W1R1 - so I remember....

[DiabolicalLiberty]

This is just going to come out as a stream of consciousness....

The backdrop is that the last time I did any real exercise was at school in Liverpool in the late 70s. The PE teacher was reputed to have been kicked out of the Gestapo for being too cruel: "If you can't touch your toes, lad, I'll cut your b***s off so you can't touch them either!" "Thank you, Mr ***'; you're ever so kind!"

Fast forward, away from Blondie, The Police, The Jam, big hair, shoulder pads etc through half a lifetime and, like a bad cut from "Back to the Future", I'm in Epping Forest with a jumble of emotions that I don't think I've experienced before.

I read a fair few of the older posts over the past few days so the Armchair General in me *knew* all about hurting calves, shin splints, pushing through the pain. I had that all covered. In theory.

In practice and In no particular order, these thoughts went through my head:

- "It's 6.00...... AM!!!. There's only one 6.00 in my house and this isn't it."

- "What is this ******* music they're playing."

- "If I use this route again on Tuesday, I'm going to have to get a disguise."

- "No way was that 90 seconds."

- "No way is this 60 seconds. I've paused it; I must have."

- "I've lived here for 20 years. There was definitely no hill here yesterday."

- "B**ger me, not only was it not there yesterday, but it looks like the Matterhorn."

- "If Laura were here right now, I might actually be capable of murder."

- "Don't stop! Imagine Alan Carr is chasing you with foam roller." (I took off like Billy Whizz at that point)

- "Holy moly, I think I just heard my grand dad asking me to step into the light."

There was an unexpected side effect which is probably best shared only with Mrs DiabolicalLiberty....

It wasn't pretty out there today but the feeling of elation at having done it made it worthwhile.

[Hidden]

Hilarious !! I think we have all had those thoughts at one time or another (except perhaps the Alan Carr one....!!) Very well done for making a start though and look forward to following your progress.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

As someone of a similar vintage, who started C25k almost a year ago, I tell you it is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and I am sure you will love it. I wish I had started twenty years ago. Running was the least objectionable means to getting some aerobic exercise into my life a year ago..........now, i couldn't live without it.

Stick with it......cos you're worth it.

[Jaqs99 Graduate]

Hahaha. Yep. Recognise that frame of consciousness. So pleased you've found this. Keep posting... Happy running :). See if Mrs DL fancies a go too, maybe ?!

[rr76 Graduate]

Haha - that is hilarious! I remember the sergeant major PE teacher - I'm sure I had the female version. Maybe it's an essential part of the personal specification for the job? Well done for getting out there - the sense of elation afterwards is usually what keeps me going. And as diabolical as the music is, I guarantee you will find yourself humming it whilst shopping in the supermarket or doing the cleaning a few weeks down the line!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Haha! Well done for getting started! I think I am going to enjoy following your progress through your posts.

Good luck!

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha , love it ! Well done for getting out there and doing it, keep us posted on your progress xxx

[eosino Graduate]

Love it! Please carry on posting over the next 9 weeks.

[DiabolicalLiberty]

Thanks all.

W1R2 tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it in a weird way.

[Drummond45 Graduate]

This made for hilarious reading! Loved it. Keep running and keep posting