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So, last week I finally made 5k, and it was such an amazing feeling! To share my story, I started running seriously in May 2015. Prior to this I had sort of dabbled in it, but I had never taken it seriously. I never had a schedule, never kept proper track of things, found plenty of excuses to not do it. To be honest, I didn't really have any idea of how to properly train myself. I would aim to just run quickly, if I wasn't running I didn't feel like I was working, so I never interval trained. Because of that, when I couldn't hit the unrealistic goals that I set for myself, I found myself quitting. In March 2015 I moved to a more central location with great access to public trails. It also helps that I live in a very outdoor-oriented city, there are cyclists and runners everywhere! All of this got me inspired to start running, and I also wanted to get in better shape for a big vacation in Europe because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to walk all day if I wasn't used to being on my feet more. So in May 2015, I began running and practicing yoga. I soon found that I actually loved both of them, and I trained steadily for a few weeks until vacation. And then I was gone for three weeks. It wasn't so bad, I got back into running, but then it got humid and I found it unbearable to train outside. I kept with it on day when the temperature wasn't at dangerous levels for strenuous activities, but all in all I found that I was able to train less. Eventually I realized that I wasn't improving and I still couldn't run 5k, so I took a break from running. A couple of weeks ago I realized that I wasn't really happy. I was too stationary, it seemed like all I did was sit at home. So I decided to start running again, even though winter is just around the corner. When I was in university I had to take the bus to class, and I always remember this one girl who would jog past me while I waited. Every single day I saw her, it was clockwork, even in the winter. So that's why I decided to get back into running, because even though it's cold, people can run in the winter, and it was amazing to watch how this girl improved and changed. To kick things off, I found a free evening running club. Even though they are almost done for the season, I thought it would be a good way to get started. I will admit that it was a little intimidating at first, especially when the leader asked if I could run 6k on non-flat terrain. Figuring that lying would only hurt in the end, as embarrassed as I was, I admitted that I couldn't yet do 5k. The club graciously worked to accommodate me, switching their planned route to something easier, and because it was my first time the leader started the run along my side. With tips and encouragement to start, and then eventually being left to my own devices to run at my own physical pace, I managed to get through a very painful 4k. Even though it was painful, my one leg had decided to be a quitter and I had an awful stich in my side, it was so rewarding to finish and know that I had tried my best. As we walked back to our meeting place to gather our things, the other members each came up to congratulate me and tell me a bit about their running stories. One was a well seasoned runner who enjoyed snowshoe running in the winter (yes, running in snowshoes!), another had just run her first 5k race earlier in the fall and she wanted to go further, one had friends who were training for triathalons and she was curious - this group was so diverse in experience and skill levels, and they were all super welcoming. So after the session I asked what I should do next, and the leader challenged me to run two more 4ks and then up to 5k. So I took my homework and tried to run the two 4ks that week. I failed, miserably. I felt like I couldn't run more than a few minutes before I was tired, had a stitch, my leg bothered me, I was cold, I was hungry - there was every excuse in the book. By the time it came for me to attempt the 5k, I felt hopeless - I couldn't get anywhere near 4, how could I do 5? So, that night I sat at home. The next day I felt so guilty that I went out... and I got 5k! I was so elated, I shared the news with my friends who all cheered with me. For the first time, I felt like I had accomplished something so hugely physical, it was amazing - but was it a fluke? Turns out that it wasn't, two days later I was able to hit 5k again, and it was probably the second best feeling in the world - the validation that I can in fact do it. So, to all of you who are afraid of the winter - don't be. Dress properly, remember that you will feel around 10 degrees (Celsius) warmer than the air temperature. Make sure you scope out your route beforehand, know what the slip risks are (spots where puddles form, slippery surfaces, etc.). To all of you who are afraid to do this in public - don't be. You'd be surprised just how welcoming the community can be. I'd say it's uncommon to find snobby runners, people who can see you are determined to run will encourage you. I've been smiled to, nodded at and waved to by strangers as I run, people will acknowledge that you are doing something positive for yourself. To all of you who don't think you can make it - keep trying. Take note of what is working and what doesn't. Remember my quitter leg? It's because I was running heavy on one side, when I took note of that and adjusted I was able to run like the wind. And my final tip, join a run club. Even if it's only for a night, you'll meet some great people and get some excellent tips. A run club exists to run as a group, just make sure you join one that fits your skill level. They won't leave you behind, they won't judge you - everybody is there to improve themselves, make new friends and have a great time. Well, thanks for reading my long story! And in case you are wondering what's next - I'm going to continue running out in the cold until I can't take it anymore, and I plan to try a 5k race in the spring.

