Achieving....

[Joanne37]

Hopefully this is just self doubt creeping in on my part, but for all of you that have achieved the big goal and all of you who are getting there, did any of you, all of you find it hard to start and keep going or were you all natural sports people who just found it easy? Ive found a blog which has said they couldnt believe they struggled to do 1 minute 9 weeks ago and now are running for 30 mins which was great to read. I think im just struggling to see how I will get there. Did any of you have self doubts and you managed to get through them or has everyone on here started with some degree of fitness and ability? Jo

[OlsBean]

I think the majority of people here that start this plan fall into the category of "Non Athletic". I'm guessing naturally fit or capable runners would not need the plan as it's tailored toward getting complete Couch Potatoes running for 30 minutes non stop by week 9.

I had a million doubts myself, when I started I could barely run for a minute and I remember thinking doing the 3 minute runs that there is no way that I am going to be able to run for 30 minutes. I was sweating, panting and felt like I was going to be sick.

You just need to trust in this plan and follow it to the letter, it's as simple as that. There will be times when you have doubts, there will be times when you'll want to stop, you'll hear a little voice in the back of your head trying to convince you that you can't do this for all sorts of reason, and whilst it's telling you this, it's easy to think that you are sweating, panting, hurting more than anyone else that went before you but the truth is that you won't be. Just remember to Trust in the Plan, it does work and you will be triumphant!

Good Luck, not that you need it because all you need to do is Trust in the Plan.....

[Joanne37 Graduate]

Thank you for your reply. Thats really good to know

Jo

[greenlegs Graduate]

Same here. Although I didn't have extra weight, I've always been very unfit (I don't think I'd ever run more than 50 yards in my life, and that was at primary school, where I was the slowest in my class - and over 40 years ago!). Goodness knows what made me think I could do this! But I can - I ran for over an hour yesterday - very slowly, but I ran.

Slow and steady might not win the race, but it will get you running, and much fitter.

[Olliebollie Graduate]

I am in week six and something that Laura says this week is keep calm, that has really helped, as when i hear that voice saying you cant do this etc, I just keep saying, keep calm and I plod on! And it is a plod, ( I was doing the same pace as a walker yesterday, but that man was striding!) but thats OK, like a lot of people here, I could barely plod for a minute six weeks ago, so keep calm and keep going!!

[mark909 Graduate]

It would be safe to say that nobody hear is a natural sports person. In fact I believe the majority of people have been put off running since crappy PE lessons at school where you learn if you can't run fast you can't run at all. This is absolute rubbish of course and that is what is great about these podcasts. Stick to them and gave or take 9 weeks you'll be running continuously for 30mins as well!

[Mrsbelt1 Graduate]

All the above is very true!

I remember going out on week 6 and on the walking part thinking its easier to run than walk, I found that my legs just wanted to move faster but I behaved and only ran when Laura told me to. But honestly you will think every week when you return home- wow, I can't believe I I did that! An you will want to move on an get that same buzz every time.

Achieving each week is a goal in itself don't think about graduation just about getting to the next week in the plan!

Some people are naturally sporty - unfortunately I'm not one of them, most runs are a battle to get out the door but if I don't the guilt I feel really isn't worth it. So don't worry about not being naturally sporty at least your getting out there an doin something good Look with you journey x

[Joanne37 Graduate]

Thank you all for your kind words. I think motivation from people on here who have been through this will really help. Today im really sore and my legs are not happy with me but cold packs, warm showers and the dreaded firey jack are helping! Ill listen to my body and if i feel ok then W1R2 will happen tomorrow but if not ill wait until i feel ok in the next day or two to do it. I know its not a race and i know i might have to repeat some runs but ill get there. Your kind words and advice do help thank you.

[MaryDerry Graduate]

Hi Joanne, I am 60 years old and had NEVER run anywhere! I hated sports in school and would do anything to get out of it. Six months ago I started c25K and graduated on the 2nd January. Yesterday I ran 4 miles! Now for me, that may as well be a marathon! You CAN do this. It is a great programme and so doable. Don't give up. It is really mostly a mental game. Some runs are hard, others are easier. I still have a bright red face for ages after a run. But hey, I am running! Don't give up. You will be so proud of yourself. And we will all cheer you on!

[Joanne37 Graduate in reply to MaryDerry]

Thank you Mary. I am definately not giving up. Mentally I am there but Im just a little sore today. I wont feel defeated if i cant go out tomorrow but i have to listen to my body. Im so glad im doing this and I will get there. I cant wait one day to be a graduate. Thank you for your kind words. x

[Hidden]

I started last may, having not really done any exercise for twenty years, having smoked 25 a day until 2.5 years ago (for about twenty years also), was the fat kid who came last at cross country, could only just manage 1 min runs when I started. I ran for 90 minutes and 15.5K last Friday. WOOHOO YOU CAN DO THIS TOO. You can see that most of us come from a non fitness background.

Enjoy, i look forward to your gradation blog