I first started at the end of May. You can do it!

I'm doing my first 10k in just under a fortnight and never thought I'd say that when I first started!

mustgetabackbone · 15/10/2014 11:27

Well day two done.....and I slowed down, concentrated on smaller strides and......it was fine. I enjoyed it never thought I would say that! That's not to say I didn't get a bit out of breath ( although was chatting to a friend as we ran, so doubt that helped matters) and a bit sweaty but all in all I managed so much better than last time. Thinking I will head out for day 3 tomorrow as will struggle to fit it in on Friday, and busy at the weekend.

So thanks for all the support and advice!! Wish me luck for tomorrow!

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BiscuitsAreMyDownfall · 15/10/2014 11:50

My first run I contemplated the idea of giving up and coming home after the 5th one minute run. This was back in March 2012. Earlier this year I did my first (and I say first as there will be more) half marathon. I regularly run 5K Parkrun in under 30 mins (usually 28:30 ish) and I love 10K races. There's nothing like that atmosphere and feeling of a good 10K. Love it.

You will get there OP. Well done on that first couple of runs.

dizzyday07 · 15/10/2014 13:57

Congratulations on getting running!

Come and join us on the Couch thread. There are people at all stages

EdithDickie · 15/10/2014 20:00

Well done must
Stick with it and you'll soon see real progress. I liked keeping note of what I had done and how it felt and found that massively motivational to look back on and see how I had improved.

Kasterborous · 16/10/2014 13:52

mustgeta I could have written your post back in February when I started the couch to 5K. My legs were killing me after that first run. But I carried on and it does work, it really does. I think nothing of running 5K three times a week now and I enjoy it. I went out last night in the pouring rain and ran five miles. I would never believe I could have done that just six months ago.

The main thing to remember is some runs are really hard and you struggle, then the next one will be easy. You can do it. Just don't go too fast, it's not about speed, I still can't do 5K in 30 mins but I can run further and for longer.

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