I only did it!

[Fattytumtum]

I've only just given up smoking (7 weeks), have plenty of wobbly bits and am 3 stone overweight, I repeated wk1 runs 5 times as was so out of puff, but the last twice I managed to complete all the runs, so with huge concerns I tried wk2-1 this morning. No stops, I managed all the runs. The feeling at the end was fabulous.

[nextjenn Graduate]

Well done!! Amazing! You are doing so well Your post made me smile, I did week 1 for 5 times just to still be standing at the end! Congrats on getting to week 2 and completing all of the runs! Beware you will find yourself addicted if not already!

Sending you happy running vibes for your next one, let us know how you get on!

[Kittychops]

Isn't it an amazing feeling! I admire the steps you're taking to get fit and healthy. Keep going. Great inspiration for me!

[tmc1701 Graduate]

Well done, am in awe of your determination!! The programme is designed so you are out of puff at the end so try to ignore the doubts in your mind and move on to the following weeks without repeating...you might just surprise yourself!!!

I know I have...my next run is wk7, r3 so I'm now running 25mins non-stop which I'd have never believed when I started 7 weeks ago! I too have more wobbly bits than I want to admit to, was 5 stone overweight when I started (have lost nearly 1.5 stone so far) and could not believe how long 60 seconds was! I guess what I'm saying is, if I can do, then so can you!!

Keep checking/posting on this forum too...it's such a brilliant source of encouragement and support. Posts from friendly like-minded strangers on here have gotten me through tough times and failed runs and thanks to them I'm only a couple of weeks away from graduating which is crazy!!! Stay strong and keep running! All the best xx

[Terraldinho Graduate]

Well done! I'm similar to you- a bit overweight and not used to exercise, plus I have asthma. I repeated most weeks twice as I didn't want to move on without being comfortable with the runs. I'm now on wk6 r2 and although it can be a struggle, the first time you complete a long run, it's an amazing feeling! As other posters say, it's not a race or competition, we just need to go at a steady pace and keep going. We'll get there in the end!

[Fattytumtum Graduate]

Thanks for all your kind words. Great inspiration to keep me focused. Not looking forward to running round the streets instead of the park, as it will be dark by the time I finish work

[Donnanne]

Hi Fattytumtum

I'm about 4 stone overweight and felt horribly insecure when I first started out, I just thought everyone would laugh at me as I am so far from having the physique of a healthy runner it's unreal! I even used to stop my jogging if there was anyone on the path in front of me as I couldn't bear the thought of wobbling past them.

I've been walk / jogging for just over a month now and like you just started week 2 today and was thrilled with myself. I've now got to the stage where I feel quite smug if I overtake anyone walking - at least I'm running, they might be thinner than me but there is nothing to say that they could run for 90 seconds repeatedly.

One thing that helped me is the fact that no-one but me knows how far I've run. So I might know I'm panting heavily after just my second 90 second run and that I'm only a mile from home but for all anyone else knows I could be right at the end of a full 5k and that's what I'd tell anyone if they did look at me with anything other than the awe I feel we all deserve for doing this

Good luck!