Done my first run today.

[RainbowPixie]

So it was raining all morning so was not looking forward to the run too much, luckily when I went out it had stopped and only started up again when I was just around the corner from my house Of course, now the sun is shining even though it was forecast to rain all day.

I had planned on going into Boots before starting my run to use the big weighing machine there as we don't have any scales yet. But as I lay in bed last night I remembered that I still have the Wii Fit at my partners mum's house so all I have to do is pick it up during the week. I think it's much better as it will save my progress and I can do some gentle exercises on my days off. I've also taken a photo to use as a before and after comparison once I complete the 9 weeks.

I knew that I've never been so unfit as I am now but didn't realise just how bad it was. Just half way through the first run I was out of breath! I had to skip the last 60 run as my shoes were rubbing on my heels but other than that completed all the runs. I came home struggling to breathe and exhausted and my legs are really achy now but I definitely feel better for having done it.

My advice after the first run for anyone who is thinking of starting is:

1. If you wear new shoes, make sure you have walked them in a little or put plasters on your heels to stop them from rubbing. Although my shoes aren't new I just haven't worn them for some time and now have blisters on both heels.

2. If like me, you have Asthma make sure to bring an inhaler with you, I didn't and really wish I had.

3. Remember to breathe! I have this habit of forgetting to breathe which was part of why I ran out of breath right at the start. So for the rest of the run I really focused on it and it did help, even if it was a bit difficult to breathe in.

4. Although this is all about pushing yourself, don't push yourself too hard. Listen to your body when it tells you to slow down a bit.

5. Like some others, I was a bit worried about going for my first run as I didn't want people to stare etc. But I found that I really didn't care. Whether you feel self conscious about your weight or think you'll look silly running - It really doesn't matter, your out there doing something for your health, that's all that matters!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

YAY!!! Well done, RainbowPixie, on getting out there and doing the first run. Because there is a gentle progression involved in the plan, you may feel that you need to repeat a run before you are confident to move on. Many folk do and there is no shame in that. See how you feel at the end of W1R3.

Keep running, keep posting.

[janechelston]

Well Done RainbowPixie. I am starting out tomorrow. Just like you I am very unfit. Looking forward to tomorrow. It was good to read your post. I am going to do a weigh before and plan to do it once a week. It will be interesting to see how we get on!!!

[Hidden]

Well done on getting out ~ you will have heard this a million times before, but getting out of the door is the biggest hurdle to overcome, and when you have done it, you will feel so much better.

Regarding weight ~ don't get hooked on that. It WILL happen, but not straight away, which I found a little disheartening until I read that weight loss comes later after you have built fitness and muscle, and then the weight starts to drop. It will happen, but be patient!

If you feel self-conscious, please watch the Youtube clip, Running for my existence. This should really inspire you with what Roger has achieved.

Keep running, and keep us informed ~ we ARE interested and supportive.

[RainbowPixie in reply to Hidden]

Hi

I know I won't lose weight straight away and that's ok, at least I'm out there excerising. I'm trying to cut down on the sweets and fizzy drinks so that should definitely help..

And your right, getting out the door is the hardest part. I almost changed my mind and sat back on the sofa! I'm glad I didn't.

I will probably be updating after every run, even if it's just a short post.

[Hidden in reply to RainbowPixie]

What a fantastic approach and attitude to running you have! It really is so easy to just wait for 5 minutes to go out, and that always leads to another 5 minutes.....!

We are waterproof, and if you are not wearing too much, you dry pretty quickly too.

We look forward to your updates on a regular basis.

Best wishes

'Sally'

[RainbowPixie]

I'm so achy today! When I think that the next run is tomorrow, 1 day does not seem enough to recover at the moment.

[Poppy2010 Graduate]

Well done on your starting run, pity about the blisters, hope they heal quickly. Remember the mantra 'slow and steady' - no matter how slowly you are running you will be going quicker than you would be sat on the couch!

A lot of people find it hard at the start because they are trying to go to fast and run out of energy before the end, remember this is a program to get you moving and speed and stamina have to be built up over time (there are very few starters on here who manage to fly through the program with no issues and make it to 5km by the end of week 9; but many, many more find the challenges change as you become more experienced and your body can learn to what you thought unthinkable in what is really a short space of time!