Couch to 5k complete and utter novice. Please help!

[gingganggooleywotsit]

Hi all, I am a 41 mum of young kids, feeling very boring and frumpy right now and want to do something about it. I'm 5'7, Weigh 10 stone 12 so not massively overweight but very very untoned which makes me look sort of pear shaped! it's not a good look. I'm pretty fit from running round with my 4 year old but have never run properly in my life or followed a formal exercise routine! It seems so complicated there are so many different apps. Does anyone know a really good basic simple one? I've lost my confidence alot so scared to start, I don't even own a decent pair of running trainers, but I'm going to get some tomorrow. Thanks in advance and sorry if this question has been asked before!

I am starting Monday, as should have my trainers by then, and thank you so much for all the responses it's really given me confidence to start! I'm on a budget, don't want to spend too much as I'm furloughed right now. Don't really want to spend more than £50 on trainers, do you guys think that's ok? I thought these looked quite good for the money? www.underarmour.co.uk/en-gb/womens-ua-charged-bandit-5-running-shoes/3021964.html?dwvar_3021964_color=002&dwvar_3021964_size=5.5&cid=PLA%7cUK%7cNB%7cggl%7call%7c%7call%7call%7call%7cuk+shopping+generic+womens%7c%7c35359819413%7c%7bcampaign%7d%7c%7baccount%7d&&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzZj2BRDVARIsABs3l9KGy9AM68zjkDKtWY1Em-7XNvTZBPMCxkZF1DGdBC73PwzO48d3cdsaAusqEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Good luck.

It’s hard to buy or suggest running trainers as it depends on your gait (the way your feet land when you hit ground). Have a look on Sportsshoes for some ideas? Brooks, ASICS, New Balance and Mizuno are all pretty decent brands.

I don’t know any runners running in Under Armour trainers.

And Saucony.

ah thank you my teenager said they looked a bit weird, like I said, I'm clueless . I will look at the brands you suggested.

I have just found some Asics for £60 I've ordered them, just need to go for it and stop messing around. A friend of mine who just turned 50 said I should get into exercise now, way before I get near my 50s, as it will be much easier now. So need to get going. Thanks @Mayvis

You’ll be fine. Report back.

I just started last week. Similar age/weight/kids to you.

I've found it ok so far. I felt a bit silly the first day but I'm quite into it now. It definitely seems to be a good plan to make running more enjoyable.

@gingganggooleywotsit I'm in my 40s, kids & morbidly obese but this morning...

20min 'run' done!!!
Slow as hell but found that in the middle 10mins or so I was totally in the zone. My aim was 10/12 mins then walk a bit if I had to but got to 15mins & felt reasonably ok so kept going. Then she said 18mins & I thought 'I'm buggered if I'm stopping now!' It helped that I had a better playlist as I got lost in the music at times. Actually enjoyed it & what a feeling of achievement - had a big cheesy grin on my cool down/walk back home. 🤩
If you'd told me a month ago I'd be lugging my 21stone ass out for a 20min run I'd have laughed in your face!
Honestly, I I can do it you can x

@Musicalmistress that is fantastic, seriously well done! @imamearcat you too. Inspirational

Op honestly just do it!! I take my hat off to previous posters who are bigger ladies. I can run a bit in a previous life so don't find it too hard but at the same time it's not easy either so really good for you!!

Because I can ( used to) be able to run I also made the mistake of going too fast on day two I think it was. Personally I want to keep the pace up a bit because to run 5k in half an hour, you need to run at a reasonable pace. But I think you will find your natural pace.

I use the BBC one and also use map my run app which tracks your distance and speed.

@imamearcat my focus just now is on completing the runs ( a first as normally I'd have given up on anything I started by now) then once I complete the programme I'll focus on speed/distance. It's amazing how many people are giving it a go and surprising themselves with what they can actually achieve!