Started C25K my experience so far...

[mightyquin]

Hi all,

I started C25K a couple of weeks ago. I hate running to be honest but understand that it's a necessary part of fitness. I did the first run in a local park but the ground wasn't as flat as I thought it would be, but I got to the end (nearly giving up half way through!).

I was finding some stiffness in my right ankle after each session and decided to visit a 'proper' sports shop who did gait analysis. Maybe a bit OTT for a beginner but it was very interesting and I could actually see what difference a good pair of shoes made. I left £100 lighter but the new shoes really are a significant improvement and give me more confidence.

I'm doing a mix of street running and using the treadmill at the gym, and even tried a local athletics track! Starting week 3 tonight.

[RainbowC Graduate]

Well done. It does get better, honest. I think it took me to about week 5-6 first time round before there were moments during the running where I thought 'ooh, I'm actually enjoying this!' Now I know that if I stick with it I'll get to the enjoyable bit at some point...!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Sounds like it's going well. Got to stick with it to recoup that investment now. I think you will find that the love develops as you get stronger - certainly the sense of achievement is always there when you finish!

[dddd4 Graduate]

Now you have the expensive shoes you have to keep running! Hope you catch the big and start to enjoy it. I am sure you will soon be marvelling at what you can do.

[dddd4 Graduate]

Bug not big. Lol!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Well done for starting and getting this far! You couldn't possibly give up now after spending £100 on running shoes...

Trust me, stick at it and you'll begin to enjoy it and miss running on the days you don't run. You'll definitely get addicted to the progress and the amazing feeling of completing the weeks! Stick with it, you're doing great

[jaynekate]

I hated running too and never grew to love it, what I did love was the fact that I could do it, the finishing (!) and the feeling after. You don't have to love it, or even like it, to keep going so don't worry if you never find the love, the sense of achievement can spur you on. And your fancy pants trainers!

[mightyquin]

Thanks for the replies and encouragement. Yes - I need to get my value for money out of those shoes! Most I've ever spent on footwear!

It's a good driver, seeing yourself progress from the first run and managing to complete each stage - really like the C25K program they way it builds slowly. I still can't quite imagine running 5K non stop though!

[PippiRuns in reply to mightyquin]

Neither could most of us, but just wait and see... You will and very soon