Always wanted to run: I have always wanted to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Always wanted to run

Bazzer_2 profile image
20 Replies

I have always wanted to run. I can remember at school as one of the kids with asthma who was excused games - was it asthma or a hatred of competition and the cold showers and being fat? Yep - All 3!

So after years of yo-yo dieting, I read the China Study. I studied Plant-Based Nutrition at Cornell University and have not looked back. So after a year of plant-based eating (not vegan - there is a big difference), here I am ready and waiting.

Last night - September 15th was my first run - and I loved it. Tiring and tough but the sense of achievement and well-being was marvellous. Was going again today but had some commitments, so need to get out there either tomorrow or thursday.

Watch out world - Here comes a new Baz!

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Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2
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20 Replies

Well done Baz! Be warned though, this programme WILL change your life... and you WILL get addicted to all things running! :)

Just take things slow and easy and remember this isn't just a 9 week programme (well, it is, but hear me out) but it is a lifetime journey to health and fitness... I have found something in running I searched for years for - peace and happiness... I may be out injured now (these things happen) but I will be back soon and I can't wait...

Enjoy yourself - that's the main thing... and do this for you!

Go for it Baz! We can't wait to see the new you!

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to

Thanks. I already feel an uncomfortable nagging at not going out today. I see what you mean about addiction. I just need to make the time to do it. I'm up early tomorrow and out tonight - so maybe an early session tomorrow.

I know it's a long term thing - that's why I'm doing this. It's all part of a life make over.

in reply to Bazzer_2

Perfect - just respect the rest days... your body adapts and gets stronger during them... you can swim, bike, walk or do something else if you must, but don't run on a rest day... and don't worry if you miss a day... you might beat yourself up over it but it'll make nought difference in the grand scheme of things...

All the best - and please keep us up to date (we're a nosy bunch)... :)

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to

Thanks. As it turned out yesterday I could not make the time and probably wise to rest as you suggest. Today is difficult as out early and back late for work so it looks like thurs for my next session unless I risk running on the pavements. So far I've only run on grass to cushion my joints. I'm a fat lad so worried I might do damage otherwise. Thx for the encouragement and support. Means a lot.

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to

Thanks. As it turned out yesterday I could not make the time and probably wise to rest as you suggest. Today is difficult as out early and back late for work so it looks like thurs for my next session unless I risk running on the pavements. So far I've only run on grass to cushion my joints. I'm a fat lad so worried I might do damage otherwise. Thx for the encouragement and support. Means a lot.

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to

Thanks. As it turned out yesterday I could not make the time and probably wise to rest as you suggest. Today is difficult as out early and back late for work so it looks like thurs for my next session unless I risk running on the pavements. So far I've only run on grass to cushion my joints. I'm a fat lad so worried I might do damage otherwise. Thx for the encouragement and support. Means a lot.

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate

Good start, Bazzer. Don't go mad though, and don't run on consecutive days. Your body needs recovery time and your bones and muscles need time to adjust to their new role!

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to useitorloseit

That's interesting advice. I eat a plant based diet and so almost never ache after exercise. I will see how it goes. On holiday I exercises daily - weights followed by cardio but had no ill effects after 9 consecutive days. Thanks for the advice.

useitorloseit profile image
useitorloseitGraduate in reply to Bazzer_2

Just going on what Laura tells me! Plus I do not have a plant based diet, am 49 and hadn't moved much in about ... um ... 39 years, and my bones and muscles definitely ache after exercise!!! Just take care because if you push too hard and hurt something it's REALLY frustrating waiting for the injury to heal before you can get back out there again.

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to useitorloseit

Good advice. I think I was so enamoured with the first session that I wanted to go again. Next run likely to be Thursday.

runningnearbeirut profile image
runningnearbeirutGraduate in reply to Bazzer_2

Welcome, and enjoy your journey.

General concensus is that rest days are there for a reason (micro tears in muscles get time to heal etc). You can do something else on rest days though, it doesn't mean couch days, just rest from running. Weights/cycling/swimming all work.

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to runningnearbeirut

I get your point. I think I was swept up with pride and euphoria - dangerous combo. Second session - Thursday - thanks for the advice.

Runon profile image
RunonGraduate

You can do anything on rest days except running - swimming, cycling, bank robbing, thye're all ok - I got a tiny weenie bit over-confident and ran on a rest day and paid the price. Welcome Bazzer to one of the most addictive (and legal) things you can do. It's good to have you on board (indeed you can even do sailing on rest days) :)

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to Runon

Thx. In the end I didn't run. Looking forward to my next session though. That'll be Thursday most likely.

Molly_2015_ profile image
Molly_2015_

I am in week I too. A friend at work started running and got really obsessed running every day. She now can't run because of shin splints. She has tried restarting but they always seem to come back, so I defiantly recommend the rest day.

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to Molly_2015_

Thanks - I did rest. Just a little over enthusiastic.

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Welcome Bazza, another recruit to the already swelling ranks.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy the programme. It really works, its absolutely marvellous ! Oh and keep posting here of your progress as it really helps ! :-) xxx

Bazzer_2 profile image
Bazzer_2 in reply to poppypug

Thx. Will do. What an amazingly supportive group of people. I really appreciate all the help and support.

Thp42 profile image
Thp42Graduate

Welcome and good luck. The programme is fantastic and running becomes so blooming addictive. Ten million other things I should have been doing but just in from a run instead. Take your rest days. The programme has them built in and having had a knee injury that had me off games for a year I am now running 30mins on the roads with no pain thanks to this programme. Have fun.

Nerdio profile image
NerdioGraduate

Good on you. I would do anything to get out of PE at school, now 30+ years on I am exercising on my own terms, and that is so much better.

Do be careful with the running and rest days. Rest days are important, very important. Obviously I know nothing about your 'plant-based eating' diet (new one on me), but everything I have read says rest between runs.

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