Cant believe I have got this far- everyone should give it a go.

[alliesp]

I have been lurking on the forum for a long while and reading every ones posts convinced me that I too could try and become a runner. I am now beginning to picture that I just might make it.

It hasn’t been easy so far, but I can’t quite believe how fast I have improved.

I thought that I would never do it on week one. Muscles hurt all over my body, shoulders, back, arms, legs, ankles and toes. I was seriously thinking of giving up as it didn’t seem worth the pain – I’m glad that I didn’t listen to those little demons. I’ve nearly finished week 4 now and my breathing is less laboured when running and my body screams at me less when I move about, in fact I’m only a little stiff if I haven’t moved in a while.

The start of each new week seems daunting and I give myself a pat on the back when I push myself to finish. I thought that if I started posting it would give me extra incentive to continue now the party season and colder mornings are here.

Thanks everyone for your insightful snippets, words of wisdom, encouragement and inspiration which launched me on my way to fitness, keep posting.

[Sallyal Graduate]

Welcome!! Lovely to have you

Week 9 and forum has become my daily reading!!

[alliesp in reply to Sallyal]

Yes, I think I have read most posts - I can see it getting a little obsessive.

[Fitfor60 Graduate in reply to alliesp]

Oh yes it can be very addictive but very supportive .I don't think I would have completed c25k without forum

[waletta Graduate]

I know what you mean. Putting it down in writing does make you more determined. I hate the dark nights but in all honesty I prefer the cold than running in the summer heat. Good luck with your running. Only 2 weeks until Laura calls you a runner.

[alliesp in reply to waletta]

Thanks. Reading other posts the hardest is yet to come!!

[waletta Graduate in reply to alliesp]

Think of it like this instead - "Bring it on" because it will be fine. You've already come a long way.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

What an excellent post. It should be compulsory reading for anyone thinking of starting! You have seen how far you can come in such a short time and you will continue to amaze yourself with the hidden abilities of your incredible body. In a few weeks from now you WILL complete the course and will have changed your life for good. Good luck.

Keep running, keep posting.

[DH164 Graduate]

You will do it,, many others have done so, just don't let the demons convince you otherwise. And the feeling when you graduate is just so special. Keep at it, you will get there. Good luck

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Welcome glad you have come out from lurking, the support here is wonderful and you will soon be encouraging new runners. You are doing great just believe in yourself and keep posting

[P1glet1 Graduate]

It took me ages to get up the confidence to do c25k but it's the best thing I've done for a long time. Every new week is a challenge but the pride you feel sticking at it and achieving is priceless. Don't listen to the demons or ppl that tell you it can't be done. All of the ppl here will support you. Good luck and keep posting x

[annasee Graduate]

I started the programme in July, still running now and really enjoy the fact that i can manage 5 or 6 k as a gentle jog, without stopping 3 x a week now. Never thought I would be able to do this when i started on those 60 second runs at the start of the podcasts! I noticed my legs have developed muscle shape where they never had muscles before - not that I normally notice in trousers, but it's still an achievement Queen is my favourite music when the going gets tough - however stressed or worried i feel when I leave the house, after 10 minutes or so, my mood is always lifted by running, and "Don't Stop Me Now" has become my best running accompaniment. All those times at the beginning of the programme when the demons were telling me I would have to stop, that I couldn't keep going till the end of the run - pretty much all gone now, at last! So do keep up the programme, have faith in Laura, the benefits are there for the taking. Just stick with it!

[redrunning Graduate]

Welcome to the forum, lovely first post it's great that you're feeling like you're progressing so early on, well done. It's lovely when your recovery speed starts to go down too, keep going!!

[greenlegs Graduate]

I think the first week was the hardest really. Once you've done that, it's really just a matter of keeping going, step by step. I got totally addicted to reading all the posts too - I only read some of them now, almost a year after I started week one, but it is so good to see others starting out on their journeys too. Enjoy it!