Almost there, week 9 day 1 tonight - You can do it too

[BigGirlJogging]

Hi there, it is really inspiring reading all your posts and helps me realise the problems and hiccups I have faced on this journey are okay and perfectly acceptable.

So I will be doing week 9 day 1 tonight and have been using the podcasts with the voice of the lovely Jo Whiley on my phone. I have taken a total of 13 weeks to get this far but I persevered and just completed them when I could, for example the first 2 weeks took me 4 but I still completed them. I am a larger framed lady and feel amazing for getting this far, truly if I can do it anyone can. My hubbie commented last night that he was proud of my commitment to this and really impressed which gave me a great feeling. My sister says I am awesome and I tell you peeps, I certainly feel it.

When you start this you really think it is impossible but just keep going, don't get frustrated when one doesn't go the way you wanted it to or compare runs at this stage. I usually run in the evenings and as the period of running is constant now I also listen to my ipod. My week 7 day 3 run was awful as I could only fit it in the morning and hadn't had breakfast, it was also like an Autumn day weather wise with both wind and rain. I completed it but had to stop numerous times and thought I had ruined the whole plan. I couldn't decide if I should repeat the day or carry on so I chose to carry on, I now have 3x 28 minute jogs under my belt in the last week and feel amazing. I find getting out the door is the first hurdle followed by getting through the first 5-10 minutes, once I get past these I am ok. It is definitely more of a mental challenge now and when you realise that you realise how far you have come and improved your fitness.

If you are just starting the journey is worth every up and down, you can do it and you are awesome.

[rammsteinqueen Graduate]

Yeah!! What a great feeling. And lovely comments from your husband and sister - that made you feel fabulous it's what we need. All the best for week 9 - not long now. Well done x

[Vanessa291 Graduate]

What a lovely post. It's people like you that really help to inspire others. Thank you 😀

[poppypug Graduate]

Love your post , very inspirational !

Yay , Go you ! You are doing brilliantly, keep going ! xxx

[misswobble Graduate]

Well done BG! Great innit! It gives you a right boost when you Graduate. Some sense of achievement to have finally cracked this thing. It's not always plain sailing of course - nothing worth doing ever is - but it teaches you about sticking, being obstinate, being tough on yourself, pushing through etc. Lots of superlatives too numerous to mention! You could write them down in a list and keep it to look back on if you should ever get the wobbles.

Have fun with your last two runs. Put a ruddy great grin across your face and go for it. Have a lovely time. Enjoy every minute as this is a golden time for you. I can't stress that enough. I'm smiling like a Cheshire cat as I type this.

Take care of course! Slow and steady is great! We don't want any flies in the ointment at this critical stage

Take some selfies if possible to mark the momentous occasion!

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Fabulous post and well done for getting to week 9 😀 - you must feel amazing and you've posted some great advice - I find it tough too but like you feel it's all worth it - have a good run tonight 😀

[Ellymeg Graduate]

What a great post and so encouraging.😀

You are very close to the graduation line now. Good luck for your run this evening, nearly there...........

[BigGirlJogging Graduate]

Wow, thank you peeps. I now understand the reasons to post on here, the support spurs you on and I now have a bigger grin on my face.

[OldPossum]

What a fantastic post. I hope anyone starting out reads this and is inspired. That feel fabulous feeling is wonderful and how lovely that your family are noticing and encouraging you too. My husband was so impressed by my progress he has now started too 😀👏. Enjoy your final week. 😀

[Hidden]

Huge congratulations for me BigGirlJogging onwards to week 9!!!!

[OldWheezer]

Like others have said very inspirational and great to see you have lots of support. Have to say that although I've not been running that long, and other more experienced runners may disagree, but the hurdles you mentioned about getting out the door and the first 5-10 minutes have never really left me. But I still go out!