Thinking about getting started

[AHS23]

Am a mum of 2 and work full-time. I want to be more active. Thinking about running first thing in the morning. Anyone have any tips for getting started?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Just get your shoes on and get out there

Seriously... welcome to one of the best things ever. Many of us are morning runners... I am usually out before 7... retired now, but have had a family and job as a teacher, and all that goes with it so I know the difficulties!

Trick for me and many, is organisation. I lay my stuff out the night before, ( leggings and top on the radiator, these chilly mornings :)) I have my route planned...and I get up in time to warm up and have a cuppa and two digestive biscuits before I head out

We all have our own little routines...then, when all is set, and you feel everything is ready for your day ahead anyway, you just go.

Follow the programme carefully. it is so structured, to get you to running for 30 minutes, comfortably and safely after nine weeks..if it takes you longer, no worries. The idea is stamina, not distance. The title of the programme misleads a bit Many graduates never make 5K and really don't want to..it is about running

Take your rest days, they are essential.. the IC is not a good place to be... listen to your body and don't be tempted to push too hard. It is your journey and should be fun!

The benefits... well, too many to list. Healthier, fitter, leaner and more supple. Some folk lose weight with it, some don't... mentally and physically you will feel amazing!

The running for me is about all the physical bits, but also a way to just take everything in, celebrate the world and the seasons, clear any thoughts and just enjoy the whole experience. Then, I bore my chums on here with my rambles!

Plus.. you get to be part of this wonderful family! You will get support, friendship, tips advice and the odd push if necessary. Share your runs in posts, your successes and setbacks..we will be here with you, the whole way.

There, you are...nothing to think about.. start this!

"Today can be the start of anything you want it to be "

PS

I love quotations

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Just do it! Getting started is the hardest part. Laying kit out the night before means it is shouting at you when you get up. Once you have started it won't be long before the addiction kicks in which helps enormously 😁 Good luck. You can do it 🏃👟🏃👟

[AHS23 Graduate]

Thanks Running Geek and Old Floss. Will definitely put clothes out the night before and have already started thinking of a route - a flat one! Turn left out if my door and it's very up and down!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AHS23]

Tee hee... you will find ups.. and downs in places you never knew! We do, honestly. learn to embrace the hills and the weather !

Flat is good though, if you can find it ! I swear, the lanes and fields used to rise up, when they saw me coming! I wrote a post, once called, 'Anyone got a very big iron?'

You go for it and good luck!

[loisamelia Graduate]

I agree with Oldfloss and RunningGeek that prep is the key. I work full time and have 3 kids to get up and ready and the only time I have to run is first thing in the morning. I try and get out on the road at around 6am (if its not too frosty underfoot!) so I can get my half hour run in before the school run. I lay out all my things the night before and have got quite used to getting dressed in the dark so I don't wake the whole house! Route planning is a very good idea. There are lots of sites you can use, I like plotaroute.

Most of all just get out there and enjoy it Good luck with the programme, it's fab!

[Paul46-ipswich Graduate]

Great news, the first step has been taken by telling us about it. Just do it and follow the plan, no more, no less.

You won't believe how quickly you progress although sometimes it can feel that you aren't, but you just look back at where you were last week and wow!

[Donkeywhistler Graduate]

Nothing to add to the advice given but would reiterate the need to follow the programme. Don't do too much otherwise you can hurt and get disillusioned. Take it slow and be kind to yourself. Be confident about adapting the programme if you need to. The early weeks are hard but once you get to about 5/6 your body is getting used to it and things change.

Welcome - we'll be with you every step of the way😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

The others have said it all but I just wanted to wish you well on what can be an amazing journey! There will be days when you don't want to run - but just get out there anyway. It is hugely addictive, and as I also like quotes, just remember "You are capable of far more than you think." Good luck and remember to let us know how you get on.☺

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Download app or podcasts. Make sure player is charged. Put shoes on. Open front door. Switch on Laura. Follow instructions. Feel smug and pink.

Welcome to the rest of your healthy life!

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I'd say just do it.... you are in good company here. Download the podcasts NOW!!!

[McFitty Graduate]

What can be added to all the incredible advice above? Just another "welcome" to this mad, wonderful family, who will be with you every step of the way? Enjoy

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Welcome, and as the others say, you just have to step outside that front door and go. I promise you, you won't regret it!

[AHS23 Graduate]

Thanks for all the encouragement yesterday - it really helped. Session one completed. It was dark and foggy but not icy thankfully. Got home before anyone else woke up!

I got a bit confused because Sarah said I'd done well, run for a total of 8 minutes and should do 2 more sessions in week one. So I finished. When I looked at my phone it said I was only 70% through even though I'd been out for half an hour.