First day!

[runwiththedog]

Took our bouncy springer spaniel for day 1 of C25K. She loved it. I look like a beetroot. Seriously considering doing week 1 twice after that pathetic start. I WILL keep going. It WILL get easier.

[StripyBear]

It really will! I did the second run of week 4 today and I can't believe I'm doing it and making progress. And so will you! This is a great place to ask for help so don't be a stranger!

[annasee Graduate]

it will get easier, I promise. And that's from someone who had the mental attitude at the start of "Well I know this has worked for everyone else but it won't work for me, I just know it. I'll never be able to run 30 mins, it's just not going to happen". I don't know how it happens, but somehow today I found myself actually desperate to get out of bed and go for a run before 8 am - on a Sunday! What is that about?? Managed my 30 mins, and the beautiful weather made me glad to be out and about when most people were still in bed. Mind you, I did notice i looked like a beetroot when I got home, so probably best I can't see myself running. Keep at it, you will definitely get there and your dog will love you even more for that extra exercise!

[Rags23]

I felt just the same. Started the programme in April and gave up after first week. Started again in August and week 5 starts on Tuesday. I make a conscious effort not to listen to the podcasts until i'm actually doing it. It really does get easier. You will really feel a sense of achievement after you complete each week. Good luck

[c4ts Graduate]

I hope the dog is going to take it as seriously as you, it really is achievable - enjoy

[Scipio Graduate]

I started C25K with a springer spaniel too! She had to be on the lead because we were in town and that made things a bit difficult because you know what springers are like - going to & fro following their noses! She was a great companion for the first couple of weeks - if anyone saw me I could just pretend I was walking the dog...

After a week or two I went solo, and the poor dog was distraught at being left behind. I take her with me sometimes if I'm going somewhere suitable. She loves it as much as I do.

Anyway, well done on getting started. It will get easier, I promise. You & the springer will make a great team!

[runwiththedog]

Thanks for all the support, lovely people. Have invested in a pair of decent trainers this afternoon, not that they will make it easier. I'm lucky to have lovely National Trust countryside to run in and for days when I'm in work there is a gym I can use. The springer puts me to shame. She's everywhere and delights in almost vertically running up any steep hill she can find. That's something to aspire to. Some colleagues are talking about tough mudder, but that might be too much!

[Niggit]

I'm in almost the same situation as you, runwiththedog (minus the dog - my two are too old), and it's really heartening to read these lovely posts, because at times I feel the way annasee describes!

Keep going!