W1R1- Wait a minute...

[Jany]

So, I am pretty unfit. I have an active job and am on my feet, walking, 13 hours a day/3 days a week (I probably cover between 8 and 10 miles a shift) but other than that I do nothing. Absolutely nothing. Running has always been an absolute no-no for me. I used to swim and am built like a swimmer- long body with short legs to act as the motor. Now, this doesn't make for great running chops. Previously when I've had a rush of blood to the head and decided that running is clearly the activity for me and that I must be a natural and pulled on my trainers, I've collapsed 10 minutes later in a sweaty, purple, deoxygenated heap. The pain the next day was so bad that I didn't repeat the experience... until 6 months later when I got another rush of blood to the head.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I completed the first walk/run of Couch to 5k yesterday with relative ease! Well, apart from the hale storm I had to battle through. I was suspicious... It can't be that easy. But apparently, it is! At least, week 1 is. I am under no illusions- I know that it will get harder. And then harder. And then harder after that.

All I can say however, is that for the first time ever, I feel like I might be able to stick with a running programme! I don't know how long this positivity will last but for the minute, feeling good folks!

[suzybenj Graduate]

The beauty of the programme - is it builds you up gradually - so you don't even realise you are improving. clearly it does get tougher - but you will be prepared mentally and physically. Have faith in the programme.

well done for giving it a go and welcome to our running family - with all its trials and tribulations

[Jany]

Thank you! I'm feeling quite excited...

[Beads Graduate]

I think that if you've decided in the past to go out running you've gone for it and tried to run for the full time until you've collapsed in a heap. Working through this programme you run for a minute the first week, 90 seconds the second week, then get up to 3 minutes, 5 minutes etc. Once you're up to the longer times Laura's got you programmed to run when she says run and walk when she says walk so it automatically comes. She's also in your ear saying you can do it, slow and steady etc. So by the time you're up to W5R3 and 20 minutes and you struggle through the first 5 minutes until your stride sorts itself out you're so used to Laura being right that you ignore how hard it is. Then once you've realised that the first 5 or 10 minutes are always going to be the hardest part of the run (excepting for big beasty hills) you've suddenly graduated from Laura and can go out safely on your own, knowing that you've got yourself this far you can get yourself home. And that in a nutshell (or a paragraph) is why it works.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Sounds to me Jany like you were born to run, your so keen to get going. Stick with the programme and you will soon be a swimmer and a runner, good combination they compliment each other. Good luck and keep blogging we love to hear how people are doing.

[LMS2110 Graduate]

Welcome to the illusioned (is that the opposite of disillusioned?) C25K forum So many of us have arrived having tried other things beforehand and ... ssshhhhh ... 'failed'. (We don't allow that word on here!) Getting off the couch is success, getting on the shoes is success ...

Great to have you on-board the best fitness website on the Internet. Yep, Beads has explained the plan well, it's a little by little plan: so little are the changes, and so brilliant is the Laura formula, that you'll hardly realise how well trained you are becoming. Really hope you will enjoy the journey, and please blog as often as you can to keep us posted about your success and so we can boost and support you if/when things get tough. Here you will be surrounded by hundreds of other runners, all happy to be your mates, all ages from school age to octogenarians, many have completed the course and become 'hooked on running', others will be at the same stage as you are. We are here in the UK and just about all over the world now.

So, no more blood rushes, just a healthy glow from here on in

Lots of luck, Linda x

[lycranotlikely Graduate in reply to LMS2110]

Gosh are there really octagenarians?

[LMS2110 Graduate in reply to lycranotlikely]

Yes, only wish I could remember who contacted me when I started the programme thinking I was an oldie ... Suddenly felt like a spring chicken!

[greenlegs Graduate in reply to lycranotlikely]

Well, there are definitely several septuagenarians (? not at all sure about that spelling!), so 'to octagenarians' sounds about right!

I liked beads' neat summary of how it works.

It's a great programme Jany - you won't regret it! Welcome!

[RedditchMark]

Jany - I'm 1 run ahead (did W1R2 last night), like you i'm not a natural born runner (actually I'm a natural born TV watcher and cake eater !!). I honestly think your over the hardest part - you've made that decision to do something. I expect some hard times and a few failures along the way (repeating runs etc), but be positive and the forum is here for electronic support and guidance. Well done for taking those first steps.

[alcopop Graduate]

that much time on your feet every work day, I could not do that anymore (used to in my kitchen days) hats off to you.

Well done for getting started and the program will take you on and on, soon you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come. Welcome to the C25K club, long may you be a member.

[Jany]

Thanks for the support everybody! I'll keep you all posted... X