Day 1.

[morty14]

Everyone sounds so experienced in running. Will I ever get to that? I've done the week 1 run today. Amazed I completed it. Did it indoors on a trampet so easier on my knees and hips. Will venture outdoors when I feel confident. I can't ever imagine me running properly. I'm so overweight and unfit. Fingers crossed I can do it.

[Rockette]

You will. ! That's the simple answer . The plan works , take it steady , don't rush it & you will do fine . Before you know it you will be running non stop for 30 mins & entering park runs & races . Be warned though , it's addictive . Good luck

[poppypug Graduate]

Hi Morty , Welcome to the board Fear ye not, we are not all experienced , so dont worry. We come in all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities , 4 months ago I couldnt run for toffee , if someone had told me I would be able to run for 30 minutes non stop , I would have thought they were completely barmy !

Trust in Laura and the programme and you wont go far wrong. Slow and steady is the way , youve done the hardest step - youve got up off that couch and youve made a start !

Good luck and keep posting , it really helps ! xxx

[morty14 in reply to poppypug]

Thank you for your replies. I hope I can do this as I need too. I'm nearly 5 stone overweight and struggling with knee and hip joints. I'm looking forward to trying again on Tuesday morning b4 work. That's my aim...

[pinkangel16 Graduate]

We were all there once - and I was certainly nervous about the whole thing never having run before. But I listened to the great advice and support here and followed Laura to the T, and wahey, 9 weeks later I graduated, being able to run for 30 minutes

So believe that you can do it

[morty14 in reply to pinkangel16]

That's great encouragement. .. Thanks. ..

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

You WILL become more experienced too; we all start out as total beginners. When I started back in April I struggled like hell with it all and wondered if I'd ever get there, as, I'm sure, did everyone here!

It takes time and is hard work but the programme works brilliantly and builds you up gradually. It's an amazing programme and you'll be glad you started it. Before you know it you'll be running outside, graduating and signing-up for races!

You CAN do it! Welcome to the forum; you'll find all the help and support here that you could ever need.

[Purplesparkle8 Graduate]

Hi morty

You can definitely do this! I was so nervous when I started and honestly thought I'd never ever manage to run for 10 minutes never mind 30! Felt like I might be sick on week 1! Now I can run for 50 minutes and am building up my distance and I LOVE it!!

You will get there too! There will be times when it feels impossible and you might lose motivation or have niggly aches and pains but if you follow the program and make sure to take your rest days you will get there! Definitely!

If you're worried about knees there are apparently some knee strengthening exercises on the nhs live well website that have been mentioned to me recently that look helpful!

Good luck

[morty14 in reply to Purplesparkle8]

Thank you.. getting excited now. Everyone is convinced it can be done.. need to convince myself now...

[Rignold]

You've already done the hardest bit. I remember chewing my lip for about ten days before finally taking the plunge and getting out to do W1R1 and felt like a total fraud, and was terrified someone might see me, and could not conceive of running 3 minutes in one go, let alone 30. But after I had done R1, R2 was less of a challenge, and, although there was a lot of hard work along the way and good days and bad days, sticking with the programme worked 100%. I had never been a runner in my life before, not even at school 30-something years ago. And now I am. And it was C25K what done it. But I still start sentences with prepositions.

[Hidden]

5 months ago I hadn't run a single step pretty much all my life. We're all beginners in so many ways. All of us here had W1R1 to contend with at some point and through putting in the hard work so many personal goals have been met and the fitness level of this group of virtual runners has sky-rocketed! From barely making the 1 minute runs back in March I just finished a 10K on the weekend and ran non-stop for over an hour... and I'm about to sign up for 13.1 miles of fun!

You can do it... you don't have to run fast - you just have to run!

This forum is here for you every step of the way... with miles of advice and support..

Best of luck - you've started a journey you won't regret!

[AuntieTed Graduate]

I feel a bit like that too, that everyone is a graduate or way ahead but i'm sure if we stick at it we'll get there too

[Beek Graduate]

Oh yes you will do it! You'll be amazed at the support and encouragement you will get from this site. Most of us admit we could not have graduated without that support. Have fun and enjoy the journey!

[Hidden]

You'll never know unless you try and you have at least made a start which is the hard part !! Nearly everyone on here started from zero and everyone has made progress of some sort so I'm sure you will too. However having popped you head up we all want to know how you get on so do come back and let us know how you're getting on. Good luck.

[poppypug Graduate]

Hi Auntie Ted, we have all made those few tentative first steps, on my first run on Week 1 , I was so nervous I wore jeans, anorak and normal trainers. When it came to the running part, I just pretended that I was rushing to get somewhere xxx

Trust in Laura and the programme , it really works ! xxx

[waletta Graduate in reply to poppypug]

I thought that was just me. Pretending to be out walking & occasionally rushing (running).

[poppypug Graduate in reply to waletta]

Ha ha, the things we did not to draw attention to ourselves on our first run Doesn't bother me now, thank goodness ! xxx

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Worried about knees???? My old mother used to worry about LOTS of things!! -- most of which never ever happened to her.

Take it slowly - listen closely to your body - you will be OK like most of us here . Although! - Some have broken those two rules however - and lived to regret it

[paul2014 Graduate]

Hello and welcome aboard well done on taking the first step and starting the c25k.

We have all been through the feelings you are experiencing at this moment in time. The programme is great and it will be build your fitness levels up slowly but surely. You can do it. Believe in the programe and believe in yourself

We are all at various levels as far as running experience is concerned but don't worry, we are a friendly bunch and are here to help, advise and encourage if you ever feel the need keep us informed on your progress and good luck

[misswobble Graduate]

I could run for toffee!!! LOL Gimme gimme

I have lost over four stones, never run for a bus but now I'm running my little legs off. No spring chicken either. You can do it. Anyone can. C25k is the best thing ever! Do it! You'll never regret it

[runswithdogs Graduate]

You can do it! Just take it easy, repeat sessions if necessary and be proud of every step you take.

[Mamma_Mia Graduate]

Welcome Morty! This IS a lovely friendly forum. Even if people seem be experienced runners, it just means we started our C25K journey earlier than you! As others have said have faith in Laura and the programme, take it steady, enjoy your rest days and before you know it, you'll be welcoming and reassuring new runners!

Good luck, and let us know how you're getting on!

[runningphobe_no_more Graduate]

Don't be put off by the graduate badges - if you do as Laura says, and especially don't try and do stuff she doesn't say, you'll have one of your own in less than three months. Or maybe it will take a little longer, but the time will fly by. Well done for starting.

[Hidden]

Yup, course you can do it! We all have stories to tell, some forum members have done the programme in their 70s & 8os, some have had a lot of weight to lose... this programme works if you just stick to it and do what Laura says. Congrats on your first run, you'll be a graduate and encouraging the newbies before you know it.