41 year old male , never exercised and a smoke... - Couch to 5K
41 year old male , never exercised and a smoker ! Mission Impossible? Going to be a dad again in a few weeks so I need to move my butt !!!
Yes!! YOU DO!!!! 
And don't forget, even more importantly - you are now a role model to your kids -- for good or for bad!!!
Let us know how you get on with your decision.
I'm going to do it but man am I scared !
Nothing to be scared about!! -- It's just one step at a time, 9 weeks to get to the point where you can run non-stop for 30 minutes. ( Forget about how fast you do or don't do it in - the object is to be able to run for 30 minutes) I started out with a programme that had me running 15 SECONDS at a time -- that was 4 months or so ago, this morning I easily ran for 35 minutes non-stop!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!!
You can and will do it if you are determined to :)!!
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll start tomorrow. Any tips for warm up, stretches etc. Ta.
Welcome Jakerook and congratulations on impeding fatherhood! Don't be scared - this forum is full of people of all ages and sizes - I think that a lot of us hadn't done any serious exercise before starting C25K. The beauty of C25K is that it starts slowly and then builds up, all you need to do is stick to the podcasts 3 times a week, make sure you have rest days and have some faith that you can do it. And if you find yourself struggling, or your motivation flagging, just log on here as its really is one of the most supportive and positive places on the interweb!
Welcome Jakerook.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." (Lao-tzu)
Well, maybe not a thousand miles, just 3, but it still start with that single step. When are you taking it?
And don't forget we'll be there to cheer you on the way.
So who will be first, you becoming a runner or the new baby?
Brilliant , folks. I'll be downloading the first podcast today and looking to start tonight after work. I like this place already , so supportive. I'll be a dad again first then a runner I think!
Wow Kermit81 , well done you! I don't have weight to shift apart from a wee belly !
Wow Kermit81 , well done you ! No weigh to shift apart from a wee belly !
Welcome Jake! This programme works - and there are thousands of us who can attest to that. Take it nice and steady, follow the advice on the podcasts, take rest days in between and stretch after runs to minimise stiffness. A decent pair of running shoes help prevent picking up injuries.
You can do this - and be able to run around after that new son or daughter.
Good luck - let us know how it goes.
Brilliant, you've come to the right place! I quit smoking 8 months ago (I used e-cigarettes for about 3months, then a Nicorette inhaler), and I promise you it's the best thing you'll ever do for your body, along with following C25K. My family and friends can't believe the change in me; I never exercised, smoked like a chimney and generally didn't take care of myself.
C25K really really works, and you will soon start to run, not because you ought to, but because you WANT to. It's a weird thing, and if you told me this time last year I'd be wishing it was a running day and not a rest day, I'd have thought you were mad.
Finally, there's so much support for you here; use it. Everyone helps one another. And it's a great place to share the highs and lows of your running journey with people who truly understand where you're at. Saves boring the pants off family and friends if they're not runners too!
Best wishes, and looking forward to hearing about your first run!
67 year old great grandmother, started April 16th, after all my life hating sport of any kind, will hopefully graduate Sunday, mission impossible, no way ! ( just be sure you got decent shoes and never give up ) Id say good luck but you will wing it
Start today!!!! Don't put things off. It is literally minutes, that's all
You will feel better once you give up the fags. Healthy eating and exercise will complete the improvement to your health and make you better able to cope with the demands of being a dad
It's fun! We all love it and thousands, if not millions of us, have done this programme and are now leading healthier, more active lives. I gave up fags, booze and have lost four stone. It can be done!
I shall ask you to make a solemn pledge. Pledge to not give up, not for your sake (as important as that is), but for the sake of your children.
You can do this. It will be difficult and, at times, uncomfortable. We all have doubts and wobbles, but you can do it.
If you need some inspiration, please watch 'Running for my existence' on Youtube. Roger was so much bigger than you. He could barely walk, let alone run, but please, please, please watch him. If he could do it, YOU CAN.
Good luck, post on here as often as you can, don't be afraid of doing a week more than once, and keep going regardless of how you feel.
We are ALL behind you and supporting you.
YOU CAN DO IT, and posting on here is a great start.
GOOD LUCK!!!!
You can so do this - if I can you can.
Compared to some, I am probably the slowest runner ever. Compared to others, I am also probably the most clodhopping runner ever. Compared to all, I am more than likely the most inelegant runner that has ever run! LOL 
11 months ago, I was a 58 year old female who smoked 30 to 40 cigarettes a day. On August 13th 2013 at 6.30 pm I smoked my last cigarette. Cigs had always kept me thin but within a matter of months, the weight was piling on and by February I had gained nearly 3 stone and boy did I feel it/know it. I hated myself and what I had become. The temptation to start smoking again was so strong but then I found this and it has saved not only my quit but also given me a new lease of life. I just lurvee to run!! I graduate on Sunday and it feels so darn good.
Believe me, you can do this and we are all here to help. Believe in yourself as that is so important.
THE IMPOSSIBLE IS POSSIBLE - HONESTLY IT IS!!!
w2r2
I can identify with that. I gave up the fags and started boozing! When I stopped boozing, as it was affecting my health, I started piling on the pounds. I thought less drink would mean I'd get slim but I just ate like a pig. I gave up one vice and replaced it with another! Ooops
Fortunately I gave it all up and started running instead
Good luck. You will definately look back in a few weeks and be amazed at what you can do! This plan works ! Go for it! I started about 8 weeks ago and have done up to week 5 . I could barely jog for 60 seconds but managed 20 minutes (VERY slowly ) a few days ago. It wouldn't impress a true athlete, but it's progress! (I'm nearly 20 years older than you and had done very little exercise for decades). Joined a gym a few years ago for a couple of years but this running outside is so much nicer . Let us know how you get on ,
Did my first one , just back. I think I enjoyed it but felt very leaden footed near the end. Certainly wasn't wasn't easy !
Congratulations for getting through it. That's by far the biggest step you'll make. The next time you do it it'll be easier, and the third time you'll be thinking 'was that really 60 seconds, as it felt like 30'. It might not seem like it, but it will.
I thought about stopping after number 5 but I would have hated myself after actually getting out there to do it. Man it was hard.
Erm ....... Yeah I guess I am. The podcast music was a bit dull tho
Believe me the music gets no better. However you will find yourself unexpectedly humming it under your breath whilst you're in the supermarket at some point (or maybe thats just me)! There is a version without music I think that you can play your own music to, but im not sure how you get hold of it. Good luck for run 2.
Haha , brilliant.
Was due to take my second run today but I've woken up quite stiff and sore. Should I forge on or rest another rest day ?
2nd run done. Tough tough tough.
