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Original poster

How did you start running?

23 replies

Curver · 27/12/2025 17:01

Just that really. I feel as though everyone around me is enjoying running. How can I go from someone who doesn’t exercise regularly, to someone who can participate in park runs one day? I’ve never enjoyed exercise but would like to for the sake of my health

OP posts:
xxxwd · 27/12/2025 17:02

Couch to 5k, just download and start.

sorrynotathome · 27/12/2025 17:04

Yes, C25K is the obvious route. However please make sure you invest in some decent running shoes first - you could save yourself from being put off running forever. Preferably go somewhere that does gait analysis.

ThirdStorm · 27/12/2025 17:08

100% couch to 5k app. I just ran in clothes/trainers I had but quickly found new trainers and leggings were a must and a sports bra. Nothing expensive, in fact Lidl supplied everything very cheaply.

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Justploddingonandon · 27/12/2025 17:09

I found none to run a bit gentler than couch to 5k, but either would be a good start. Personally I wouldn’t start in January as it seems harder in the cold ( I run on a treadmill when it’s cold or wet, which is easier but very boring compared to running outside).

GeorgeTheFirst · 27/12/2025 17:10

Couch to 5k. It works. I was a complete non-runner and I've kept it up for 15 years now (still short distances, still slow, but still running)!

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/12/2025 17:13

I’m a treadmill runner- I don’t enjoy the added elements of the great outdoors.
It boils down to a good playlist imo- and alternating walk and run over x amount of time or for a distance.

writingsonthewall · 27/12/2025 17:14

Couch to 5k about 16 years ago. Best thing i ever did, have run a couple of marathons and still running 3/4 times a week. I’m not fast but helps keep me fit and is good for my mental health.

I started on the 12th Jan back then. I hadn’t run since school, and didn’t run very much even when I was at school.

Algoquick · 27/12/2025 17:16

Parkrun. Turned up and ran it. Kept doing it and also ran during week outside and at gym extending distance and entering a few races. Stopped for several years then joined c25k at running club in 2020. 2 marathons later! Hardest part is getting out there. A running club is very supportive and many run c25k programmes. Parkrun is another way of starting doing walk/run to suit yourself.

spideysmumma · 27/12/2025 17:16

Also couch to 5k. At the time I had a 5 month old and a 2 year old who I found very difficult to leave. I liked that I could be out the door whenever and immediately start rather than having to waste time driving to the gym etc. I had never run or done any sort of regular exercise before and I now run 20-25km on average each week (although still fairly slowly.)

sevenpercent · 27/12/2025 17:17

Like everyone else, couch to 5k. I also made sure to watch their videos and do the warm up exercises pre-run and stretches after to avoid injury.

It was incredibly hard to start, but you do get there! Make a great running playlist to listen to as you run. Now I no longer need to listen to the C25k app I download audio books, the time flies by as I'm absorbed in the story.

Spink86 · 27/12/2025 17:18

I started couch 2 5k in September 2024 and have kept it up since. I now run 10ks and am hoping to do a half and full marathon in 2026.
What kept me going was having targets to aim for and joining a couple of run groups that operate from my local council leisure centres.
I started with bog standard trainers but have since upgraded. I also swear by a shock absorber sports bra to keep everything strapped down.
Also make sure you do some proper stretches to warm up and cool down. I now do 1 yoga class a week to keep me flexible and I swear it and the stretches have stopped me getting things like shin splints.

ChamonixMountainBum · 27/12/2025 17:19

I got a new job in France and basically after several months got fat and needed to do something about it so signed up to the Paris marathon.

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 27/12/2025 17:36

Which couch to 5K have you used? There seem to be a few about. Tempted by the zombie one.

mindutopia · 27/12/2025 17:41

Couch to 5k. There is an app now that tells you exactly what to do, but back in the day, I just downloaded it in a PDF, got a sports watch and set the run/walk intervals accordingly and went out the door. I was never a runner or particularly sporty, though I was active. I ran 2 half marathons that year.

It really is doable, but you have to stick with it and pace yourself so you don’t get injured. It’s also worth considering that running may not be for you. Dh cycles and mountain bikes. I find it boring as hell. It’s not for me. But when I was in better condition than I am now. I was regularly running 10 miles every Saturday morning.

blankcanvas3 · 27/12/2025 17:48

Couch to 5K 5 years ago and I ran the London Marathon this year :)

AlteFrau · 27/12/2025 17:52

I just ran locally and built up the distance. I used Strava. I bought shoes from a proper running shop, bought a sports bra online and got some exercise gear from M and S.

Sheknowsaboutme · 27/12/2025 17:58

Good trainers and a good bra then go.

no science to it. I started in 2010 and ran endless 10k, HMs and 4 marathons.

then one day in 2022 , on a hot summer evening i went for a run, hated it and never ran again. Such a waste but i didn’t enjoy it. After marathon number 4 there was nothing else i wanted to do.

but go for it and enjoy!

ChamonixMountainBum · 27/12/2025 18:28

Sheknowsaboutme · 27/12/2025 17:58

Good trainers and a good bra then go.

no science to it. I started in 2010 and ran endless 10k, HMs and 4 marathons.

then one day in 2022 , on a hot summer evening i went for a run, hated it and never ran again. Such a waste but i didn’t enjoy it. After marathon number 4 there was nothing else i wanted to do.

but go for it and enjoy!

Maybe some shorts or leggings too?

HumerousHumous · 27/12/2025 18:37

At parkrun. Started as a walk, slow jog, walk, slow jog etc. all around the course. Over time I could jog the whole thing. Loads of people to jolly you along which I think you really need.

Original poster
Curver · 27/12/2025 20:58

I need to try harder. Very embarrassing to admit I never exercise. I’ve never enjoyed it. I do love being outside though, and being able to do something free also appeals. Thanks everyone

OP posts:
ghostbusters · 27/12/2025 21:20

I was in the same position about 6 years ago. Very little exercise, I had gone swimming regularly a few years prior. It took me 6 months to think that I wanted to start running. I did it for my health and bone protection, and convinience of ruining from home rather than find swimming time to fit in with my family.
I decided in November time that I would start couch to 5k after the New Year one year and just did it! Started one morning, in - 4°C, before breakfast! But I'm quite stubborn, so once I decide something, I usually do it.
I have mostly kept going, apart from the odd break for injury. I've run half a dozen 10k races, many more 5k races to keep me motivated.
Just a warning, Couch to 5k is designed to get you running for 30 mins non-stop rather than 5k in 30 mins. I can run 5k in 36 mins just now.
Good luck!

thenewaveragebear1983 · 27/12/2025 21:32

I got a treadmill and In January 2018 my new year resolution was to run 10 minutes a day for January. I ended up running 1000 miles that year

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