Has anyone completed a beginners running course at a running club?

[Bryt]

I'm starting a 10 week course and I need to hear some of those positive 'I hated running but now I love it' stories.

I've tried to do couch to 5K by myself but was unsuccessful. I think doing it with other people will be good. But my motivations for doing it are better mental health, to be able to run in the countryside with my dog, to potentially meet other people and to be able to occasionally run with a friend who runs who I now don't see much due to our jobs and busy family lives. I want to do it but at the same time, I don't feel any joy over the thought of actually running. I feel motivated and committed to the course though but could do with a pep talk.

[ShyCharles]

I did a complete beginners course last year. When I started I couldn't run across the road without being puffed out but I managed to keep going and I can honestly say it is one of the best things I have ever done. I have made lots of new friends and we all still go with the running club twice a week.

I'm definitely not a natural runner but it always feels good when you have finished and I sometimes even go out on my own now under cover of darkness as I go very red in the face.

[Thethingswedoforlove]

I have. I still run with the ex beginners group now weekly. The trick is to do the homework. The first year I did it I failed to run between sessions. The following year I forced myself to do two runs between sessions and I kept it up for the whole 10 week course.

[Hbrod]

Best thing I ever did!! I did the same, tried couch to 5k and never kept it up. It was a massive step going for the first time but I've not once regretted it. Not only can I now call myself a runner I've made a huge group of new friends!! My club is wonderful and it genuinely helped me through a very difficult time. Do it and I don't think you will regret it! I did a half marathon less than a year after the course which was pretty unbelievable for me. I'm training now for my second 20 mile off road ridiculously hilly/boggy run and I couldn't be happier!

[Bryt]

Thanks. These are just the kind of inspiring messages I need to hear. It's just, in my imagination, such a leap to see myself as a runner.

[Hbrod]

You will be pleased and surprised how quickly you improve. Just listen to your body and build at your own pace. Maybe aim for a local event like a Parkrun? Free, timed every Saturday morning at 9am in lots of places. Really relaxed and you can be as competitive as you want or just run for fun.

[almostredundant]

Do it!!! I did a six week course, started with a very gentle walk/jog for as far as you could.....it was no more than a mile in total, then two ten min runs between weeks (dont worry about the distance you cover). I did the course and have then gone on to do the intermediate one after it also for six weeks. I have now joined the club and run three times a week. My longest run to date has been 5.7 miles and that's since I joined early Oct. Slow and steady is the key. I love it....rain or wind doesn't really stop me! I do my 'head filing' whikstbim out. Do it, you won't regret it. Besides, there's bugger all on the telly!!!! :-)

[Bryt]

Thanks everyone. It starts tonight. I'll be fine once I have got there and got through week one.

[DottyBee]

Watching with interest. I have Done couch 25k numerous times, but only get to week 6 or 7. I find running quite boring in the gym so I have been thinking of doing something like this too.
Looking forward to hearing how you get on OP.

[mercifulTehlu]

Yes, I did a beginners' running course. It was through a national organisation rather than part of a running club. Before I joined I couldn't run for more than a few mins. 6 years later I'm still running and have done 5k and 10k races and trained for a half marathon (am yet to make it to the starting line though!).

[Racmactac]

yes I did and loved it. Couldn't run at all when I first started and eventually did a half marathon. Loved the group feel and the friendship.
Cant run anymore though sadly

[araminem]

I did a beginners running course. Cannot say I love running now still (this was a couple of years back) but I actually enjoyed the course! I never thought I would say that! I found running much nicer when in a group with others at my same level, and they were a very friendly bunch. You're reminding me that I should probably do it again!

[Thethingswedoforlove]

How was it bryt?

[Bryt]

I went. There were loads of people, being January, but expect that the numbers might dwindle as time goes on. It was good. People of all ages and fitness levels. I enjoyed running/walking on the track and there were plenty of coaches with us to encourage us. I am determined to fit in the other two runs before next Monday. I can see how meeting up with a group is much more motivating.

[Thethingswedoforlove]

Well done! Being determined to put the runs on between really does make that difference. Well done and enjoy it!!

[LemonBreeland]

I did. I started in April last year. I'd previously tried to do couch to 5k myself but had injusy issues and never got back to it. I just ran my 5th 5k race on Saturday (Great Winter Run). I still sometimes hate running. But there is a great buzz after most runs. I still run with my running group and it really helps to push you on running with others.

I've now entered a 10k in March so I need to up my training. I never throught 8 months ago that I would be even considering running 6 miles.

It is not easy doing couch to 5k. Every week I thought I'd never be able to manage more the next week but I did it. I also made sure I ran at least once a week between the group runs. But usually twice while doing the C25K.

Good luck.

[Jemster]

I'm interested in taking up running. I've tried doing couch25k but haven't got past week 3. I think I need more support by having people around me but I am so unfit I think I would be embarrassed at a club.
How do you find a club and are there other absolute beginners there? I love the idea of being outside in the fresh air.

[LemonBreeland]

My club is a Jog Scotland group (not sure what is available in other countries) and they advertised that they were doing a beginners course. You could look up local running clubs. Some are very serious though. Mine is a brilliant casual group.

[Bryt]

Week 2 went well. I did the homework runs in the week which ended on walk 3 minutes, run 2. The running club meet was walk 3/run 2 x6 and I was dreading it but actually enjoyed it in the end. I took it easy and I was fine, able to keep up and feeling like I could have done more. The club meet up helps a lot. Running alongside others is a great distraction. There's a huge variety of people attending and you can go at your own pace. Don't be put off Jemster.

[Thethingswedoforlove]

Getting into the routine of doing the homework is so important - well done! It is such an amazing journey!

[Bryt]

Thank you. I did my homework run in daylight yesterday for the first time. I already feel a mental shift and cared less about what I looked like and more about accomplishing the run (and walk)

[Thethingswedoforlove]

It just gets easier and easier mentally even though it gets harder and harder physically!