First week, first run.

[Mad-Mitch]

55 & 18 stone. Determined to get some of that shifted.

Enjoyed it, but was huffing and puffing (to much smoking in the past)

Still, will keep at it.

[danwom]

Well done! I'm starting tomorrow at the gym!

[Mad-Mitch in reply to danwom]

Good luck.

I just couldn't face a gym, like it better running in the fields.

[poppypug Graduate]

Well done Mitch ! Im an ex smoker too, I used to smoke like a chimney.

Its great to fill your lungs with fresh air isnt it ?

Keep posting as it really helps with keeping you focused and motivated !

Good Luck ! xxx

[Hidden]

You've taken the first scary step. It won't always be easy, but you can see from the posts on this forum that it's definitely doable whatever your starting point. Well done and we'll look forward to following your progress.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done, you've got started and that's a huge step!

[andrewleeone]

That was me 12 months ago - stick at it! You'll be amazed!

[islandrunner Graduate]

Well done on taking the first steps ! Ex-smoker here too ! Just take it slow and you'll get through it. Repeat runs if necessary (I did).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

First step is the hardest... go you!

[Straycat]

55 and 11 stone. Did my first run yesterday, was a bit hard going at first but by the time I had finished I felt really good. Have a bit of an Achilles problem but hoping good running shoes will help.

[Sally290165]

Well done Mitch! It's hard for us ex smokers - we gave up on October 2nd and just completed w1d1 - it's the best thing I've ever done (giving up smoking! The jury's out on the running!)😁 Keep at it!

[OldWheezer]

That's the hardest one out of the way by just getting up and doing something. As far as the huffing and puffing is concerned I'm sure everyone was doing that on the first day. Actually when I think back I did that most days!

All the best.

[Paul46-ipswich Graduate]

Mitch, I think we are twins! Except for a few years 😂😂 I'm same weight but a few weeks in front, keep going buddy it gets addictive

[Old_trout Graduate]

The first thing to notice is how much quicker you recover between runs. Then you know you are improving fitness. Every weeks runs are challenging, that's how it's designed but quite soon you find that the final five minute walk is not the gasping, heaving exercise it was early on!

Congratulations on getting started. You will never regret it!

[misswobble Graduate]

Ex chimney, ex lard ass, ex boozer. Gave it all up and started running. Lost nearly five stones on the way and can't stop running.

Stick with it, never quit. Keep going, slow but sure, one foot in front of the other and you will get to where you want to be.

Good luck, and have fun!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Be warned though - you will start to enjoy this caper. From about w3 I think however the run went, I'd find myself the next day really wanting to head out again but couldn't since it was a rest day.

[Ucandothis Graduate]

Well done! I am also an ex-smoker [two and a half years and feel much better]. I have just completed week 1 and about to do wk 2 r1 today. I found run 3 hard as I ached all over - particularly ankles and hip joints. I took two days rest in between and will find out today if that has helped!

Keep at it. I can't say I enjoy it, but I feel well proud afterwards.

[jmparkview Graduate]

Well done for just getting out there! Stick with it, and don't worry about giving yourself an extra day between runs if your hips / knees / shins are really sore. I think us over 55s are allowed a few concessions!

I knew I hated running when I started. By week 5 or 6 I was hooked, and haven't looked back since. My goal was to improve my overall health - the bonus was to discover something I really enjoy doing that makes me feel good about me!

Good luck!

[Eatcakeandrun]

Well done on both counts - giving up smoking and starting to run! You won't regret either! It is hard to start but you will be amazed how quickly you see big improvements, but the trick is to start slowly, and do the run/walk thing for as long as you need.

[Hafaaf61 Graduate]

You will end up really wanting to run and enjoying it! 😀 I had a break for a couple of months a few weeks after graduating but I missed it and needed to get back to it. I have now and don't want to stop again. As everyone says, slow and steady. I struggle if I try to go faster. Just keep putting one foot in front of each other and it's amazing what you can achieve. Well done.

[Mad-Mitch]

Guys & Gals,

Thanks for all the positive reply's, motivating to say the least.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow already

[Mad-Mitch]

Second run done. Felt it was a bit more difficult than the first, but I'm sure it was all in the mind. Roll on Friday

[Mad-Mitch]

That's week one finished. See how week two pans out.

[MotherGoose Graduate]

Well done! I started (again) today. Just getting out there is the biggest step. Enjoy your next run 😊

[Janeska99]

You can do it, I just did 1st run of week 2, and it's crazy how quickly it gets a bit easier and how you feel better afterwards. You will feel so proud of yourself. Do it for you.