Just Starting Out!

[Shan93]

Hi everyone!

So I've never been a runner, and because of one thing or another, uni and working, then full time work, time (and motivation) for exercise has been non-existent!

I've never really been one for posting to forums and things, but when I was initially considering following this plan and researching it, I found that all of the blogs and forums and things got me really excited! This seems like such a lovely community full of people who are there to motivate and inspire each other and one that I would love to be a part of

It's been recently when I've started to look at myself and think that i'm not happy with what I'm looking at that, and the shame I feel about how out of breath that I get running for the train, that I've noticed I need to make a change and I stumbled across this programme. I completed Week 1 Run 2 last night and so far so good. My calves were burning a fair bit after the first run, and when I went out last night, it was with the intention that if I couldn't manage it, fair enough, and I'd try again another night. As it turns out I'm more stubborn that I originally gave myself credit for, because after the warmup (which was burny), I was able to just forget about it and before I knew it, it was time to cool down! I really hope that I'm able to finish this plan, and I'm not going to think about and worry about the runs that are coming up. I've already noticed a difference between the first two runs, where I'm becoming more comfortable with the runs (however short they are at this point in the plan). I seem to have found a burst of motivation so far so I'm riding this wave for all that it's worth in the hopes that it becomes habit because I've really enjoyed this so far, and I can see why it gets so addictive!

A bit of a long winded one there, but all in all, I just wanted to say hi

[misswobble Graduate]

Hello there 😊 Folks here are very nice and will support you through every step of the programme. C25k has made runners of us, many of whom had not run previously

Go SLOWLY! You have nine weeks to get through, so break it down run by run, stay slow and you will be fine. Problems start if you try to go too quick

Have fun! I would recommend you have a good read as you glean so much from the various posts.

[Shan93 in reply to misswobble]

Thanks

Yeah, I'm keeping focused on the run I have to do there and then, no use fretting and psyching myself out about what's to come!

It has been hearing about other people's experiences that has given me the courage to get started. I'm just hoping I don't hit a mental block with it!

[Lauracorin]

Welcome! I'm just a week ahead of you.

[Shan93 in reply to Lauracorin]

Thanks! How are you finding it so far?

[Lauracorin in reply to Shan93]

Okay. I do a fair bit of walking, so I'm not getting too many muscle aches. I'm just recovering from a back injury, so I'm just glad that I'm not getting a recurrence of that. I'm running very, very slowly. If I ran slower, I'd be walking. That's fine, I reckon - plenty of time to pick up speed after I can run 30 minutes.

[Shan93 in reply to Lauracorin]

That's good that it's not aggravating your injury! Yeah, I'm not being too hard on myself about speed either just now, I'm wanting to build up an endurance and can worry about speed later!

Good luck with your journey onwards!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Hello, welcome and well done for starting this life changing programme. Follow misswobble 's advice and keep posting for support and to let us know how you're getting on.

Repeat runs if you have to and don't worry if it takes you longer than 9 weeks. Enjoy!

[Shan93 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you

I will do!

Yeah, I don't want to give myself unrealistic expectations, so I'm not going to be precious about it if I need to repeat some days

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Hello, welcome and well done!! This is a fantastic programme and you will reap loads of benefits

[Shan93 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you!

I've read a lot about how it's helped other people, and I love the idea that anyone can be a runner - I think that's part of what has held me back in the past, the thought that you need to have a certain body shape, or be at a certain level of fitness, but everyone needs to start somewhere and I think this is a good place for me!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Shan93]

Yes, those notions are really unhelpful. There might be common body types amongst the elites but we'd never tell someone not to go for a swim because they are not built like a swimmer, or a bike ride, or a walk... and yet people do say it about running (one of my son's PE teachers about my son when I mentioned C25K)

[Shan93 in reply to GoogleMe]

It's a psychological thing for me as well though, I probably put myself down more than anybody else is likely to do! So with more of a positive outlook, I'm ready to change in a positive way

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Shan, well done for starting a plan that really works. We have all been where you are... just starting out....so we know and understand how it feels.😆

Just take the running sections nice and slow and steady. Every time you go out you will be improving and building up your stamina. The plan can take longer than the 9 'weeks' if you need to repeat any runs, your journey, your pace.

Good luck and keep posting😊x

[Shan93 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you

Yeah, I saw someone say that at the start, "If you could be running slower, you should be!" and I see the point there, especially as I'm trying to build up a bit of endurance just now, so I'm prepared that if I need to just take it slow or repeat some runs then that's just what I'll have to do

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hi there... welcome.

This isn't like other forums, it is full of friendly people all on the same journey, but at different stages

As misswobble says.. slow and steady does it.. the aim is to take the nine weeks, or however long you need to enjoy the whole running journey. It is about so much more than the run..

Keep posting and read other posts for advice and tips .. we will support and encourage you...make sure you take your rest days too.. so important !

[Shan93 in reply to Oldfloss]

Yeah, I've noticed that! It seems like such a supportive group of people and that really appeals to me!

Yeah, I'll keep that in mind, I don't want to get dejected and end up giving up, so I'll take it at my own pace

Thanks for the support already!

[Pace1234]

HI! I am new to these forums and I hope you don't mind me practising my first post on your thread I just completed week 3 run 2 this evening so not too much ahead.

[Shan93 in reply to Pace1234]

Of course not! We're newbies to this together ooh how are you getting on?

[Pace1234 in reply to Shan93]

I am finding that the time it takes to catch my breath is getting shorter. I try not to think too hard and just do it. I now understand that Nike motto. I really did not feel like going out last night but I went robot-mode and went out anyway. Feels great to have regular little successes along the way!

[Shan93 in reply to Pace1234]

I was the same yesterday, it was pouring with rain, but needed to finish week 1 and went out anyway! I never thought I would be one of those people you see out running in the rain, but I found that after a wee while I didn't even notice it!

[Pace1234 in reply to Shan93]

I kinda love running in the rain. It's refreshing and makes me feel really tough.

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Welcome aboard! Lovely to have you among us.

[Shan93 in reply to AnneDroid]

Thank you! I'm excited to see where this can take me!

[NeverSayNoToJeffing Graduate]

Welcome aboard. We're here with you and you seem to have a strong mental attitude which will help. It is entirely possible to convince yourself you can't do it, when you actually can. Be kind to yourself, follow the programme and it, and we, will look after you. 🐢👣🏃🏿

[RunningGeek Graduate]

Welcome. You've done the hardest part by starting. The addiction can kick in quite quickly 😁 This forum is fab for support, advice and a kick up the bum if necessary 😁 Remember if it seems hard slow down then slow down some more. Happy running 🏃🏃👟👟