Omg that was humiliating!

[chickenlady]

Went out on the introduction to running with 16 other newbies, yeah right! Everyone else was being judged in how many hundreds of metre they could run, I managed 3 lamp posts and that's the furthest I ever run! Am I bloody minded enough to go back or shall I just stick to the c25k plan???

[Beek Graduate]

Was that with a running club?

Do not worry how far you can run at the moment. Have a gentle go at week 1. Start slow and steady each section. If you feel you cannot cope just slow the pace a bit. Even if people are walking quicker than you - that is not a problem! The main thing is for you to give it a go.

You will gain so many benefits to your well-being for doing it. I wish I could let you feel just how much better you will soon feel - mainly because you are taking control of your life and body again.

GIVE IT A GO! You may even get a pleasant surprise from your performance!

You will get tremendous support and encouragement from the people here! Keep on bogging and let us know how you get on!

[chickenlady]

Thanks Beek, it was with a running club, one of the organiser said he would "run" with me to see if they can help, fingers crossed. I'm so desperate to do it but the old calfs tighten and feel like they are on fire! New motto - one lamppost at a time???

[Beek Graduate]

If that is what it takes - yes! You must be careful not to overdo things in the beginning or you could cause yourself injuries. Did you have a gait analysis when you bought your shoes? Stretching as soon as you finish is vital too before you cool down.

[Rockette in reply to Beek]

Do you have to stretch straight after run or after cool down walk ? I'm just starting wk 5 and have been doing stretches after walk , no wonder I've been suffering wi my knees if that's the case ! .

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Rockette]

Do a brisk cool down walk immediately after running. The cool down walk keeps your blood flowing through your body. Stopping suddenly can cause light-headedness because your heart rate and blood pressure drop rapidly. Winding down slowly allows them to fall gradually. Fully stretch after your walk; your muscles will still be warm.

[Beek Graduate]

I do them the moment I stop running (when I am all hot) and before the long walk home. If I don't do them then I feel very stiff later! The Stretch and Flexibility pod casts are very good and you can do those on your rest days. I have lapsed recently and regret that.

Hope your calf muscles and knees soon feel better!

[swanscot Graduate in reply to Beek]

See m.runnersworld.com/running-...

[Slowworm Graduate]

Beek's point about gait analysis could well be worth a look too. I started off running heel to toe. This made my chins burn horribly, so I had to change my gait.

Maybe ask the running club to check it out for you?

And yes, be bloody minded!

[Sallyal Graduate]

Well done! I prefer going out on my own with Laura, as then I don't have to worry about anyone else and there's no pressure other than to do what she says...it's personal preference....whatever works for you..

[A1nsworth Graduate]

hi I agree with Sallyal.I think starting out is better on you're own.i run on a treadmill and I know a lot of people don't like them but it has been brilliant for me?I enjoyed the company of Laura to help me along.Good luck and let us know how you go on x

[gracecassar Graduate]

That is the reason I did it all my myself with Laura and people who are very helpful on this chat. go at my own speed, do not compare yourself to anyone, if you do want to compare, well do it with the people who are sitting on their back side watching tv and eating take aways. You are great and you can do it. Just listen to Laura. She helped allot of us and she can help you.

[Joanne44]

It was incredibly brave of you to go along to the Running Club. well done! take it easy, go at your own pace and dont injure yourself. Good Luck and keep blogging! J

[FatTrucker2]

When I first started I could only do 1 lamppost then have pretty lights in my eyes

A running club could push you too far too soon just trust in Laura and look after yourself and you will get there she's got me to week 6