bryony_pudding's Journal, 21 Aug 22

I started with Couch to 5K in May 2021 Bryony. It really worked for me. I never imagined I'd be able to run for 30 mins, but I got there in 9 weeks and now I can run for 1 hour +. Running is so good for my physical and my mental health. It has changed my life!! If you fancy it, give it a go - I'll be cheering you on. . . 🏃‍♀️💜 

Thanks Marge, your one of the people that's inspired me to try it too. Love reading your running posts!  

Ah that's nice ti hear 💙🏃‍♀️. I do feel very passionately about it and I have surprised myself, I would never have thought of myself as a runner. I'm resting up with a hamstring strain and already missing it after only 2 days.😞  

Really hope you heal soon!  

Try it and be careful about how you run. Most people have no idea how to run and just focus on going as long or fast as they can, then six months later, have a chronic injury.  

The NHS one is good, you can choose an athlete to talk you through it and give tips along your journey. I also signed up for Run Together couch to 5k, that was good, it lasted 6 weeks, you run with other beginners. They have them all over the country 

I also tried the NHS one last year, unfortunately my spine had other ideas but I thought it was a great app and I did actually do a few runs,,and I haven't run in years, give it a go! 

I'm looking at none to run at the mo as it seems like a sensible plan. 

Thanks all for the advice! we'll have to compare beginners notes Janice!  

I’m looking at starting too after 5 years, I’m just going to wing it 😂. I think the main thing is to build it up over a period of time that suits you. I’ve heard a lot of good things C25k 

I've tried on and off for years but never really got the hang of it (nod to lifewithlou's comment below!) so thinking the app might help me find my groove. I once got stopped in a park while trying to run by someone asking if I was ok that's how bad I am 😂 

Good luck bryonyrm. If you can, find someone with experience coaching runners to help you. Running injuries are very common and most of the people I see running, I worry about, because they look like they are going to get injured. Don't mean to discourage it can be fun. 

Lol@bryonyrm getting stopped and asked if ur OK 🤣🤣🤣 sounds like something that would happen to me!! 

I have completed it twice. my best advice is not to aim for 5k in 30 minutes. Use the app and go for whatever speed seems best (even if you only do 3.5km in 30 minutes). Then redo the app at a higher speed. my point is, push yourself, but go at your own pace 

I’m sorry Bryonyrm this has made me chuckle 😆🙈 

Not discouraged lifewithlou, good advice!  

Thanks riisap will bear that in mind too so I don't get too disappointed if I can't do it 👍 

Adpresso and booty - I was mortified at the time but laugh about it now lol 

That made me smile too Bryony - sorry. I agree with riisap, I've always measured my time, rather than speed or distance - it feels less pressured , and means I listen to my body rather than trying to acheive targets. I run very slowly, just jogging most of the time, with the odd sprint when I feel like it. When are you going to start then?😀 

Hello. I'm a newbie here but just saw your post and thought would share. I've been a jogger on and off most of my life at 58 i did a 10k in Ireland and was so proud of myself. I've used the app with the comedian on it from the North East for the couch to 5k she is brilliant. Now I'm 60+ i don't run as much as it always felt like pressure. I enjoy long hikes, swimming and a treadmill workout called 12 3 30. Look out up on YouTube its a great inbetween walking and running. I never got to 5k in 30 mins more like 45 but as others of said distance is far better than spee.Good luck.