Running virgin.

[Bram77]

Im 38 years old, im about 3 stones overweight. Ive never run before and my diet was terrible!

Ive stopped drinking, since February and now trying to eat healthy, i am starting running this week

as soon as my trainers arive, ordered them on line.

Any tips would greatly appreciated, thanks.

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome Bram , you have come to the right place !

Many people here started off exactly the same, having not run since our school days !

I would say, listen to Laura, take it slow and steady, you are just aiming for a gentle jog.

Dont be afraid of repeating any of the runs if you dont manage to complete them the first time .

Keep posting on here, its great for motivation and keeping you focused and great to look back on your posts and see how far you have come. This is a really friendly, supportive community so please dont worry about asking for any help or advice .

Good Luck and enjoy it ! xxx

[Bram77 in reply to poppypug]

Thank you, looking forward to it, ill keep you all posted, cute pug by the way.x

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Bram77]

Thank you xxx

[Kdollfraser Graduate]

Well done on getting started! Listen to Laura, take your time and don't worry if you have to repeat runs - main thing is your doing it! Before you know it u will b a runner! I usually have a big drink of water before I start - stops me getting a stitch. And smile - u will get there! Good luck xx

[Bram77 in reply to Kdollfraser]

Thanks, cant wait to get started now! X

[anniewebb Graduate]

Don't let anything get in your way. Go as slow as you need. Trust the programme and lovely laura who talks you through it.

[anniewebb Graduate in reply to anniewebb]

Meant to say good luck!

[Bram77 in reply to anniewebb]

Thanks

[gary_bart]

Welcome. +1 for what the others have said. If you explore this forum a bit you can convince yourself of this without having to take my word for it, but you can Expect Success. It's hard to begin with, but it's always satisfying. And then at some point you start to get strong. The surprising thing about that is how early it happens.

I suppose the one thing that can help you avoid eg back pain is that you should start strengthening your core. Don't bother with too much detail right now; maybe just start doing the Plank (of which I have done zero this week - but I should have done more). Details can be found on the interwebs if that's new to you. The main tip with these core exercises that I can offer is the suggestion "Don't be too cool". Don't maintain your dignity during that kind of exercise. They're hard. You're allowed to puff, and grunt, and complain while you do them. If you stop before you feel those kinds of urges you're probably short changing yourself. (Naturally that's all subject to the overall rule: "BE SENSIBLE" -- which turns out to be much, much easier to say than do).

[Bram77]

Ill look into the plank, thanks for the advice.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You have made a great decision. This programme and forum have changed many lives. It really works.

My tip is to stretch after every run. Try these nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... You will ache to start with, but stretching really does help to keep these aches minimal and reduces the risk of injury. Running alone will not shift much weight, but combined with a sensible diet you will be firmer and fitter in just a few weeks.

Keep us posted and don't hesitate to ask us about any queries. We all started on W1 R1 but it opened up new worlds for many of us, Good luck.

[Bram77 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, l will keep you posted on how i go.

[Glossy Graduate]

I agree with all of the above! As an overweight 38 year old I know exactly how you feel. Take it one step at a time (literally!) and you will definitely get there.

Week 1 run 1 is so, so, hard but stick with it, it's worth it

[Bram77]

Thanks, hope i can do it. Going to try my best.

[Pigivi]

All has been said.... welcome !!

[Bram77]

Thank you.

[aliboo70]

good luck for your 1st run, all the above advice is spot on! and posting keeps the motivation going, so we look forward to you reporting back! its a great forum for support!

[Bram77]

I will keep you posted how i get on, thanks for the reply.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

Trust the programme to lead you. Do it nice and slowly and breathe deeply - you can and will do it (we are)! Oh and make sure u take ur rest days, you will appreciate those in the later stages. Julie

[Bram77 in reply to JoolieB1]

Thanks julie.

[Dessie01 Graduate]

Welcome .this really does work and the support from others is amazing

[Bram77]

Thanks, the replies I have had already are brilliant, can't wait to start!

[richardvc Graduate]

Welcome Bram77.

I am 50 and started by reading this forum.

Download the podcasts and follow the programme - it really does work.

I have now run for 25 minutes non stop x 2 and simply cannot believe what I have achieved.

It is tough and will take you out of your comfort zone BUT you will find that it is baby steps and that it works !

Good luck and read loads on here and please don't be afraid to ask questions, the guys here are brilliant and will only be too pleased to help.

[Bram77 in reply to richardvc]

Thanks for the advice richard.

[davelinks Graduate]

Hi Bram,

Nip it in the bud! It's a change of lifestyle really, before medical conditions can start to creep in at your age, like diabetes, high BP, cholesterol.

My nephew at 40 is diagnosed with type2 diabetes and is about 5st overweight, he is a big guy at 6'8" but needs to sort himself out. It is hard to change ways, but needs to be done. I have tried to convince him of this programme, but no, he says he will keep taking the tablets. That's not the correct way. No wonder the NHS is supposedly in the state it's in.

You can still enjoy some of the things you like if a bit naughty, but using the old saying..in moderation. I still enjoy a pint or maybe 2 on a Friday night, but keep drinking plenty of water also. And a couple of glasses (standard glass!) of red wine over the weekend, NOT a bottle or 2 every evening like I know some do, I know a guy who drinks continuously that amount, not good! Thats enough of me going on about the failings of others.

You can do it if healthy, just take it very steady, don't try to do any speed, just follow what Laura says and you must have your rest days. It will be tough to start with, it always is, but keep going and you will reap the benefit's of your effort's, like I have.

Good luck..

[Bram77 in reply to davelinks]

Thanks dave.

[sallyannie Graduate]

Hiya, welcome and good luck its all been said above, so just take your time and work through it. You may hate it at first but it does get easier I promise.

Its not a race so slow and steady, If you are feeling demotivated or having problems the folks on here are lovely and always happy to help.

Happy Running

[Bram77 in reply to sallyannie]

Thanks for the advice.

[misswobble Graduate]

Good luck with it Bram. Stick to it. Do those sessions no matter what. Make it a priority as it can change your life, help you with a healthier lifestyle and get your excess weight off. Once you start to live healthier you will want to keep doing it. Success breeds success. You'll want to eat properly as it fuels your runs. Eating junk will just make you feel sluggish and you'll find you just don't want to feel like that any more

Please go steadily. Slow is absolutely the best way to get round and finish the sessions. Have fun! This programme is THE best!

[Bram77 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks, l will try my best and let you know how i get on.

[Hidden]

Welcome and good luck with your first run. I am in week three and am shocked to be here! The programme really works. I look forward to my three early runs before work now. Listen to Laura and believe in yourself. Do not run too fast which is a mistake many make. A slow jog is all Laura asks of you. You can do it!!!! This forum is THE best. Everyone is so friendly and supportive. Keep us posted on how you get onx

[Bram77]

Thanks will do . X