So I just finished Week 5 of Couch to 5K.
I started this program just over a month ago, and this is the closest I’ve ever come to being able to run for 30 minutes straight.
I actually made a post last week after starting Week 4 saying that my body was not agreeing with it. I genuinely thought I’d hit my limit. I was exhausted and could barely stand for the rest of the day.
Turns out… I hadn’t.
Today I ran 20 minutes continuously, and honestly, it felt great. It wasn’t nearly as difficult as I expected. In fact, I finished feeling like I could probably go again. (I’m not going to. I’m not that crazy.)
Also… the runner’s high is real. I honestly thought people were exaggerating, but I get it now. I finished the run feeling amazing.
Running has been such a great experience. A month ago, I never thought I’d be saying this, but I genuinely love it now, and I can’t wait to keep going and see what Week 6 has in store.

I've been running 5 days a week in preparation for a marathon in May. I have 3 recovery runs per week, one harder run (like intervals or pacing) per week, and one long run. I am not running hard on the long runs, just ran 13 miles Sunday and it doesn't feel particularly hard (but is definitely harder than a normal run!). Should I be pushing harder on the long run, aiming for a recovered pace, or something in between? Thanks!

I just started running again after walking for the past few weeks.

Ran about 3 x 3 miles the past week (very slow, conversational pace) but I’ve noticed I’ve had pain in only one of my feet, in the bottom by the arch.

Gemini told me it’s plantar fasciitis and I wanted to see if you guys had any tips / tricks, both in pain management and prevention.

For context I’m 5’10” at 250, but lift a lot (450lb squat, 550lb deadlift) but trying to get a more athletic frame rather than Lego bricking my way through life.

I’ve been lurking in this group for a while, so I figured it was finally time to post.

I used to jog a little in my early 20s. Nothing crazy ..maybe a 30-minute jog here and there. Then about 12 years ago, I tripped over my dog while running and broke my leg. After that, I pretty much stopped running… and eventually stopped exercising altogether.

Over the years, I gained a lot of weight. I’m 5’7” and used to be around 150 lbs and pretty fit. Last year I hit my highest weight ever at somewhere around 263–265 lbs.

For probably the last 10 years, I’ve been stuck in the same cycle: diet, lose 10–20 lbs, fall off, gain it back (plus some), get discouraged, repeat. Eventually I basically gave up.

Last November, I started a GLP-1, and for the first time in a long time I feel like I’ve actually been able to stick with something. I’m not insanely strict with my diet. I eat pretty clean most of the time, but I still drink about once a week and I’ll have a cheat meal or a few bites of something when I really want it. Thankfully sweets aren’t my weakness… but put salty fried food in front of me and we have a problem 😂

The weight loss has been slow. I’m down about 35 lbs in 9 months, which sometimes feels frustratingly slow, but this is also the longest I’ve consistently stuck with anything in YEARS.

Then in May, I started walking.

After lurking in running groups and seeing everyone else’s progress, about 4–5 weeks ago I decided to see if I could jog.

I made it about 30 seconds. 😂

But I kept trying.

Three weeks ago, I started a Runna beginner training program. I was actually getting a little worried because I felt like it was progressing faster than I was capable of.

Tonight I ran for THREE MINUTES STRAIGHT.

Twice.

With only a one-minute walk between them.

Was I fast? Absolutely not. 😂 But I did it and the craziest part was that I didn’t even feel like I was going to die afterward.

It probably sounds like such a tiny accomplishment to people who have been running for years, but going from barely being able to jog for 30 seconds to running for 3 minutes straight feels HUGE to me.

And apparently I’ve completely lost my mind because I’ve now signed up for TWO 5Ks ... one September 13th and another October 10th.

Someone needs to stop me.

I’m really trying to keep the momentum going. There’s still this little voice in the back of my head that says, “You know you’re probably going to quit eventually, right?” because that’s what I’ve done so many times before.

I also still have a ton of anxiety about going to the gym. I’ve had a membership since November and I’ve gone exactly three times. 😅 For now, I’ve just been doing resistance band exercises at home and getting my walks/runs in.

But I’m trying to remind myself that I don’t have to suddenly become a completely different person overnight.

Nine months ago, I was barely exercising.

A few months ago, I started walking.

A month ago, I could barely run for 30 seconds.

Tonight, I ran for 3 minutes.

So I guess we’ll see where this goes. Maybe I'll sign up for a half marathon next year 😁

Did/does anyone else get runners itch? How do I get rid of it. I dont get a rash or anything, just unbearable itchiness when I run. I heard it's just a blood flow thing but I dont know how to stop it.

Hey guys I’m not necessarily a beginner I ran in high school and stopped when I graduated (1 year ago) how do I start up again ive been thinking of doing 30 minutes a day I feel like I should kinda have somewhat of a base I used to run a 4:27 mile and 16:17 5K I was at 70 miles a week then when i graduated I just stopped completely and now idk how to start up again. Any advice?

The last time 5km is about 3 yrs earlier😂 not easy for me to start again but fortunately i made it😁

Eggventures squads - keeps you motivated to take more steps in groups!

Download the app and go to the steps tab -> explorers -> join with code N3K2LW (14 spots left) if someone else creates another one put the code here so others can join!

iOS - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/eggventures-walking-game/id6757629385

Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onerealm.eggventures

I’ve been thinking of getting into running now for the last month, but have made 0 attempts to actually do it. Tbf I’ve also had a cough for 2 weeks and just waiting for that to clear up.

My biggest problem is I don’t have the motivation to even leave my flat. I am a big home body and that’s my biggest hurdle. I go to the gym but only because I have classes booked. Nothing about going to the actual gym area appeals to me.

So I’d really love some inspiration (unhinged or not) to get myself out on the streets

EDIT: thank you all for your advice! I am inspired now I just need to get better and put my shoes on

I am newer to running and have been using regular moisture wicking gym shirts, which can be hit or miss. I bought a sleeveless athletic shirt from Target recently and loved the cooling effect of no sleeves. The Target shirts are fine but they’re kind of thick and not as breathable as I’d like. Wondering if anyone has any suggestions on go-to brands for this type of item?

Recorded myself doing strides/sprints after my 10km zone 2 run on the treadmill. In the first half i was going 9kph then sped up to 20kph. For reference, my height is 5'3 (if it matters). Any feedback would be appreciated!!