Took a while, but finally got to the starting line.

[Fitzcarraldo]

Evening all!

I had intended to start couch25k over a month ago, but a number of issues combined to keep me out of my shiny new running shoes until about 2 hours ago.

I have to say that I was really apprehensive about starting the programme, but I finally took the plunge this afternoon. The first 60-seconds were absolute hell, but the session got progressively better as I got my second wind.

I couldn't have done it without Laura though. The podcast was brilliant - as soon as I switched it on it really helped to smother all of the negativity that was swirling around in my head. I just focused on her voice and somehow managed to drag my 17-stone carcass through my first ever running session.

I'm delighted with myself and I just want to say a big thanks to all of you who took the time out to give me great advice and encouragement a few weeks ago.

Onwards and upwards!

F

[Keep_on_going Graduate]

Well done, you! Looking forward to following your progress.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Wow! Go you...!!

Keep on going... slow and steady!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Hooray great that you've taken the first steps! You will not regret it. Just take it slow and steady and obey Laura in all things, including taking rest days and stretching out after runs.

Come spring, you won't know yourself!

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks for that. Had the second run yesterday and it wasn't too bad.

[davelinks Graduate]

Fitz, well done! The negativity, as long as you have no pains, but just feels tough try and ignore the mind gremlins and carry on through them, they are little buggers!

You probably won't loose much weight if any while doing c25k, that comes as you graduate and run regular constant 30 min runs.

And you'll reap the benefit's of your effort's.

Good luck!

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to davelinks]

Thanks Dave! I had another go at it yesterday and it went fine. Took me most of the day to convince myself to get out there and put one foot in front of the other though. That's been the hardest part so far, getting over the "mind gremlins."

[davelinks Graduate in reply to Fitzcarraldo]

Well done Fitz, battle through those gremlins, it should get easier.

I know what it's like, just get out there! Don't worry about who's looking at you and what they think! Or how you look, or how you do it!

Just think about how you feel after you've done it and got your breath back, pretty good I bet!😀

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to davelinks]

Thanks. I was initially a bit self-conscious about going out in the old MAMIL gear, but I soon forgot about that and tried to focus on just staying alive!

[Big-Andy Graduate in reply to Fitzcarraldo]

I have to say I was very self conscious at first but soon got over that, in fact even went and bought some MAMIl gear on the basis I couldn't look any more silly. lol

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to Big-Andy]

The next piece of kit for me will be a fake beard....maybe a balaclava as well!

[Big-Andy Graduate in reply to Fitzcarraldo]

Something like this?

gapyear.com/images/advertis...

[Diane57 Graduate]

Well done 👏👏👏👏

[ElsieW Graduate]

I totally get you. I started about 5 weeks ago and I'm just starting week 3 tomorrow. Slow and steady wins the race. I'm 16 stone and a few lbs so I understand where you are coming from. It's hard but I always feel amazing after each achievement. Well done on starting and look forward to seeing your progress.

Elsie xxx

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to ElsieW]

Cheers for that Elsie. I've only been out twice now, but I know what you mean. It's tough while you're running, but feels great afterwards. I'll have to be careful though. I have a tendency to reward myself with a few treats after the run.

[Old_trout Graduate]

Onwards and upwards indeed! Well done you, enjoy every triumph

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Well done breaking in your running shoes! Sometimes the hardest thing is just getting started - and you did it!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

That's brilliant that you found the session got easier as you went along, most of us didn't lol! Good luck with the rest of the programme, come back and tell us how it's going xx

[Fitzcarraldo in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks for that! Maybe easier was the wrong way to describe it. It's just that the initial burst of activity was so damned hard! Hardest part for me is getting into the gear and taking the first step.

But anyway, two under the belt. A good start!

[Big-Andy Graduate]

Well done on a good start, still fairly new to it myself, did the first session of week 2 yesterday evening which went well. Wish I only had 17stone to drag around though, dragging around 21st 7lb here. Had done a fair amount of walking before starting and been using a Fitbit for a few months prior so as yet it has been bearable! Good luck and keep up the good work and try to keep motivated. I'm finding I hav estarted looking forward to the next session and am having to really force myself to take the rest days! How weird is that! lol