I'm completely new to this running lark. But at age 42, in the middle of divorce (my fault), struggling with depression and constantly tired due to quite a punishing work schedule and commute, I had to do something, and I felt that getting healthier and fitter was something I should be doing, for my sake, and for the sake of my kids.
So - having done little excercise for the past 5 years, and virtually none at all for the past year, I've so far completed the first 2 runs of week 1. The feeling of completing the first run was a combination of elation and exhaustion. I'd only run 8 minutes in total, and that in easy stages, so I think I got a bit of a shock as to just how unfit I am, but I'd done it, taken the first step.
Run 2 was actually much easier, even with this only being the second run, I felt much more in control, able to push through and handle it with relative ease, though still pretty out of breath.
Run 3 is supposedly today when I get back from work, just hope it stops raining
Not much more to add here, other than thanks to everyone who has posted their progress here, particularly the week 1 people, it's nice to know I'm not the only one!
And to any people here who haven't done their first run yet, go for it. What have you got to lose? If I can do week 1 then you definitely can.
Thank you! Yes, I'm not aiming for being an olympic sprinter or even a serious runner, I simply want to get fitter, because I know I'll feel better for it, and it will help my mental state too. Thanks for the encouragement.
I run along the Macclesfield canal between High Lane and Marple, so the scenery is lovely at least, and it's flat which I'm very grateful for.
Hi Neil, I would think it takes a huge amount of courage to make a lifestyle change whilst going the trauma of divorce. Trying to manage the emotions and expectations of your children and everyone else. Well done to you for embarking on this. Don't overthink the running, either the physical tiredness in the moment or any expectations after the run. Just keep it up, don't stop, don't quit and the feelings of achievement, pride and self worth will come to you. Share every run you do as a testament to your progress and you will find the momentum will be less of an effort. Good luck with the running and best of luck with your current situation...
Thanks, it's good to know that other people have been there, and your comment on the achievement, pride and self worth is real encouragement. And yes, I will try to keep sharing on here, for a start it's a record of my progress I can't ignore, and also in a funny sort of way it makes me accountable too.
Thanks so much for your encouragement!
Neil
I'm on week one too did my first run yesterday, It really does make you realise how unfit you are 🙄 I couldn't breath & my run wasn't much faster than my walk, can't wait to see the transformation over the next few weeks, have fun & happy running x
in reply to
Hi!
Yes, I know how you feel!!
if you're anything like me, run 2 will be easier than run 1, partly because you know what to expect I suppose. I'm not bothered about speed at all distance, I worked out I'd done about 1.5k in total in each of my two sessions so far, but I'm just happy to have managed half an hour without dropping dead!
I wish you all the best with your running too, I'll watch out for your updates.
Thank you! Yes well it will be a bit of an uphill task for me, even though I'm running on the flat(!) but trust me, the encouragement so far on this one post has been fantastic! It's raining cats, dogs and various other animals here at the moment, just hoping it clears up for when I get back from work, so I can tackle W1R3
I'm about to start week 5 so I remember week 1 very well, so far the hardest week in my opinion, actually starting the first run.
I'm 45, coming to the bottom end of 22 stone (from 24 stone 10) and apart from a few previous attempts at getting fit, I haven't really done much exercise since school and I hated games/PE then too! I'm quite a contradiction, I'm a fat man that like to (now) jog on a treadmill.
As your fitness, stamina and belief starts to build you'll move through the weeks, if you have a bad run, treat it as a practice and try it again.
Don't make the mistake I did though, I thought I should maintain the pace that I started on week 1 run 1 but as the time increases you may need to slow down a little to finish the longer sessions. Pace will come, follow the program, this forum is exceptionally good and very supportive and will be a help to you, it is to me.
Good luck, post up your progress and happy running.
It's taken me a while to get to the point where I feel emotionally strong enough, but so far 3 runs in (yes I managed another today), I feel better already. Thanks so much for your support
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