I'm amazed

[africanali]

I looked at this site months ago when I noticed that friends on Facebook had started to run. I'd decided that as my fitness was so poor and I was finding it hard to think about walking far there was no way I could do week 1. I couldn't run three steps let alone run for 1 minute. I came back to the site last night and saw the advice about 'running' slow. I've just managed week 1 with very very slow 'running' and am so grateful for the advice. I'm a bit stiff now but looking forward (I think) to the next session. The inspiration is amazing. Thanks so much

[Usain_Balti Graduate]

Well done for starting africanali.

You might be "amazed" now but you'll be astounded after a few weeks, just don't get carried away.

Keep it nice and slow to avoid injury whilst your body gets used to running, stretch those new found muscles and keep posting to let us know how you're doing.

[africanali in reply to Usain_Balti]

Thanks for the encouragement and being able to read people's advice and experience. I think this is what will make the difference between keeping going and giving up.

[Jonesycat Graduate]

Hi Ali, did you stretch after your run? If not, try these - they should help with the stiffness:

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

Best of luck with the programme!

[africanali in reply to Jonesycat]

Thanks. No, I didn't. I'll take a look thanks.

[SlowWorm2016 Graduate]

Well done for starting, africanali . That is often the hardest thing to do. Keep going, as slowly as you need to go, but just keep moving. In no time at all you'll be looking back and seeing how far you have come and what a change there is in your life. This forum is so supportive, and there are laughs to be had as well, so please do keep in touch with us here :).

A couple of months ago I could barely run for 30 seconds. Today I ran for 25 minutes nonstop. We can all do it

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done for grasping the nettle and getting your running shoes on - you won't regret it!

Slow is the way to go!

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Well done for starting. The journey just gets better and you will amaze yourself with what you can achieve. You've got the first important thing sorted - run slow & then slower still - now you just need to sort the enjoying bit out which will creep up on you surprisingly quickly Keep getting out of the door. Happy running

[melly4012 Graduate]

Yay, well done you!! You CAN do this, so many of us here started out like you and if we did it then you can too! Remember to go slow, stretch, rest days and before long you'll be completely addicted!