9 Weeks? Really?

[FatGirlSlimForHealth]

Hi, ive never exercised in my life! Im 41 and going to give this a try. How are you finding it? I can see my self with a painkiller addiction after 9 weeks! Arrghh!

[LisaRose74]

Welcome to the madness! I'm the same age and not done much exercise, apart from walking, for years. Take it slow and don't put yourself under pressure, and believe that you can do it (although that's the bit I'm struggling with). Oh and try to enjoy it!!

[FatGirlSlimForHealth in reply to LisaRose74]

Enjoy it? Ummm..... . Lol thanks. Im quite good at keeping the pressure I put myself under in check. I honestly dont think I can do this but if I get off the couch, put my trainers on and go out ther door on foot for half an hour that would be a vast improvement on where im currently at. Xx

[Shivani05 Graduate in reply to FatGirlSlimForHealth]

I'm doing the program on a treadmill, and weeks 1 and 2 I thought I was being tortured. They were hard, and nobody runs on a treadmill for fun. I just finished week 5 and now I'm addicted. Lisa is right...enjoy it, you might just surprise yourself. The program works, and you can take longer than 9 weeks if you need to repeat runs or take more rest days, both of which I've done. Oh, and I've managed without any painkillers, just sea salt foot soaks and lots of pain relieving ointment. Good luck!

[beatricerose Graduate]

Hey, always start with a positive attitude! Starting anything to try and improve your fitness is great and it might surprise you how addictive & this programme can be Take it little steps at a time and soon you will be surprised how far you have come. 9 weeks sounds long but it goes quicker than you would think!

[Calliope99]

You might be surprised - there's all different kinds of fun and you might just find this is one of them when you get used to it. So many little victories and sometimes when you get a really nice pace going there's this feeling like you're flying - it's amazing! I had this drill instructor PE coach in eighth grade who first forced me to run. He said, you're going to hate me, you'll dread this hour, but by the end of the semester, you'll sleep better, feel better and actually miss it when no one's making you run anymore. It was actually true! Though I've put it aside many many times before, I'm definitely sure he taught me something huge that year - hope you too find your bliss in running. There's nothing quite like it. Enjoy!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

The first run is the hardest. Take it slow and easy - it's not a race. And then just take one run at a time. You will surprise yourself - just read a few posts on this forum. We're all amazed that we turned into runners and loads of us are loving it. Well, if we're honest some of the runs are not too pleasant, but the sense of achievement afterwards makes it all worth while and pushes you out to the next run. Lace up your trainers and enjoy!

[badgerun Graduate]

Hi

I'd not run since school and those memories weren't exactly encouraging. I have just reached week 9 on this program and it still scares me to think about it.

I found the best thing was to only think about my immediate goal on a run- this x mins, that tree in so many yards or whatever. To think any further ahead, next day or week was always daunting. I decided that all the wealth of experience in this forum must be proof of a good program and to trust it. I am 59, and today I ran for my first 30 mins. Follow the steps, at your pace, and you will do this too.

[Slowstart Graduate in reply to badgerun]

Oh Badgerun, your first 30 minute run is so special, well done.

That's the best bit of this forum Fatgirl, posting both your hardships and your achievements which are only really appreciated by like-minded runners.

In a few weeks time, you will be a runner if you join and stick with the program. It has really changed my attitude to exercise, week 1 in ran in the dark wearing black dreading being seen, now I run when I want, wear what I want and even wave and acknowledge people.

Please don't waste this opportunity by "trying" it, instead commit to the program wholeheartedly.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi, well done for starting the c25k program, it has been designed to teach you how to run and starts with some 60 second runs with walking 'recovery' breaks inbetween.

Just tackle the runs at a slow and steady pace a jog really and concentrate on getting to the end of each one.. it wont be easy and you will get a bit breathless, but nothing you won't be able to handle.

After the session have a drink of water and stretch out your leg muscles.

You have trainers and will benefit from a sports bra.

Good luck and keep posting for advice and encouragement.

[FatGirlSlimForHealth]

Im not doing it now owing to the facts that when I walk to the shop I get out of breath and need pain relief to do it x

[Slowstart Graduate in reply to FatGirlSlimForHealth]

OK, don't run. Do a slow walk, then walk a bit faster during the run sections. Make this work for you. Stick at week one for however long you feel you need to. You know your body better than anyone else. Whatever you decide, the community will be here to help. Good luck.