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Original poster

I've never ran before, where do I start?

36 replies

PAToTheStars · 21/09/2020 09:45

I think id like to start running but not sure how to start. I don't understand how people just go on running and running, why don't they get out of breathe?! I literally run down the street to catch my toddler and I can't breathe. How can I even start to train?! I would just be spending my time kneeling over struggling to even run. How did you do it?!

OP posts:
Original poster
PAToTheStars · 21/09/2020 09:45

Also is running good for toning your core? Would it help with that? Thanks!

OP posts:
WinWinnieTheWay · 21/09/2020 09:47

Most people follow couch to 5K

WendyJames19 · 21/09/2020 09:48

Couch to 5k! Download the app, it's brilliant. It will take you through your progression from walking to running. Good luck-you won't regret it!

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Exercise & fitness Fitness
MrsL2016 · 21/09/2020 09:48

Lots of people do a couch to 5k. It's a mix of running and walking and you work your way up. I just did it myself without an app and just tried to run a little further every time. I think the main thing to work on is your breathing, when you are running after a toddler you aren't focusing on your breathing or stamina.

FrancesHaHa · 21/09/2020 09:49

There's a couch to 5k thread on the topic on here you can join for support. Couch to 5k is probably your best bet

SerenityNowwwww · 21/09/2020 09:51

I used a slack ass to 5k print out from the BHF. It was very simple to start - Walk x mins, box x mins repeat... I would put 4 think hair bands on my wrist and swap them over to my other write one by one to keep count.

Mippi · 21/09/2020 09:53

Definitely do the Couch 2 5k app!
I was a total non-runner at the beginning of the last lockdown. You start by running 60 seconds at a time and then walking but by the end I was running 30 minutes non stop!

The app aims to get you there in 9 weeks but I took it more gently and repeated lots of runs/weeks so it took me about 4 months.

newlabelwriter · 21/09/2020 10:01

Agree with all above re Couch 2 5K. I started 6 weeks ago and could hardly run for 60 seconds and I did my first 20 minute run last week. Honestly, if I can manage it anyone can - I was so unfit. I'm even enjoying it (which is even more unbelievable Wink

OddestSock · 21/09/2020 10:08

Again, c25k. I couldn't run at all, progressed through the programme, and now run for fun! Just take it really slowly, slow running, don't feel you have to go for speed at all xx

TapingTheTop40 · 21/09/2020 10:48

Defo a couch to 5K app.

That’s how I started, from zero running then at the age of 35 did the C25K and I’ve now ran 4 half marathons and run 4 times a week.

It is EXCELLENT for mental health.

PracticalTacticalBrilliance · 21/09/2020 10:51

Yup, Couch to 5K definitely. I started it back in May and haven't looked back. I've got asthma so wanted to up my fitness levels while helping my lungs a bit and I can now run for 40 minutes which I've never been able to do before.

pregnantprayingmantis · 21/09/2020 10:52

I love running, have done it on and off since I was a teenager. I found it an escape when my DC's were young plus it always helps keep the pounds off. Start slowly and try running one minute walking one minute. Enjoy the fresh air, get yourself some good trainers and comfortable leggings or shorts and a good supportive sport bra/crop. Try joining an organised run either virtual or in person. You'll find there are all levels of fitness and it's motivating to have something to train for. Good luck!

pregnantprayingmantis · 21/09/2020 10:53

And I forgot to mention Parkrun. Not sure if it's currently on in your area (COVID) but when things eventually go back to normal it's such a lovely supportive community. Fingers crossed there is one near you.

anuffername · 21/09/2020 10:55

C25K as everyone else says. I have never so much as run for a bus and when I first started, the 60 seconds made me feel like death, but now I run 2.5 miles 3 times a week and I actually enjoy it.

Good luck.

Original poster
PAToTheStars · 21/09/2020 11:07

Thanks everyone. Looks like it's C25K.

How many times are you expected to run in the programme?

Those of you who are running 20 -40 mins from nothing sounds amazing! Sounds amazing! I don't want to run marathons or anything but if I can run just 30 mins I would be so so happy!

Great tip for taking things slowly and not running super fast.

One more stupid question - how do you use the app if you're running?! Aren't you just looking at your phone every few minutes?!

OP posts:
Lua · 21/09/2020 11:10

You don't need an app while you are running. Just have a look at the c25k, and figure out the intervals you have to do that day. I then run with a kitchen timer in my hands because the numbers are much bigger.... Blush

haba · 21/09/2020 11:20

Couch to 5k, and Yoga for runners with Adrienne on rest days to help your core.
With the c25k podcast Laura tells you when to walk/run etc.

Honestly the programme is designed to go from nothing to 30minutes running in nine weeks. It does work.

mackerella · 21/09/2020 11:23

Come and join us on the Couch to 5K thread - we're all at various stages and it's very friendly and supportive Smile.

I use the NHS C25K podcast (not the app), but I listen to it on my phone via headphones. That way, you don't need to keep looking at your phone every few minutes - it just tells you when to start running and when to stop again.

Mippi · 21/09/2020 11:28

@PAToTheStars

Thanks everyone. Looks like it's C25K.

How many times are you expected to run in the programme?

Those of you who are running 20 -40 mins from nothing sounds amazing! Sounds amazing! I don't want to run marathons or anything but if I can run just 30 mins I would be so so happy!

Great tip for taking things slowly and not running super fast.

One more stupid question - how do you use the app if you're running?! Aren't you just looking at your phone every few minutes?!

I bought a little phone running pouch - I listen to music or podcasts with headphones while I'm running, and the C25K app interrupts to tell you when to run and walk.

You aim for 3 runs a week.

blueskys72 · 21/09/2020 11:35

"Run for 60 seconds ..." I would be dying!!

Original poster
PAToTheStars · 21/09/2020 11:44

Oh so you just use some Bluetooth headphones.

Listening to some podcasts etc sound like a good idea but I think I won't be able to concentrate on listening at first - I will be too busy panting for air!

OP posts:
MinesAPintOfTea · 21/09/2020 11:45

The NHS podcast is aimed at people who find 60 second running hard. Give it a try :)

MinesAPintOfTea · 21/09/2020 11:46

And you only need to hear "start running" and "stop running". It's music in-between

BertieBotts · 21/09/2020 11:48

Start with Couch to 5k.

Don't be afraid to repeat week 1 as many times as it takes to be able to complete it comfortably - I would black out at first about halfway around. I realised after a while I was pushing myself too hard in the running intervals!

Most apps allow you to have music playing in between, podcasts/audio books also work :) you use headphones (I used normal wired ones) and a little voice tells you start running now/start walking/you're halfway etc.

Obviouspretzel · 21/09/2020 11:52

Also the key thing is when it says start running, run slow. Like really slow.

Where you might be going wrong is you're trying to run much faster than you are able. You want to be aiming to basically run as slow as you can to start. Faster pace will come later but you want to make sure you are giving yourself the best chance of completing the couch to 5k challenge that day. You will achieve it. The system is fantastic and I do believe it works for pretty much anyone.