It all started when I ran for a train. I caught the train, but my heart was trying to pound it's way out of my ears and I couldn't recover my breathing until I'd reached my stop. So, like any normal person, I got home and signed up for a 5k run three months later.
I started slowly, I didn't want to pretend to myself that I might ever be A Runner, so I grabbed my ancient gym stuff and began to walk/run.
This is what I've learnt:
1: You do need proper trainers.
2: Don't go faster/further than suggested. You will get injured.
3: Shorts are not just for Proper Runners.
4: A GPS watch is your friend.
5: Some runs can feel just as bad as the first time.
6: It takes more than 30mins to run 5k (for me)
7: You can do no exercise for 25 years and still complete C25k.
So my 5k is in Rye on 23rd August. It's scary, but I'm going to do it.
I can identify with that andbreathe!! Running for a bus wasn't a good experience for me either - I think a wildebeest with 3 legs could have done a better job - and it took a dogs age to recover.
At 51, and not having done any "proper" running since high school, I decided to give c25k a go. Used my gym shoes but found them too well padded and my heels ached for England after the first few outings. Decided to invest in some running tights and a vest - although they weren't the worlds dearest kit, it was an incentive to go out (you've bought the stuff so get out and do something!).
I can remember doing the first few runs and feeling as if I was going to explode after running for 90 seconds! Got home and my husband kindly asked if I was supposed to be red in the face and wet with sweat. My response can't be published in polite society but I kept going. Invested in some barefoot running shoes and they've made a difference - no more aching heels and I feel as if I run better in them. Just finished Week 5 and feel absolutely ecstatic, started Week 6 and will be doing a park run on Saturday.
I may not be the worlds best or fastest runner, but I don't care. It's me time. I pound the streets and don't think about anything apart from my breathing and rhythm, or how nice the weather is (or isn't) and listen to Laura. It has done wonders for me mentally in terms of boosting my self esteem and helping with my depression, and I don't know why I didn't do this years ago.
I like your list (although I don't think the world is quite ready for me to don shorts ) All the best for your 5k - you will do it brilliantly, I'm sure.
Shorts are cool. I haven't worn shorts for 20 years and I was very apprehensive about my (obviously gorgeous) legs exposed to the world. But it's actually empowering that my legs can do what I ask them to do. Go on, get some shorts!
I remember a few weeks after starting the course running across Victoria station for my train and realising I wasn't as out of breath as usual when I got there. A real high!! Good luck with the 5k. Linda
You'll be fine on your 5k. I'm on Week 6 of C25K but did my first Parkrun last Saturday and managed to complete it in 33 minutes 6 seconds so I was really pleased with myself. Six weeks ago, I wouldn't have thought I'd reach the end still alive................
Wow. Well done. You'll fly through the next three weeks. Incredible isn't it? If someone at the start of the summer had told me that I'd be a runner by the end of it, I'd never have believed them. But I flamin' well am...woo!
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) All the best for your 5k - you will do it brilliantly, I'm sure. 
C25K anniversary
C25K or C230mins ? 
C25k is my running club
Bad run and C25K+
C25k... question to graduates please?
