Taking the plunge

[TigerJim]

I used to be fit. I used to run 5k once a week. I used to go mountain biking regularly. But in the last 5 years I've let things slip. I could throw up a long list of excuses: divorce; stress at work; anxiety & depression. So today I've downloaded the App, bought a new pair of running shoes and placed a bet with my 12 yr old daughter to lose 7 kilos by Christmas. About to take the plunge with my first 'run', which I'm gonna do along Brighton promenade! Here goes!

[Minnielala]

Go for it! And post regularly this forum is the best, lots of advice, support and motivation.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Give it a go.

What has happened cannot be changed - it would be like reading the same book over and over and expecting that if you just want it hard enough or wish hard enough the last page will end differently.

I had several of those books and 'read' them constantly. But when I started running, almost imperceptibly but steadily I threw those 'books' away.

If you don't believe ANYTHING else, I promise you on my honour that this at least is true - being a Runner changes EVERYTHING. Impossible to put into words what I mean but everyone already here knows what I mean.

Worst and most dangerous thing in life is not divorce, homelessness, loss fo a loved one, fatal illness, debilitating injury etc....it's feeling 'stuck' and 'I will never get out of this and even if I do I will fall back down into it'.

This programme will take you on paths you have never been on before - and good ones too.

Wishing you every good fortune and many happy miles in your future. Just take the programme slow and steady and at your own pace. Stick around here and run with us also - we may run on our own but us lot never run alone

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Great support as ever, John...

[Hidden in reply to Irish-John]

Again such wise and great words irishjohn😄😄x

[reluctantrunner76 Graduate]

Good luck-Why does it always seem so hard to get fit but then so easy to loose it. Enjoy your run!!!

[Hidden]

Welcome to the best running club in the world and Irish-John is one of the nicest wisest folk on here. Oldfloss and IannodaTruffe are our mentors, so there's three sets of expertise you can call on, as well as the rest of us. Whether it's to scream, cry, laugh or shout, we are here and want to hear what you get up to. Slow and steady gets you there, don't get hung up on stats. And just before you leave the house for your first run kick that sofa good and hard...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great first run location.... Hi and welcome to this brilliant forum family.

Encouragement and support, empathy, sympathy, motivation and the odd gentle shove if needed! It is all here for you...

Great for so many reasons, and the mental and physical benefits, are amazing. Follow the programme... take your rest days... fit in other non-impact exercise on the rest days too if possible...listen to your body...( it may well protest) and take it.... steadily and slowly.

Post your successes and any setbacks you may have... and most of all enjoy!!!

[Maggie700]

Good luck . I was in the same boat , used to be fitter and did run years ago . I have found the programme really good , hope it goes well and you win your bet

[Wizziewood]

Go TigerJim Go! ... we're all behind you.

[Pheidi4 Graduate]

Go for it! So many of us can say - yep, all of the above. This running lark has set me free.

Good luck!

[Catherine2255 Graduate]

Go Tiger Jim! You can do it!