Five weeks ago I started Couch to 5k, along with two other
mums from school. I don’t really even remember how it came about that we
decided to do it, but I love the idea of going for a run. We live in such a
beautiful area but I have always held off because of the hills. As you’ve seen
from my Instagram pictures, they’re pretty big! Spurred on by the face that
more than one of us wanted to do it, we agreed to start.
It’s safe to say that I am very nearly the heaviest I have
ever been weight wise and although I have done detoxes and watched what I ate in the past,
fundamentally, I want to be able to eat cake and chocolate but not get any
fatter! Running seems to be the perfect way to do this, I just needed to learn
how (to run that is, I'm well versed in chocolate consumption)!
The first week shouldn't have been tough, but it was. I discovered
I had shin splints (apparently from when I was younger). I'm still having
physio for these now, but I'm glad I found out about them so early on!
Couch to 5K is a very clever programme, specifically
designed that you can follow it, even from a starting point of almost no
exercise. The joy of doing it with other people is that you can spur each other
along and help out when you’re struggling. I have to admit to enjoying running
by myself though as I can listen to my music and just plod along at my own
pace without worrying that I'm not keeping up with the other..
I have learned a few things along the way, and thought I
would share with you my top five tips for beginners. Have a watch of my video
and find out what they are!
If you’re thinking about starting then I would highly recommend it. This morning was the first day that I had to run continuously for 20 minutes and I did it! If I can do it, then you absolutely can too! Don’t look too far ahead on the app though, you end up scaring yourself about week 7 when you’re only in week 2! You will be able to achieve it, the programme has been designed so that you can do it. If you want a goal to aim for, perhaps you could sign up to a virtual runner race. I’ve only just signed up to my first one, which will take place in June. I’m nervous, but I’m now at the point where I can see it actually happening!