As I feared, it was raining....me and my running buddy met by the school bus in our running gear and umbrellas and went our separate ways...it did stop raining after a couple of hours so I went out running alone (I was obsessing about running and was getting nothing done anyway). I wasn't sure what to wear, if it would start raining again or not, and decided that if it started raining I would quit - and not hold it against myself. I started running with a shell windbreaker, but shed it half way and stashed it in my car as I ran by (I didn't stop moving my legs - I jogged on the spot while I opened and closed the door so I am not considering that stopping). I was running with my phone in my hand, which I don't usually do, and resisted temptation to look at it for just about the entire way. Around halfway I hit a low, but ran through. It wasn't extremely easy, but it wasn't extremely difficult either. With a minute thirty five to go I peeked to see how much I still had... and was nicely surprised. So - I did it. If I can run twenty minutes flat I can call myself a runner. I AM A RUNNER!!!

I agree 100% with the comments about BodyGlide, the stuff is wonderful. Here's another tip, if BodyGlide is too hard to find or pricey, go to the drug store and buy an anti-blister stick from the footcare aisle. It's the same thing, just marketed for your feet to help prevent blisters from shoe rubbing. I've been using it for a couple of years now.

So.. I'm a first time consistent runner, I've been doing this for over a month -maybe two, as it is lately that I've come to love it and can't wait to do it every other day. I just want to say to all those who have tried and at some point felt that they have failed or that running isn't for them.. Don't give up, keep trying! If you ever felt awesome when you finished your run then this is for you and you must keep going! Not long ago I was on week 5 day 3 of the 10k programme, I gave it a try, I figured if it said 2 miles or twenty minutes then that's the pace I should keep up with to be able to progress further on, so I installed another app that tracked the distance, turned out I was very short of two miles, when I finished my body was acheing, I had palpitations for the last minutes of the run, my legs felt so heavy... So I tried to do the same run two days later, my bottom hurt, my legs, I chose a harder track to run in.. Result? After 11 minutes I couldn't, I just stopped and went home very angry about it, I waited another two days until my body was back to normal and tried again, that was today, towards the end of the run I thought "what if I didn't do the two miles? -I'll just try again in two days... It turned out I did it! 2 miles in 20 minutes, I met the target and i was full of energy, for the first time I had no palpitations towards the end, no pain in legs and could have kept going even further, it felt amazing! Bottom line: don't force your sore body and don't feel guilty about it, you wait and come back stronger! It's early on, I'm only on week 5 but I felt the need to write this post as I know for a first time runner you can get discouraged as early as on week 1 of this programme, it does get better, your body gets used to this. Thanks to all the people out there supporting, answering questions, I'm greatful to have found this app and be part of this community, it's an awesome experience!

Congrats! I agree wholeheartedly on running with a club. I've been doing that since March and just switched over from running with a club to running with a group out of Fleet Feet (My local running store). Nothing like taking something that's already awesome and then making it social!!

Nice. I could barely run to the end of the driveway without wheezing today is my second day running and 5 days no smoking. I feel great so far. Keep up the good work

Hello Wendel, it's a big change from the previous weeks (the fifth week), the last day of week five its a third of the target (that's if yours is to do a 10k run) my advice to you: listen to your body, give your body necessary breaks and repeat days until you are happy, I'm giving advise here as If I was an expert, smarty pants! but it's because my body felt this big change and it ached so much and I wondered if I could actually keep doing this.. and I waited and I did it and now I am plased and craving to achieve more! please do write how you feel after accomplishing it. I'm sure you'll do excellent and feel like that too!

wow some day i will get there

I'm hoping I will have that same feeling. Hopefully by may or June

I was reading an article about this just the other day. In the past I've been an early morning person, but more recently I've been working out just after work. There seems to be pros and cons to both, but in the end it's up to the person and whether or not they can stick to it. Morning or evening won't matter if you find yourself making excuses to not go! I've included some examples of the pros and cons I read about for the morning runs. Morning Pros There can be less distractions that cause you to miss sessions such as staying late at work, having to go out for dinner, etc. Because you've been fasting, you do burn more fat-calories Morning Cons Because you've been fasting, you may not have enough energy and by proxy might not work as hard as you would in the evening Proper sleep is also essential to health and weight loss, so if you are waking up extra early but not going to bed early enough you may be doing more harm than good Just some food for thought, good luck!

Thanks, I will. Good to know about the Day 2 phenomenon. I look forward to Day 3 then. I'm doing every other day, and swimming the alternate days. Changing my lifestyle, finally.

The end of the 5k app is further along than the beginning of the 10k app. So you could move to the 10k app and choose where you want to start.

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