Starting C25k?

[Becca66]

Are you just starting or thinking about C25k? Almost a year ago, that was me.

I'm approaching 50, and was a regular dog-walker who wanted a bit more exercise than riding for an hour once a fortnight. So with much trepidation I started The Podcasts... I was so embarrassed that I did the first few runs in jeans and trainers in case I saw anyone I knew. (I also had almost nothing in the way of sports kit, but being seen was the big worry... I live a small town where you chance of eluding public scrutiny is nil.)

Nearly a year later, I'm still running. I still have the same trainers (though not for much longer, I suspect) but have acquired a nifty little selection of form-fitting lycra, some sports socks and a top or four - and a £1 pair of magic gloves from the local Co-op for those frosty dawns. I run for 30-35 minutes usually twice, sometimes once and almost never three times a week. I even took my running kit away on holiday and used it. The furthest I have ever run is 4 miles - I lack the time and the commitment to do much more, and I also run with a (large) dog, which makes road running deeply unappealing, so I'm limited to footpaths away from traffic.

My rather dodgy back has borne up well: it needed a trip to the osteopath five months in, but that was to do with galloping around the countryside on a rather large horse while away on holiday. Other than that, no injuries: a bit of stiffness, esp after running on hard surfaces (rather than the more usual mud), and the odd bramble scratch, but that's been it. I stretch religiously after every run (and I stretch beforehand too, but that's to do with the back, not the running).

All I'm saying is that you can do it too. You might not lose weight (I haven't) but the weight you have will be a lot more muscular and less flabby. Running probably won't transform your skin, or reform your chocolate habit, but you'll benefit from the endorphin glow (mine generally hits when I'm in the shower afterwards) and just being generally fitter, more physically confident, less easily tired. There's a huge amount of advice and help and encouragement available on this website: I don't come here much any more but I visited a lot as I approached that dreaded first 20 minute run and it gave me a real boost.

Go for it! Stick to it! And come out the other side, running!

[old_git Graduate]

Love to see runners out with their dogs. Our parkrun has a regular with a miniature schnauzer, she gets so excited before the run.

Don't think i could train our cat!

[MoNi88]

Thanks for your post! Found good tips in it! x

[Debih191 Graduate]

Thanks - thats a really encouraging post.

After 5 weeks I've just moved onto wk 3. My only form of exercise prior to this was horse riding and (slow) dog walking. I really want to get fit and tone up (and hopefully lose some weight on the way - I have a fair bit to lose).

I love running with my dog but as my usual run is along the canal I don't tend to take her there with me - too many people and too mad a dog (mad lurcher that bounces all over the place). I have found somewhere that I can take her and she can run free (I wish I had her energy) but as it is not completely flat I don't go there every time I run. I'm on the hunt for a new route that is flat and suitable for me and the dog.

I am loving running and so glad I started. I had the podcast on my phone for 11 months before I actually took the plunge and went out.

[misswobble Graduate]

Lots of positives there for folks to take away with them. Well done Becca. Good for you! Good to hear from you. It sounds like things are really going well

Keep on running!

[Becca66 Graduate]

Thanks everyone - glad this post was helpful.

There were times when I wondered what I'd started and why, but running does become a habit, even for people like me who thought they hated it!