Welcome to those joining us in the new year.....

[runswithdogs]

I've been around this forum for a couple of years now and I know that every January we get an influx of new C25kers. Welcome to you all, and congratulations on starting a new journey. If you keep with the program, you will be amazed at how much you can change in nine weeks, not only in terms of fitness, but in your mental outlook and self confidence. The forum is great for support - we all started where you are. Huffing, puffing, scared, uncertain...... We have young, old, fat and thin people here. People running with physical health obstacles, mental health conditions, chronic health problems. We are all around the world. You have come to a special place. We're here for advice, support, a kick up the backside when you need it. And the people online here can become very real friends. Welcome and congratulations on making that first step. Getting out that door for run 1 is the toughest part of the program, and I KNOW you all can do it.

Happy new year and happy running folks.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Lovely post... I agree with it all.. welcome any one starting out on this amazing journey

[McFitty Graduate]

All of it. In a nutshell. Lovely post...

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Spot on rwd! Really well put A perfect post 👌🏼

[poppypug Graduate]

Brilliant post runswithdogs . Yes , Welcome aboard all new recruits and Good Luck , you can do this xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I can only echo RWD and say welcome, you won't regret starting!

[aliboo70]

Happy New Year ! and very well said RWD! yes this is the best place to be for support and friendship

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Hear hear! Great post - thank you runswithdogs☺

[SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow Graduate]

Thanks for the welcome for those of us new to c25k. Have downloaded the app and am looking forward to getting back into running with a steady buildup rather than my usual all-or-nothing wear-myself-out approach.

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow]

I tried the all out running a few times over the years and never got anywhere. It felt deflating. I'll be keen to hear about your journey - this program worked wonders for me.

[SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Thanks RWD and everyone else - what a supportive lot you all are!! Did W1D1 yesterday and it went really well. Resisting the urge to to D2 today so will do some ab conditioning instead. Putting on my running tights yesterday there was no hiding place for the spare tyre round my non existent waist.

[runswithdogs Graduate in reply to SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow]

Ab conditioning - good for you. I need to do the same. I have no 'core' strength. If only there was a podcast for that.

Great to hear the first session went well.

[SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow Graduate in reply to runswithdogs]

Hi plank lo plank is good for core - less boring than static plank but harder on the elbows!

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate in reply to SlowSlowKwikKwikSlow]

I also tried the all out, wear yourself out running a few times in the past, but - surprise, surprise - it was never sustainable. C25k got me running this year, and you know what? I now run 3-4 times a week, about 20k a week, at a pace I never achieved in the past and it's part of my life. I haven't had a cold since I graduated in March and it feels very good. I can only echo everything said above!

[Elissy in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Hi Jay, what an achievement !!!

I'm back trying again. Week 4 at the moment, would love to get to the end this time - will see 🙂

[loisamelia Graduate]

Well said runswithdogs I completely agree And good luck to all starting out on this wonderful journey. You can do it!! #thisgirlcan and did...and still does!

[MotherGoose Graduate]

What a great post! Just what I needed to read today! I've started the programme again today after lapsing last year. I'm going to keep logging onto the site, it is really supportive and great to see everyone's individual progress.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

Great post rwd ☺ and I'm adding my welcome to all newcomers and everyone returning after a break. The days are getting shorter now and you'll be graduates when spring comes. Imagine how great it will be running with confidence by then. Come on, we know you can do it, get started and surprise yourselves!